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With so many brands and styles of massage chairs, it can be tough to decipher the differences. Let's start with understanding the basics. This guide will walk you through the key facets of your decision making including programs, features, health benefits, and a peek at our top sellers.
Space-saving shrinks the amount of space you need to fully recline a massage chair. The technology is helpful when you don’t have much room around you or want to keep the massage chair closer to a wall.While some chairs only require a few inches to recline, others still need about a foot, so it is highly recommended you purchase a chair with the space-saving feature should you have limited space.
Manufacturers are adding Bluetooth to massage chairs, enabling users to connect with smart devices for audio enjoyment through built-in speakers. Sync Massage feature synchronizes massage with music beats for immersive relaxation. Smartphone apps offer customization and control, compatible with most modern chairs for Android or iPhone users. Simply download the app, pair with the chair, and enjoy personalized relaxation.
This is the most accurate and precise massage tech. It is personalized to your body size and shape. Body scan utilizes sensors and innovative technology to register the accurate shape of each user. This way, the rollers can be customized to target your needs. The intensity and placement can still be adjusted should any changes be needed. As a standard feature in today’s chairs, you’d be hard-pressed to miss out on this technology.
Massage chairs typically feature two main track types: S-Track and L-Track. Some chairs combine both, forming SPlus or SL Track models. The S-Track conforms to the spine's curve, focusing on specific back areas. Conversely, the L-Track extends from the neck to the lower back, reaching the glutes and hamstrings for comprehensive massages, albeit often at a higher price point than S-Track chairs.
While most massage chairs recline, not all attain the zero-gravity position pioneered by NASA. This posture, with legs above the heart, reduces joint stress and deepens massages. Some chairs automatically recline to this position, while others offer one-touch or two-stage options. Advanced models may include inversion therapy for improved circulation. Zero gravity offers superior spinal decompression and deeper massages, making it a premium feature.
Massage chairs now include Bluetooth for syncing with smart devices, letting users listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or music through built-in speakers. The Sync Massage feature synchronizes massage with music beats for immersion. Smartphone apps offer further customization and control, compatible with most modern chairs for Android or iPhone users. Simply download the app, pair it with the chair, and enjoy personalized relaxation.
When heat and massage combine, they work in unison to provide a better experience. The duo improves blood flow circulation which helps rid the body of built-up toxins. Heated massage also helps improve muscle flexibility. It also helps with certain medical issues such as Arthritis and deep tissue injuries. Experience the magic of warmth while the knots are worked out of your back.
Airbag Compression in massage chairs utilizes compression to relieve stiffness, improve circulation, and aid the lymphatic system in eliminating toxins. It allows for adjustable intensity levels to target specific areas. Unlike traditional massagers that use rollers for kneading, rolling, or tapping, airbags perform compression by inflating and deflating in the targeted area, with intensity determined by speed and quantity of inflation.
A user favorite, the foot, and calf massage features are most commonly found in the larger massage chairs. There’s nothing better than a nice evening massage after a long day of being on your feet. Many can be adjusted for the placement and intensity that better suits your needs. These massagers can work away aches and increase circulation to your lower extremities. Step into a chair and let it ease the foot pain away.
For beginners, the 2D massage is a basic option, focusing on surface muscles without deep penetration. Moving up, 3D massage, typical in modern chairs, delves deeper into shoulder and neck muscles for a more intense experience. For the deepest massage, 4D rollers offer unparalleled penetration, targeting various angles for deep tissue massage. The intensity remains relatively consistent between 3D and 4D options.
This is the most popular type of massage. It is recommended for those who are new to massages or have a medium pain tolerance. The technique involves longer massage strokes that warm the muscle and release tension which breaks up the knots. Health benefits include pain relief and improved circulation. In massage chairs, this style can be found under the Relax or Sleep function. Most people can enjoy an easy-going Swedish massage before bedtime.
This massage style is a step above the Swedish massage. Deep Tissue massages do what their name suggests - targets deeper muscle and connective tissue. It is especially helpful at treating chronically tense areas or contracted muscles such as the neck, back, and shoulders. While Deep Tissue massages are meant to aid in relaxation, they do tend to be more on the intense side, and therefore probably better off for those with higher pain tolerance.
Reflexology is used to improve relaxation and ease foot tension. The function is found in the footrest and adds to your overall massage experience.This massage style is solely performed on the feet by delivering pressure to specific areas that are believed to correlate with the release of endorphins. Endorphins are natural pain relievers that reduce stress.
Shiatsu translates to “finger pressure” and the technique involves stretching, pressure, and rotating for a full-body restoration effect. In this way, Shiatsu is often compared with acupressure. It helps reduce stress and muscle pain and tightness.The ancient belief is that when you feel pain in a specific area, that energy channel may be blocked. Shiatsu is meant to relieve the blocks and provide a refreshing massage.
Junetsu massage is a specialized technique that utilizes deep, penetrating pressure to target muscle tension and knots effectively. Originating from Japan, Junetsu massage incorporates precise, circular motions to stimulate blood flow and release trapped energy, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. This method is known for its ability to provide intense relief for sore muscles and promote overall well-being.
Tapping massage is a beneficial way to remove stiffness, promote circulation, and even break up scar tissue. It is often referred to as a Percussion massage by its series of rapid strokes that stimulate the muscles and connective tissue. People often say it feels like you’re being drummed on.
Kneading massages lift and stretch the muscles to relieve tension and soreness. It also promotes improved blood and lymph circulation.
Massage chairs perform kneading by moving in small circular motions on both sides of your spine. Most massage chairs have a Kneading massage option, which is also known as a grasping style. It reaches those hard-to-reach areas of the neck using 3D rollers.
Vibration Massage is an effective method for improving circulation relieving soreness. Massage chairs perform this technique by using vibration plates -typically found in the seat. They provide a vibration massage with adjustable intensity.
Rolling massages focus on the muscles right next to the spine. The rollers apply constant pressure as they glide up and down the back. The typically very tight muscles are then warmed and loosened in order to prepare you for a full massage.
This is a great way to remove knots in muscles as well as loosen any tight muscles that may be bothering you. Most massage chairs use a built-in airbag system to strategically hold you in place and help you get in that must-needed deep stretch. Stretch massage also helps relax and prepare your body for a deeper massage. Most people know these massages for helping them crack their back.
A Compression or Squeeze massage alleviates tension in the hips and thighs. The massage chair inflates airbags near the hip area and squeezes different sections. This technique aids in relieving stress and joint pain.
If there are airbags offered in a massage chair, this is a technique you can count on receiving.
Massages are a non-invasive and very low-risk therapy for most people, making them a great relief aid for back pain. Not only does massage have its many physical benefits, but it has also been shown to assist psychologically by increasing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.In addition to physical benefits, certain types of massage have also been shown to assist psychologically through relaxation and the increased production of the body’s feel-good chemicals, endorphins. This is helpful for those with one-time or long-term back injuries and pain.
Chromotherapy is also known as color therapy. It is an alternative medicine method that induces relaxation. In massage chairs, this therapy is promoted using LED chromotherapy lights placed on either side of the chair. The colors used are blue or warm yellow. This is a feature that is being added to newer models.Chromotherapy lights on your massage chair emit a soft hue into the room around you. Turn off the lights to experience the way the hue creates a relaxing ambiance and produces relaxing hormones. This is just one more way massage chairs are improving the holistic home massage experience.
Zero-gravity massage chairs are increasingly popular, with the latest addition being Inversion therapy. Unlike zero-gravity, Inversion therapy reclines the chair back until the body is inverted, with the head down and feet up, aiming to stretch and decompress the spine to alleviate pain. This technique, favored by chiropractors and physical therapists, is aided by built-in airbags in the chair to ensure safety and relaxation. It's also beneficial for those experiencing leg swelling.
Do you love music? Studies have shown that listening to soothing tunes while relaxing can increase serotonin levels, which means that adding your favorite songs to your massage chair session can increase the effects of the massage on not only the body but the mind as well.
Chairs that feature music system capabilities are becoming more and more popular. Just plug in your device or connect with Bluetooth to take advantage of this musical therapy.
Using a massage chair during pregnancy can be beneficial without posing harm. It's advised to wait until six months along and avoid ankle areas due to pressure points. The vibrations are akin to a brisk walk and pose no risk of miscarriage. Heat elements are safe as they target the back and lower extremities. Benefits include mood enhancement, relief from back pain, and strengthened immune system. Plus, there's no need for lotions, making it a comfortable option for those with heightened sensitivity to smells.
When treating soft tissue injuries with massages, it's essential to proceed cautiously for effective recovery. Wait at least 48 hours (or up to 72 hours for severe injuries) before starting massages, and follow the R.I.C.E. protocol for acute strains or sprains. If pain and swelling persist after 48 hours, consult a medical professional before proceeding with any massage. Seek advice from a masseuse or physical therapist before using a massage chair for skeletal injuries. Once cleared by a medical professional, adjust settings to avoid pain and consider using the air compression feature for gentle pressure. Transition to a Swedish massage as recommended for improved circulation and healing benefits.
