Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Best 5 Features For Your Massage Chair

By James Knolan

We are asked many times by potential massage chair buyers as to the most important features in a massage chair. There is a vast array of massage chairs on the market with many features, options, and price points. It is good to know what you really want out of the massage chair recliner to help guide your decision making. We have put together the 5 most important massage chair features for your review:

Kneading Massage: The kneading function in a massage chair recliner is the most important. The kneading massage is a gentle or firm squeezing movement. The rollers must move sideways across your back to perform a kneading massage. Make sure that the massage chair you purchase has a motor that is dedicated just to the kneading massage. This is ensures that the kneading will have sufficient torque from the motor to perform flawlessly.

Heat Therapy: Heat has great healing abilities when applied in the right situations. Many of the top robotic recliners have integrated heating elements into their chairs. Some chairs have the capability to heat only one area while others can heat multiple areas. If you can get the heating with individual area controls, this way you can apply heat to just the area(s) you really want. Heat is very relaxing and helps reduce swelling and increase blood flow.

Manual Massage Programs: Manual massage technique programs are the individual motions that the back rollers can perform. Massage chairs have between 3 and 5 manual programs. You can specify the massage technique and the chair performs just that massage technique. The most important manual programs are kneading, tapping and rolling. Shiatsu is usually a combination of kneading and tapping and may be labeled as its own manual technique. A nice manual technique is Sway or Hawaiian massage. This is a gentle side to side motion which is great for loosening tight back muscles.

Footrest Extension: This is a rather simple feature, but since massage chairs originated in Japan, they have always been small for the American market. To accommodate taller users (i.e. the average American), a footrest extension is critical. Most foot rest extensions allow the foot rest to go out an extra 3 to 4 inches. This doesn?t seem like a lot, but it is the difference between fitting in the massage chair and not. If you are five foot ten or over, you definitely want to investigate this further.

Wireless Sub Remote: It is amazing how many massage chairs are coming out with 2 remote controls. However, most 2nd remotes or sub remotes are tethered by a wire to the chair. The idea of a remote control is well to use it remotely--not tied to the chair. There is finally a wireless sub remote available. You can sit all the way back in the chair and operate most every function. This is important, because you do not want to have to get up to make adjustments to the massage. Sit back, relax and just click on the wireless sub remote.

Here are the 5 most critical features you may want to consider for your massage chair. Massage chair companies are always adding and upgrading their features. There are many innovative and effective features in the recliners of today. Take your time and find out what features are right for you. A massage chair is an important long term health decision. Understand what benefits you want out of a chair and make sure that your find the best massage chair for your needs.

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