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5 Things You Should Know Before You Buy a Massage Chair

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Written by Steve Esquire

Sunday, 06 July 2008

by SteveEsquire

1. Define Your Needs: What are your long term needs? With massage chairs comes a wide selection of features, models and manufacturers. First and foremost, what type of relief are you seeking? Then look at what massage therapies can best relieve your trouble areas. If you are looking for full body, then are particular massage techniques that you prefer. Massage chairs are a long term investment and your budget needs to factor this in. These are the salient items to think about for a massage chair.

2. Back Pain Relief: Are you are looking for back pain relief? If so, what parts of your back is most important? Massage chairs have rollers that can provide full back, shoulder and neck coverage. Many have width adjustments to expand or contract the rollers. Also, the stroke length is important. The stroke length is the amount of travel the back rollers have when moving up and down the chair back. Typical stroke lengths are 23 inches to 31 inches. To get the proper coverage of the back define what areas are must haves for a shiatsu massage chair

3. Massage Therapy: Massage chairs have many massage therapies available. Choose from Shiatsu, Swedish, Hawaiian, Acu pressure, Reflexology, Deep Tissue and many more. It is important to familiarize yourself with the different types as each provides certain benefits. Also, massages can be light and gentle to more invigorating depending on your needs and comfort. Most massage chair recliners offer multiple massage therapies, so make sure the most important ones are covered.

4. Lower Body Massage: Do not forget your lower body. Shiatsu massage chairs have very effective lower body massage therapies. There are two technologies to consider for the footrest. The mechanical paddle systems or the air massage system. The mechanical paddle system is basically a motor driven paddle system which is used to massage the calves. The paddle system is limited to just the calf massage. The paddle system provides a vigorous tapping massage. The air massage system is driven by a compressor and delivers a compression massage to throughout the lower body. The air massage system uses a squeeze, hold and release massage while also stimulating reflexology points. There are some chairs which combine both technologies. The lower body massages have improved tremendously over the last few years.

5. Warranty Coverage: Make sure you go with a known brand of massage chairs. I would hate to tell you the stories we have gotten from people who bought from a fly by night outfit. One good test is if the massage chair company has retail accounts. If they do not, then who has leverage to make sure the warranty is honored? Most warranties cover parts, labor, in home service vs. service center, and shipping expenses. The difference is what they cover and for how long. Fortune 500 companies make you buy an massage chair industry. Compare warranties and costs and find the right protection for you. How long does the manufacturer cover parts? If you need service, can a technician come to your home or do you need to send your massage chair to a service center. This is important, as sending around 200 lbs of massage chair is not an easy task. Also, how long will the manufacturer pick up any shipping expenses to repair the massage chair?

Looking for a massage chair should be a fun and rewarding experience. It is a special device that can provide years of trouble free operation or turn into a boat anchor. The reason you are looking for a massage chair is to find the relief and invigoration on demand in the comfort of your home. Find out what is important to you and determine some of the must have features of a shiatsu massage chair. Then try a few out and see what works for you. Once you have a good idea of what you like, shop around and get the best deal. Prices vary especially with variables such as tax, shipping, and return policies. This is an important long term purchase, so take your time, enjoy and find the perfect massage chair.

About the Author:

Looking for the Best Massage Chair for your massage therapy needs. Find the premier massage chair brands from Omega, Sanyo, AcuTec and Human Touch. Read a Massage Chair Review or article.

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