Important Features of Massage Chairs

There are many things to think about when looking for a massage chair. Like most things, start with the basics. There are alternative technologies in each area of the massage recliner. You want to find the right features for your long term needs. Do you want power recline? Do you prefer compression type massage vs. mechanical kneading? To help understand some basic options, I have put together a few of the important features to think about.

Chair Back Massage: Massage chairs really started with the back massage. A mechanical roller system is the often used and the most effective. Most roller systems perform both kneading and tapping massages. They may use one motor or two motors. The two motor configuration comes with a tapping motor and a kneading motor. This ensures sufficient strength to provide good penetration.

Reclining the Chair: All massage chair are built to to recline. Reclining the chair allows you to better relax and is another way to strengthen the massage. Your own body weight is used onto the roller mechanism giving you more thorough and deeper penetration. A motor is the most common to recline most massage loungers. However, there is also some piston driven models that are pretty standard. Piston-driven is a manual system. The piston-driven system provides for assist. It will move the chair up when weight is not put on it. Reclining is by use of your body’s weight. A lever is used to control the piston.

Buttocks Massage: The seats in massage chairs have a variety of functions. Sometimes the therapies are delivered from the actual seat cushion and other designs from beneath the seat. The main functions include air compression massage, vibration massage and heating elements. Placement of the air bags is key for the comfort of the massage. You want to be wary of where the air bags under the seat are going to massage so there are no surprises. Some chairs have mechanical massage heads beneath the seat which provide invigorating massage to the buttocks.

Leg Massage: Most massage chairs are full body massage chairs. They can massage from head to toe. Many different technologies have been employed to accommodate the many areas to massage. Leg massage is generally done via a mechanical massagers. It employs a squeezing technique. Another method is using an air compressor and delivering air compression massage. Air bags are specifically designed to squeeze, hold and release the larger muscles of the body.

Leg Rest Movement: The leg rest is an important consideration. One can go with the lower end piston driven which provides an assist. Or you can go with a motorized leg rest. If you can afford it, the motorized is the way to go. That way, you can get to the comfortable position quick and easy. A manual movement makes you use a lever which may require you to lift your legs to find the right position.

Remote Controls: Massage chairs have a lot of functions and integrating them into a clean remote is important. Many remotes have too many buttons or strange sequences of buttons to push to manually operate. Remotes are usually hardwired and have a remote holder on the side of the chair. Some remotes are meant to stay in the holder and others are meant to be moved. Check out the different ones to see what fits your style and ease of use.

Design of Chair: In addition to invigorating massage therapy, find a massage chair that will look good in your house. There are some beautifully designed massage chairs. It pays to look around. There are some nice chairs with real top grain leather. Others have some amazing faux-leather that is highly wear resistant and easy to clean and maintain. There are chair integrating wood accents and some other stunning items.

Massage chairs have come a long way from the first vibration massage chair. You can find full body massage, MP3 players, stretching systems and heating elements. All of these are integral to providing a soothing and relaxing environment. A massage chair is a place to get in touch with your body and have some recovery time. A few minutes here and there can be quite a blessing.