BEST MASSAGE CHAIRS BUYING GUIDE
Now that you’ve checked out all the best-rated massage chairs, here is how you can choose the right one for you.
First and foremost, how much money are you willing to spend? If you can afford the pricey massage chairs, go for the top-notch quality ones – whichever you choose, it’s more than likely you’ll be satisfied. If, however, you cannot afford the more expensive massage chairs, don’t worry – there are many affordable but good-quality options out there. What’s important is to do your research and stay within your budget so you don’t regret your purchase.
So you’ve found the perfect massage chair for you and you’ve ordered it – but you haven’t checked the space of your living room and now the chair cannot fit! Believe it or not, this happens. To avoid this problem, consider the space you’re working with before you even start checking out the specifications of massage chairs. Bear in mind that most top quality massage chairs are quite heavy and bulky, so make sure you actually have the space for one. If you’re working with a small living room, bedroom or any small house area, pick a more compact, or even a portable massage chair.
Finally, to pick the best massage chair, consider your needs. What are you trying to address with a massage chair? Is it muscle tension, stress, physical injury, back pain? Whatever it is, it’s crucial to pick the chair that addresses your specific problems and needs. You can get the best massage chair there is, but if it isn’t catering to your specific needs, it’s no good.

HOW DO MASSAGE CHAIRS WORK?
All massage chairs work differently. For example, the simplest, most basic type of a massage chair uses a series of vibrations to provide a user with a vibrating massage. But even those simple massage chairs target the most important body areas – back, arms, hands, shoulders, neck and head – meaning, even the cheapest massage chairs can be beneficial.
Of course, today, most massage chairs use a combination of motors, rollers and gears to provide a deep, thorough massage that is also comfortable and relaxing. Most modern massage chairs also have controllers that enable the user to control the type of the massage they’re getting, its intensity and the location.
As mentioned, vibrations are the simplest method of massage. Produced by a motor that spins gears or weighted wheels, vibrations provide basic but highly effective massages.
Using several airbags, modern massage chairs can produce soft and relaxing massages that usually (but not always) target the following body areas: feet and legs, arms and hands.
Heating up the rollers, massage chairs can produce heat therapies, particularly beneficial for those who suffer from back pain, stiff back and muscle tightness.
Although zero gravity is not a massage per se, but a feature of a massage chair, it’s worth mentioning it here because it provides a totally different massage experience. With zero gravity feature, you get an evenly distributed massage that may make you feel like you’re floating in air. This feature is especially beneficial for those who suffer from spine issues.
So, for example, with one massager chair, the user can get a gentle shiatsu massage on their back, a strong kneading massage on their legs and an air massage on their neck with moderate intensity.
No matter the type or brand, one thing remains true for all massage chairs: by incorporating multiple different devices and systems inside, the massage chairs should provide therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating massages to users.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MASSAGE CHAIR?
Depending on your specific needs, you may want to look for specific massage features.
For instance, if you have chronic back pain problems or some kind of a physical injury, chairs with the zero gravity feature are your best bet. You may also want to purchase a chair with back heating options.
If you often suffer from sore and aching feet, you definitely want to purchase a chair with foot and leg massage rollers.
If you suffer from muscle tension and stiffness, make sure your massage chair has multiple massage airbags, as they help stimulate circulation and relieve muscle pain and tension.
On the other hand, if you just want something that will help you relax and unwind, go for typical vibration and/or rolling massage chairs.
Whatever you choose, make sure you pick the chair that has full body massage programs.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHAIR MASSAGE?
Although massage chairs can be thought of as a modern luxury, or personal spa treatments at-home, massages have been practiced for thousands of years, not only for pleasure but for their health benefits too. Numerous studies have shown that a massage can:
- Relieve back, muscle and joint pain
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Help with physical recovery
- Boost blood circulation
- Increase focus and concentration
- Promote wellbeing and relaxation.
As for massage chairs specifically, with their advanced features, customizable settings and ultra-comfortable seating, they offer all of the health benefits of the conventional massages and more. This is because powerful vibrations, kneading, rolling and other types of massage in massage chairs provide deep tissue massage that is rarely achieved through regular massage. Furthermore, massage chairs can be used more often, at any time, in the comfort of your own home.
Another important but often overlooked benefit of massage chairs is their affordability. Usually, when people think of buying massage chairs, they think of how much money they’re going to spend, but we have a different suggestion – when buying a massage chair, think of how much money you’re going to save long-term! Normally, a massage appointment at a spa center can cost anywhere between $100 and $150. To get all the benefits of massages though, you need to receive them often and regularly – at least once a month. With your personal massage chair, you can not only receive monthly, but daily massages and still not spend a fortune. In fact, in just a few months, a massage chair will actually save you time and money.