MASSAGE CHAIRS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ONE?

Massage therapy has been used to relieve pain, treat injuries, relieve stress, treat mild anxiety, increase relaxation, reduce blood pressure and many other ailments.

From massage and reflexology to shiatsu and deep tissue, massage has so many styles and techniques that modern technology makes it easy to apply in massage chairs. Massage armchairs have been around much longer than you can imagine. 

Massage armchairs and their functions:

1. Multifunctional massage armchairs
2. Massage rollers and their types
3. Types of massage guides
4. ZERO GRAVITY technology
5. Why is the ZERO GRAVITY massage armchair better than a traditional massage armchair?
6. Foot and calf massage
7. Thermal therapies
8. Compression air cushion massage
9. How is compressor massage different from roller massage?
10. Body scanning technology
11. ZERO SPACE technology
12. "Bluetooth and smart app
13. Adjustable intensity 
14. How do I choose a massage armchair?
15. Comparison of massage armchairs

 1. Multifunctional massage armchairs
The first massage chairs appeared in the 1950s. The first massage armchair was introduced in Japan in 1954 by Nobuo Fujimoto.
At that time, massage chairs appeared in their most recognisable form as massage armchairs, which evolved from a simple massage chair with wheels and massage guides to advanced technology where electrically operated rollers can adapt to the individual shape of the human body, changing size and shape.
Modern multifunctional massage armchairs combine innovative technology and ergonomic design with the aim of providing maximum relaxation and soothing massage.
In order to properly evaluate a massage armchair and its capabilities and applicability, you must be familiar with the technologies and systems used in modern massage armchairs.

2. Massage rollers and their types

Massage chair manufacturers are always striving to develop massage roller technology that gives a more precise and deeper massage. With this in mind, you've probably noticed that massage armchairs can offer three types of massage roller options - 2D, 3D and 4D. Each of these mechanisms is designed to penetrate at different levels.
2D massage rollers
For the average user who has no need for a deep tissue massage, a massage armchair with a 2D roller system will suffice. The 2D massage system is the traditional design that has been around the longest. The 2D rollers massage the surface muscles and the back. These rollers have the lowest level of massage intensity.
3D massage rollers
The 3D massage system goes one step further and is used in most massage armchairs manufactured today. The 3D massage roller mechanism raises the rollers to the surface for a deeper. The 3D rollers work by penetrating deeply into the muscles of the shoulders and back giving an intense massage sensation. These rollers can move out of the guide track and massage areas not normally reached by a 2D massage chair, including the upper neck and shoulder area.
4D massage rollers

The 4D rollers are designed to provide an ultra-deep and precise massage experience. The 4D rollers can rotate and massage at different angles that the 3D rollers cannot. The 4D rollers provide a deeper tissue massage than the 3D rollers and can be particularly useful for people with back and shoulder problems.
Most massage chairs have a remote control that allows you to control the intensity of the massage.

3. Types of massage guides
There are two types of massage guides - S and L. Newer massage chairs combine both types to create a more enjoyable full-body massage experience.

Type S guide

The classic guide design is the S-type. The S guide track follows the curvature of the spine and focuses on different areas of your back. The L guide uses the same track design combined with a longer track.

Type of L guide
While some massage armchairs with an S-guide track are designed to reach the pelvis and neck, the L-guide track reaches the buttocks and the lower back. The L guide, named after the shape in which it is mounted in the massage armchair, runs from the neck to the lower back and extends under the buttocks and thighs. The L guide is ideal for those who want special attention to the lower back and legs and are prepared to pay a little more for these functions, as the S guide is generally a simpler technology.

4. ZERO GRAVITY technology

Almost all massage armchairs on the market offer recline capability, but not all of them are able to descend to the ZERO GRAVITY position.

This position, developed by NASA, is achieved by raising the legs to a position above the heart. The aim of this position is to relieve the pressure on the joints caused by gravity, while shifting the weight of the body onto the back of the chair for a deeper massage experience. In this position, a relaxing, deeper massage of the whole body is achieved. There are several massage chairs that automatically recline to this position when you select a dedicated programme. Some massage chairs have a ZERO GRAVITY function that is activated with a single touch. There are also two ZERO GRAVITY steps, but there are only a few massage chairs that have inversion therapy, which raises the legs even higher to improve circulation, which can be useful for people with swelling in the lower limbs.

5. Why is the ZERO GRAVITY massage armchair superior to a traditional massage armchair?
As you can already guess, the ZERO GRAVITY function is used in higher-end massage chairs. These armchairs recline into a position that is not only great for a deeper massage, but can also help your spine and joints relax, relieving back pain and joint stiffness. Being in the ZERO GRAVITY position puts the least amount of pressure on the lower back, which normally feels the most tension.

6. Foot and calf massage
Foot and shin massage has become a favourite of many and is now quite often integrated in massage chairs. If you spend all day on your feet or have a physical job, a foot massage can make your evening much better. There are several armchairs that offer advanced reflexology and air cushion foot massage. This type of massage can eliminate pain and improve circulation in the lower limbs.

7. Heat therapy
Heat and massage have similar benefits, and combining these two therapies can have an even stronger effect, improving circulation and getting rid of accumulated toxins. In addition, massage and heat help to improve muscle flexibility, which can help reduce pain. The combination of heat therapy and massage can help relieve arthritis, deep tissue damage, inflammation and muscle stiffness. The standard feature of most massage armchairs is a heating function in the lumbar region, with the heating elements located in the lower back. There are also some massage armchairs that have whole body heating elements and even heated blankets.

8. Compression airbag massage
Compression massage is often integrated into massage chairs. Airbag massage can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation. Compression massage stimulates the lymphatic system and promotes the removal of toxins from the body, similar to traditional massage. You can adjust the intensity level and direct the rollers yourself using the controls. Some massage chairs use airbags to keep you in place when the stretching programme kicks in, or compress your hips.

9. How is compressor massage different from roller massage?
Airbags provide a compressive (squeezing) massage, as opposed to the kneading, rolling or tapping movements of roller massage. Airbags can mimic these massage movements by rapidly inflating and deflating air, but rollers perform the basic actions. During the massage, the airbags inflate around the target area, such as the arm or hand, compressing and releasing it. The intensity of the massage varies depending on the inflation pressure of the airbag.

10. Body scanning technology
Modern massage armchairs provide a precise massage tailored to each user. Thanks to the advanced body scanning technology, the massage is adapted to the individual height, shape and curves of the user. This allows the massage rollers to adapt to individual needs and ensures that the rollers massage the correct massage points.

11. ZERO SPACE technology
This space-saving technology is designed to allow the massage chair to recline completely and save you space. There are only a few models that you can place 5 cm from the wall and which can recline completely. This technology is perfect for those who have smaller rooms and don't want to place the massage chair far from the wall.

12. "Bluetooth and the smart app

As we enter the era of smart devices, many manufacturers are integrating Bluetooth technology and smart apps to make it easier to use and provide a more enjoyable experience. Most modern massage chairs have speakers so you can listen to your favourite music, audio book or podcast during the massage. By synchronising your smart device with the massage chair's software, usually via a wireless Bluetooth connection, you can enjoy relaxing tunes during your massage. Most modern massage chairs come with apps for Android or iPhone, which allow you to remotely select the massage chair's functions and provide more customisation options and apps.

13. Adjustable intensity

Different people have different needs for the intensity of the massage. That's why most massage armchairs on the market today have a function that allows you to adjust the intensity, speed, position and duration of the massage. The aim is to provide as many customisation options as possible so that every user is satisfied with their experience. The ability to adjust the intensity of the massage ensures that the massage is exactly what you want.

14. How do I choose a good massage chair?
When choosing a massage armchair, you need to take into account all of the above features and the purpose you want your massage armchair to serve. Consider which of the above massage armchair features do you need most? Which are the most important to you? Make a list that you can use to compare massage chairs.
The main questions you should ask yourself when choosing a massage chair are:

• What is your budget?
• Why do you want to buy a massage armchair? (specific therapeutic needs or just looking for an armchair to help you relax after a hard day's work)

Once you have worked out what budget you can afford and which features of the massage chair are most suitable for you, list them in order from most important to least important.

15. Comparison of massage chairs: 

Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Rehastar.com staff by phone on weekdays 08:00 - 17:00 or by email at any time and we will do our best to answer you as soon as possible.

Email: info@rehastar.com
Phone: +370 626 11553