A massage chair can help relieve pain in targeted areas while also helping to improve mood. While a chair won’t cure your back pain or sciatica, it can certainly alleviate stress.
The key features to look for include: massage airbags, lumbar heat and rollers in the calf area. Be sure to take measurements of your space to ensure a good fit.
1. Comfort
A good massage chair should be comfortable and fit your body well. Look for arms that are at a natural height for you (or can be adjusted), a reclining function that extends the back and raises your legs, and a base that can support your weight without straining or pushing your spine.
Depending on the model you choose, you can also expect to find airbags that inflate with air to provide a compression style massage. These are useful for addressing areas of the body that the main roller system can’t reach, such as your calf muscles and feet.
Some massage chairs use body scanning technology to detect the contours of your back and adjust the intensity and pressure of the massage. This can be a great benefit to those with chronic pain, as it can help keep the massage focused on areas that need it most. In addition to a variety of massage modes, this chair offers kneading, tapping, rapid percussion and shiatsu, which can be helpful for working out muscle kinks. It also features a zero gravity recline to relieve stress and fatigue in the legs, and an in-built controller so you can control the chair without moving from your spot in it.
2. Controls
The best massage chairs have a variety of auto modes that let you take some of the guesswork out of choosing a massage style and intensity. They also offer manual options to give you full control over the process.
Some of the best massage chairs have a roller system that lets you decide how deep you want to go into your back. 2D rollers move up and down the length of your back, while 3D and 4D rollers will not only roll, but they will also protrude out to treat larger muscle groups.
Look for a user-friendly controller panel or remote that makes it easy to navigate the chair’s many features and find your favorite settings. You may also wish to consider a chair that offers chromotherapy, which uses different colors to manipulate the body and mind in a range of ways.
Finally, you may also want a zero gravity recline and a chair that can treat your feet and calf muscles. A chair like this from Luraco takes a body scan before the massage to “get to know you” and tailor its airbags, rollers and massage arms to your unique shape.
3. Size
A massage chair is a great addition to any home. However, it is important to choose one that will fit your body type and space. The chair should be comfortable enough for extended periods of time, and it should be easy to get in and out of.
Ideally, your massage chair will be able to recline and fit a wide range of heights, from petite to tall. It should also have a footrest that extends to accommodate a range of leg lengths. The ideal size of a massage chair is one that is small enough to easily fit into a corner and large enough to provide full-body coverage for the back, neck, arms, legs, and buttocks.
Before you purchase a massage chair, measure the distance from the floor to the shortest wall in your room. It is best to allow two feet of wiggle room to ensure that you can comfortably sit in the chair for an extended period of time. In addition, be sure to take into account doorways and other furniture placements.
4. Technology
In addition to the main rollers, some massage chairs feature airbags that inflate for a compression-style massage, which target areas of the body that the main rollers can’t reach. Some also include foot and calf rollers for a full-body experience.
The iRelax Pro Maestro by Osaki uses four rollers that can knead, knock or do shiatsu. It also has six preset modes, and it detects your height and shoulder width for a personalized fit. It also has air cushions that massage the shoulders and arms, and it has an extendable ottoman that doubles as a calf and foot massager.
The Panasonic MAJ7 Real Pro Ultra is another high-tech massage chair with three zero-gravity positions and an expandable ottoman for taller people. It has a lumbar heat function that improves circulation and can soothe achy muscles, plus chromotherapy to manipulate the mind-body connection. It also has a built-in speaker and Bluetooth for audio playback. It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth the extra investment for a home spa that you can use whenever you want.
5. Warranty
Most massage chair companies offer a warranty on their products. The length of the warranty varies by manufacturer but typically covers parts and labor for a few years. Some companies also offer extended warranties for an additional cost.
One of the most important features of a good massaging chair is its ability to provide a complete body massage. Look for a chair that has a wide selection of choreographed programs that include techniques like kneading, tapping, shiatsu, and rolling.
Another feature to consider is the presence of calf and foot rollers. These rollers inflate with air to provide a compression-style massage that helps to relieve pressure on the feet and calf muscles. Also, look for a massage chair with an ample number of airbags. These bags inflate with air to provide a massage technique that is different from the main roller system and targets areas of the body that the main rollers cannot reach. These airbags are a great way to add a deeper massage for the back, arms, legs, and feet. This will help to relax tired muscles after a long day at work.
