Things to Know Before Buying a Massage Chair

Massage chairs have evolved far beyond their humble beginnings as lounge chairs with built in vibrators. The improvements have made the chairs truly wonderful therapeutic devices. The physical and psychological benefits are very real for anyone of almost any age. But as the complexity of massage chairs has increased so also has the need for the consumer to know what they are getting into when they buy one. So if you plan to buy one here are a few things you should know before hand.

Most modern massage chairs have several different types of massage motions and it is recommended that you try to get one that has the following three massage techniques. The first type of massage is commonly called Shiatsu. This is a massage method that kneads your back muscles horizontally from side to side on either side of your backbone. Real Shiatsu is much more complicated than this but that is the basic idea. There are also several different types of Shiatsu massage so make sure you understand as much as you can about what the Shiatsu mechanism in the chair is doing to your back. The second type of motion is a gentle thumping or tapping up and down your back like little chops or a shower massage. The third motion is a roller motion up and down on either side of your spine. This lengthens and relaxes the spine and back muscles. Most chairs combine these motions into automatic programs. Some automatic programs vary the intensity of the massage and others vary the type of massage so understand the differences between the different programs as best you can.

Many of the best massage chairs now offer leg and foot massage. These generally do an excellent job and are highly recommended. Some have arm massage mechanisms but these have not proven to be as effective as the back, leg and foot massage. Most massage chairs recline to improve the massage. If you can get one that reclines a full 180 degrees you maximize your weight on the massage mechanism and enhance the benefits of the massage.

You may think that the best massage chairs are made with leather but they are actually made of vinyl and other synthetic materials. Many of the top massage chairs have build in heaters and leather simply will dry out and crack if subjected to a lot of temperature changes. In the same manner leather will not stand up to the constant motion of the back rollers. The synthetic material used in a good quality massage chair is designed to handle the constant motion of massage whereas leather would crack and deteriorate. Some companies will promote the leather in their massage chairs as a sales gimmick but the truth is you are better off with a good quality synthetic or vinyl chair.

You will want to make sure you understand the warranty policy on the chair. Modern massage chairs have lots of motors, controls and electronics in them so if your chair breaks for some reason you want to know before you buy it how it will get repaired. Most massage chairs will never break but if the main massage motors stop working after one week you don't want to have to put the chair in a shipping container and pay to send it half way around the world to get it repaired. Ideally it would be nice if someone locally came to your house to fix it if needed but the idea is to know before you buy what you are getting into as far as warranty and repairs are concerned.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Massage Chair

Overusing a Massage Chair

Many people will sit in a comfortable chair for several hours at a time to read a book, watch television or simply to relax. However, if you are sitting in a massage chair for this length of time it is very important that you not have the massage on that length of time. Almost all of the back and massage chair experts say that you should not use the massage programs in a massage chair for more than 15 minutes at a time and after you use the massage they say it is best to get up, move around, even go for a short walk to fully enjoy the benefits of the massage chair.

Massage chairs have crossed over the border from being just simple vibrating chairs to become full fledged therapeutic medical devices. Properly used they provide a very deep back massage that, if over used, can bruise, inflame and damage muscle and other body tissue. To put it simply, too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing in this case.

Most massage chairs have build in timers for the massage programs to prevent this kind of overuse. Make sure the chair you purchase has a timer or that you use some external timer to prevent running the massage for too long. Simply watching the clock may not be the best idea. Massage chairs are designed to be comfortable in addition to providing health benefits so it would not be uncommon to fall asleep in one with the massage turned on. A simple alarm clock nearby may be all that you need to remind you to turn the massage off but a built in timer to automatically turn the massage off is the best option.

This does not mean that you cannot sit in a massage chair for extended periods of time with the massage turned off. 20 or 30 years ago massage chairs were cushy novelty items that often were not correctly designed to provide healthy back support. The modern massage chair, however, in almost all cases is anatomically correct for good back health. Most conventional chairs in the world today do not provide support for all 3 curves in the back; lumbar for lower back, thoracic for middle back and cervical for upper back. Massage chairs, however, generally provide support for all areas of the human back. So not only is a massage chair great for massage but they are usually also the best posture chairs in households so feel free to use them for watching television, reading and almost all general purpose seating.

If you have back pain or back problems make sure you consult with your doctor or chiropractor before purchasing and using a massage chair. There are several different types of massage available in massage chairs; Shiatsu, Swedish massage and variations or a combination of the two and most chairs allow you to vary the intensity of the massage as well. Your doctor may recommend a certain brand or type of massage chair. So by all means, enjoy your massage chair to the fullest and sit in it whenever you want and for as long as you want but don't use the massage programs for more than 15 minutes at a time.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Massage Chair

Portable Massage Chairs

There is nothing quite like a professional massage to relax and invigorate both tired muscles and strained work environments. Aside from the cost, the toughest part of getting a professional massage is driving to the massage therapist and back again. Sometimes this can mean hours in heavy traffic which tends to defeat the purpose of the massage in the first place. Portable massage chairs, however, are changing all of that. Massage therapists can now take their show on the road. With a portable massage chair they can setup shop almost anywhere. Shopping malls, grocery stores, the beach and just about any place where people gather are starting to become prime locations for massage therapists. Even forward looking corporations are getting into the act. They will hire massage therapists to come to their corporate offices, bring a portable massage chair with them and give employees massages right there in house.

Of course, portable massage chairs are not to be confused with conventional massage chairs. The picture in most people's minds when they think of a massage chair is of a home lounge chair with build in electric motors, controls and a back massage capability while you sit in it. A portable massage chair is totally different. It is a portable device used by a professional massage therapist so the therapist can give clients massages. It does not have any motors or vibrators or anything like that it simply provides a mobile platform for the massage therapist to do his or her job. The massage table that massage therapists will use at their own facility is large, heavy and definitely not portable. A portable massage chair allows the therapist to cover many of the same body areas as a full massage table without the heavy baggage.

A portable massage chair doesn't even look like a chair. It looks more like exercise equipment or a stationary bike than a chair. It has a relatively small seat to sit on but the rest of the parts bear no resemblance to a conventional chair. When you sit in it the rest of the chair will be in front of you instead of behind you. You lean forward and support your upper body on a chest cushion and a padded ring to support your face and head. There are kneepads below and on either side of the seat to support your lower body. To complete the support of your body there will be a cushion just ahead of the chest cushion for your arms and hands. All of these pads and cushions are held together by a metal structure, usually aluminum, to keep the chair light in weight. Most portable massage chairs are highly adjustable so the massage therapist can adjust it for different ages and sizes of clients. Of course, all portable massage chairs fold up so you can either carry them or put them in a travel case with wheels. Most of them weigh no more than 6 to 7 kilograms so carrying one is rarely a problem.

So if you are interested in getting a professional massage check around your neighborhood. There might be a massage therapist who regularly visits a shopping mall near you.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Massage Chair

Tips On Purchasing Massage Office Chairs

In an effort to increase worker productivity and satisfaction, the importance of a comfortable work environment has become essential. Because workers and employees spend so much time sitting at their desk at work, there is an increased interest in bringing the benefits of the massage to the workplace to help reduce work-related injuries and work fatigue. Office massage chairs have become popular, and combine both relaxation and rejuvenation for the employee. If you decide to purchase a massage model office chair for your office or business, here are some important features to consider.

Office massage chairs start with a typical office chair design, usually with a straight back and armrests. The massage chair model will be covered in a leather or a leather-like fabric. Leather helps cover all of the message controls more effectively than other types of popular office chair designs, such as mesh, or wood. Also, the chair should include the adjustability tools like Tilt, tension, swivel and lift height adjustments. As with any office chair, the material should be of good quality and be comfortable, in addition to having a number of adjustments that can be made manually, without the massage function.

Several other components make-up the massage portion of the chair, and need to be inspected carefully before purchasing. The main parts are the Massage chair motors, this is the power behind the rollers, which move the rollers to the right areas, along with creating any necessary seat adjustments. The motors should be powerful, but not overwhelmingly loud. You may want to inquire about any special coverage for the motors under the warranty, as they power the whole massage portion of the chair, and if they break, the chair will lose its massage function.

The next major part of the chair are the actual rollers and nodes, which apply the message to the individual, and are usually are modeled after hands and fingers, simulating a manual massage. Office massage chairs may have primarily large rollers, which give a more general massage, or the may also the ability to target specific areas to provide a pressure point massage. This is where it is a great idea to test before you buy. The rollers should apply plenty of pressure, but also the ability to reach different areas of the back, as well. Of course, it is essential that the massage portion feels beneficial.

Probably the most important chair feature are the controls, and the control pad. This will allow you to adjust both the chair and the type of massage given. The control pad should give you a variety of options for both adjusting the type and area of the message, along with the chair itself, in order to provide the most optimum massage.

Massage has many well-documented benefits, which when brought into the workplace, will increase productivity and satisfaction. There are numerous benefits to massage, and those benefits can easily make the workplace more enjoyable, and the worker more productive.

Amy Wells reports on the latest trends in work-related health and productivity issues. Receive insider tips and information on shopping for office chairs at: http://www.officechairwares.yourtechtool.com

Looking For A Massage Chair in Colorado

Who would not want own a massage recliner? These can be one of the most inviting things to come home to. They can have many benefits and advantages. You would be able to just come home kick off your shoes flip a switch and work those troubles away while you sit. To just sit and relax and slowly have the troubles of your day worked away through your massage chair. What a wonderful feeling. However it is not necessarily that easy. Many times these chairs are very pricey and they do not fulfill the potential that you believe them to have. There is a huge difference between having someone?s hands working themselves over your back and body and sitting in a chair that vibrates. Yes you will receive some benefit from using a massage recliner there is no doubt, but does it really stand up to the benefits that are attached to having a full blown massage not usually.

However something is better than nothing and who is going to complain about having a massage recliner at their disposal. There are alternatives to buying the whole chair however. You can always go and purchase and electronic massage mat. This little piece of equipment does not carry the price tag of a recliner; however it carries many of the benefits of one. Many times the only thing that you need to do with the mat is place it on the chair or couch and use its settings and adjustments to massage your areas of need. Many of these have controls that will allow you to have varying speeds and areas of the bodies to be worked on. It may even contain a heater to both soothe and massage your aching body. Many of these benefits are available in a massage chair as well and can be used to focus in one area or another as well. Your chair can be a blessing to you if you look forward to using it everyday and feel the true benefits that it can provide for you when you are using it. However your chair is not going to give you the attention and personal interaction that you would receive from a real massage.

When looking to get a massage recliner one should do some comparison shopping. Many of the recliners will carry the same features with large variances in the price. Look into reading evaluations on the various products that you are considering to purchase. Think about where you will put it in your house. Look at what the different specialties are as opposed to the bare minimum models and see which is going to offer the best value for your buck. Think about your needs and how much stress and strain that you have that will need attention on a daily basis to help you to determine the needs that you have in your massage recliner. Just remember to research and investigate to determine which the best product is for you and for the long run.

Chris Powell has worked for many years as a massage therapist, and has written amazing articles on massages that will educate you about what you absolutely need to know about giving a perfect massage.

You can read more of Chris?s articles about massages at http://www.mood-indigo.net

Your Personal Massage Chair

A long day of sitting at the computer for 10 hours has your body tense and miserable. You can feel every single muscle in your back and shoulders. They are aching and tense, and no amount of hot water shooting out of the shower head will help relieve the tension. No matter what position you try, whether sitting or standing that also does not help. You just hurt and can not get comfortable no matter what you try. So, how can you make your muscles relax and the pains go away?

You have heard and read about the new personal massage chairs that people in the office have bought and you thought it was a silly idea, but now you are not so sure. At lunch you head out to the local mall and make a stop to see what these chairs are all about. The salesperson is helpful-of course, because they want to make a sale and get a commission. They begin by telling you about some of the fantastic features of the chair and offer you an opportunity to sit down and relax as they demonstrate each of them for you.

Each massage chair is a little different in style and more features depending upon the cost. Some of the features being demonstrated include several massage functions. Features may include a footrest that gently grips your calves so that your body will be arched and stretched into a relaxing position, a neck massage, adjusts for your personal height, a foot massager, and the relaxing back massage from your shoulders down to below your buttocks.

The massage chair is usually about the size of a normal recliner and will fit into most rooms. Their upholstery can be leather, vinyl or cloth. It does require electric to operate and usually has a batter backup-just in case the power goes out when you are in the ?up? position. They all carry warranties, but these vary by manufacturer and you should check into this closely.

So, what are you waiting for? You have heard all of the information, talked to everyone that owns a massage chair, and have had several demonstrated for you. All you need to do is to make the decision about which particular chair you want. If you are still debating on which one to purchase, go back and have another demonstration provided by the salesperson. Take your time and make sure that you get exactly the features you want.

Think it is too expensive? Well, anything worth having will cost money. But, you are worth it. You only have one body and life is too short to not enjoy the luxury and comfort of a massage chair. What is it worth to you to be able to come home every day from work and to be able to lie back in your massage chair and to have every part of your body tenderly massaged for as long as you want? The answer is 'priceless.'

http://www.AboutMassages.com brings you the latest on massage. Massages are gaining in popularity, and we want to bring you up to date information! Be sure to check out our latest information page on massage chair.

Review Of The Panasonic Ep3222 Real Pro Elite Massage Chair Lounger

The Panasonic EP3222 Real Pro Elite massage recliner is the first massage chair to earn the endorsement of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). It also is the first chair to use Body Scanning Technology.

When you sit down in this chair and turn on the Body Scan Technology, it tailors the massage for your personalized body shape and weight. It detects areas of tension and stress to help maximize relief and relaxation. Once the session has begun, however, you cannot then change the shoulder height if it is uncomfortable for your tolerance?but you can select to adjust such features in a pre-set program.

This chair uses a full body air pressure system, with 33 durable air bags concurrently working together by inflating and deflating in specific patterns and varying speeds to make your tension and stress disappear within moments. With the air pressure system taking care of your back, shoulders, hips, thighs and seat, calves, and feet, that is a total of 614 square inches of all over relaxation therapy. When you sit in the 3222, you really feel like you are a part of the chair.

Though this chair will recline to deeply melt away the stress and pain of your daily regimen, due to the nature of the air pressure, the air massage does not adequately ?stretch? or traction the back. That will be most effective from the dual roller heads also designed into this chair, to manually move the back thus creating space back in between the discs. So this chair has been designed with both the Air Pressure System for the main feature, along with duel or quad rollers working the tense areas of your back, neck and shoulders, so as to accommodate those with sensitive to the touch issues and chronic pain. And because the air bags inflate and deflate, you can customize the intensity of the massage being delivered to you.

Many people experience fatigue and tension due to their feet and calves, and therefore feel more relaxed and renewed if their feet and calves have been adequately massaged and stretched as well. The Air Bag system delivers that to the user, contouring around each individual?s body type and arches of the feet, curving, compressing, and kneading away stress.

This calf and foot feature works jointly, so you can?t turn off one and just experience the other. You will have both your calves and feet massaged at the same time, or you can turn off the system to only have your upper body, thighs and seat massaged.

The Real Pro Elite takes out the thinking for you, and makes your sessions easy with 5 pre-set programs to chose from with varying techniques ranging from 4- 14 minute choices and a 5 minute invigorative session.

You can also customize the preferences and body scanning customization by saving your preferences in one of 3 memory programs. With the easy to use remote using an LED screen, and voice guide prompting you and instructing you, you practically just have to sit down to experience relief from whatever type of day you have had.

With genuine leather fabric and quality design of the Panasonic chair, this chair is designed to last for the long haul of taking care of you. Most users experience over 1000 hours of use from their Panasonic massage chairs before ever requiring maintenance- that?s comparable to a 15 minute massage every day for 11 years!

Dr. Alan Weidner graduated summa cum laude from Southern California University of Health Sciences. His website, www.massage- chair-relief.com , offers massage chairs and massage recliners by Panasonic, Sanyo, Omega, and Interactive Health.