Back Massage Chairs

The back massage chair is a relatively new component of equipment for massage therapy clinics. However, you can have one of these at home to simulate the effect of having a masseuse work on your back muscles and connective tissues. The aim of the design of this type of chair is to help relieve stress and tension and to bring you relief from back pain. The type of massage that you get from this chair is very similar to both Swedish massage and Shiatsu. For Swedish massage, you get the feeling of the long stroking glides of the hands as well as the kneading of the muscles. The Shiatsu technique gives you the pressing, rotating and rolling motions.

There are three main components of a massage chair for the back to give you these movements. They are:

* Motors - the essential part of the chair. These motors power the nodes and rollers so that they move to all pressure points of the back. You can also use them to adjust the chair to make you feel comfortable. There is a control pad that will help you choose the preset motion you want for a specific treatment. You can choose movements that target your back from the neck to the lower back.
* Nodes and Rollers - these vary is size and shape with the intention of emulating fingers and hands. You can use a chair with larger nodes so that you get a more generalized massage or one with smaller nodes and rollers to pinpoint specific sections of your back muscles. There are programs you can choose so that you get the relief you need.
* Computer assisted adjustments - The chair will automatically adjust according to your weight and height. When you sit in the chair, it will measure your back and adjust the nodes and rollers accordingly.

Of course, this doesn't give you the human touch you may need. A therapist will tell you where the problems lie and give you exercises that will also aid in relieving your discomfort.

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Massage Chairs As A Means To Ease Pain

Many massage chairs built today are technological marvels that incorporate several different types of massage in order to aid relaxation. So, when shopping for a new chair these separate features should each be understood in order to appraise which massage chair will bring you the benefits you desire.

Rolling: Rolling massage relieves tension and loosens muscles to prepare the back for deeper massage. It does so by pressing firmly on one side and then the other, gently traversing up the length of the spine.

Kneading: Kneading massage is a deeper therapy, working and stretching the muscles to enhance circulation. Typically it's performed in a circular motion and replicates the feeling of thumbs or fingers working along both sides of the spine thus easing soreness and working out knots.

Compression: Compression massage alternates strokes that push firmly on muscles along the spine as well as inward towards the spine which helps to increase mobility and flexibility while improving posture.

Percussion: Percussion massage emulates a tapping or chop-chop motion that provides tension-breaking vibrations and invigoration for the muscles. The percussion massage helps to relieve spinal pressure while invigorating the entire back.

HTT: Human Touch Technology, a registered trademark, so closely replicates the 3-dimensional motion of wrist and arm movements of a trained massage therapist that it is recommended by the American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists.

Reflexology: Stress relief via foot massage, reflexology uses thumb-like pressure that is often delivered via air devices located in the feet of some chairs.

Depending on the type of chair purchased, one, a few, or all of these features will be present. Some combine the massage techniques through personalization that it either manually controlled or automatic. Others have pre-selected massage programs such as shiatsu or Swedish massage.

In terms of dimensions, if you're large you'll need a large chair, but any chair you purchase is likely to be quite a bit heavier than a non-massage enabled recliner. It's best to make sure that delivery and assembly come with whatever purchase you decide to make. Finally, massage chairs are expensive so take the time to decide carefully on what you really want. Ideally you'll have a chair that serves you well for many years, and ultimately saves you quite a bit in visits to a chiropractor or masseuse.

Ted Huffman is a massage therapist based in Encio, California.
Testing done at: http://www.relaxtheback.com/
Massage chairs