Best Massage Chair Reviews 2018 – A Comprehensive Guide

“Ahhhhhhh~”  It was pure heaven.  I remember sinking my creaky 37-year-old body – hey!  I have four kids that like to use me as a personal jungle gym! – into the soft leather seat of my grandparents’ massage chair and settling in for 15 minutes of muscle-kneading bliss.

And it wasn’t just me.  This magic massage chair was located at my grandparents’ house and when our family gathered, everyone wanted a least one massage each visit.  To this day, that chair holds the place of honor in the center of the living room – angled to get the best view of the mountains outside, the activity inside and the cool breezes blowing from the windows.  We don’t even have a TV there, just that beloved massage chair and a small table to hold a drink and a newspaper.  It’s the throne of their home!

From that point on, massage chairs have not only provided me with relief and relaxation, but an excitement for the innovation and potential as well!

As someone who experiences reoccurring back pain and a few other aches and pains from a couple car accidents in my 20s, I have tried many sources of relief from muscle pain and tightness.  While exercise, chiropractors, medication and physical therapists are all a part of the equation, using my Grandparents’ massage chair often helped my muscles from tightness and spasms.  Keeping this in mind, I began a search for my own massage chair – something I could use for those weekends when we weren’t able to visit Grandma!  My search quickly led me to a couple conclusions: 1) There are a LOT of massage chairs and massage chair features out in the marketplace, and 2) Massage chairs can be expensive but there are some great options out there that have great functions and cost a lot less!

The price of my Grandparents’ massage chair ran about $5,000….about 8 years ago!   I love it and wanted one except I couldn’t afford it!   So, I started to explore different features and good quality with a less expensive price tag.  For those on a tighter budget, I’ve complied a list of the top 5 massage chairs under $500.  At the same time, for those able to get the best of the best, we have a list of the the best 10 massage chairs too.  To cover the -mid-range pricing, currently in the works is a list of the best massage chairs for $1,000 so please check back for that list in the near future!  I’m currently taking notes on a few other items but for now, if you don’t want to spend ridiculous amount of time researching on your own, my lists should provide you with  a few definite options for great massage chairs.

And since Amazon doesn’t allow for exact pricing on many items, I’ll provide a range when I can and direct links to highly-rated options too.

 

After a hard day’s work, you can achieve ultimate relaxation and enjoy soothing pressure on the key muscles of your body with a massage chair for home use. It’s a comfortable seat that cradles you and provides with phenomenal massage.  So if your goal is to soothe your back pain or simply to have some relaxation, you may be on the market to buy a whole body massage chair and most certainly you’ll be looking for the best quality massage chair.

Top 10 Massage Chairs Reviews

The industry offers a variety of chair massagers today, making it difficult to decide which one to choose. We have narrowed down the list to top 10 that include the best-rated massage chairs with the top features, price and much good feedback from real users.

Osaki OS-4000 Executive Zero Gravity

Made of synthetic leather, Osaki OS-4000 massage chair offers a solid construction, stylish design, and exceptional performance. All of which also make it the best chair massager. It provides zero gravity positions, so depending on the type of massage you want you can either recline or change the angle of the chair.

The intelligent massage robot of the chair scans the whole body curve and makes micro adjustments, focusing on the lumbar, neck and shoulders.

Osaki OS-4000is designed for a full body massage from neck, shoulders, and arms to feet, calves, and buttocks. You can customize your massage sessions by selecting among 6 auto-programs (healthcare, smart, relax, circulation, therapy, and demo) and 6 massage styles (rolling, kneading, Swedish, clapping, shiatsu and combo). For more adjustment, there are 5 speeds and intensity levels.

This best zero gravity recliner features 32 airbags with strategic placement for targeting different parts of the body. With Osaki OS-4000 you can also enjoy heat therapy of the lower back, air squeeze massage for the neck, vibration for buttocks, and air massage for shoulders, back, and hips.

Inada Sogno Dreamwave

One of the most advanced and highest rated massage chairs is the Inada Sogno Dreamwave. The movements of the Inada Sogno luxury massage chair are based on the actual motions of a shiatsu massage professionals. They are duplicated to mimic those back mobilization movements that are usually used by chiropractors and physical therapists. It features proprietary technology that provides gentle figure-8 motion, which stimulates the body’s balance, similar to the state when undergoing a shiatsu massage.

You can customize your own massage or use one of the 8 programs of massage sequences with included pre-programmed massage settings for a stretch, morning and nighttime.

This ultimate massage chair cradles the whole body and provides massage coverage of over 1,200 square inches, which is one of the broadest in any massage recliner. The chair is designed for people of any age with its proprietary youth sessions for old and young. Sogno Dreamwave provides massage for hips, calves, thighs, back, neck feet and full-arm massage.

Each session starts with the machine scanning your body and after detecting particular pressure points, the chair provides a customized massage for one of 106 body types.

Inada Sogno Dreamwave is one of the most expensive massage chairs, but it is definitely the best value massage chair. There are several color variations available, including black, red, black leather and dark brown.

Full Body Shiatsu Chair Recliner Bed EC-69

One of the more budget-friendly options among the best massage chairs for home is the Full Body Shiatsu massage chair EC-69. The latest robotic technologies of this chair offer versatility and high performance of providing a calming effect.

The chair can easily be transformed into a massage recliner bed to enjoy a full body shiatsu massage. It features multiple settings, including rolling, kneading to de-stress and relax the kinks and knots, compression and percussion to improve the flexibility and mobility of the leg area, and mode of chop action tapping and flapping to lose weight and relieve soreness and aches.

The chair has integrated power rollers and vibrators that are strategically placed on the chair for effect on the entire body. It helps to zap muscle stress and stimulates the dilation of the blood vessels. Also, for the lumbar and neck sections, it is equipped with a heating system.

Shiatsu massage chair EC-69 is easy to operate with the attached remote control and user-friendly interface.

It’s got a sleek design that will blend in any room. It is upholstered in a soft leather-like material and to suit different preferences there are three colors available: black, brown and burgundy.

Authentic Beautyhealth Shiatsu

Our next product on the list of the best massage chair reviews is the Authentic Beautyhealth Shiatsu robotic massager. It has also received high massage chair ratings. It provides an outstanding massage that is concentrated on particular parts of the user’s body and effective heat therapy.

In its sophisticated design, it utilizes state of the art technology that offers all the benefits of a full body massage. The Authentic Beautyhealth comes with 69 airbags with most of the air massage functions focusing on the user’s lower body. For a more systematic massage with a fun element, it also offers synchronized MP3 massage. Depending on the frequency, the chair triggers back, buttocks and calf massage changing speed and intensity.

The chair offers lots of versatility with 5 options of massage method and 6 pre-programmed massage modes. The methods include shiatsu, kneading, flapping, kneading and flapping, vibrating and knocking. According to your preference, you can also choose a program, such as fatigue, prescription, relax, health care, awake and physical therapy.

Authentic Beautyhealth first scans the contour and shape of the upper body and shoulders and then adjusts the massage accordingly. The chair also offers concentrated arm massage. For a more relaxing massage, you can also recline the chair to 170 degrees. Additionally, the chair uses Jade thermotherapy, which penetrates deeper into the body to relax the sore and fatigued muscles.

Human Touch iJoy-2580

Another exceptionally comfortable massage chair is iJoy-2580. It’s a great option if you are looking for a more affordable massage chair. It utilizes the patented by Human Touch massage technology that provides ease of tension, pain, fatigue, stress relief, and improves relaxation and circulation. The massage it provides replicates the movements and techniques used by back and spinal care professionals.

For your certain needs you can choose one of the 3 offered massage programs: refresh your back (15 minutes of massage for the entire back), relieve your neck and shoulders (15 minutes to relieve upper back tensions), and release your lower back (15 minutes to soothe lower back soreness).

The robotic massage provided by the iJoy-2580 rollers feels a lot like human hands massage. It uses methods such as rolling (perfect for relaxing the lower back), kneading (lifts and stretches muscles in a circular motion on the sides of the spine to improve blood and lymph circulation), compression (with rocking motion applies pressure to deep muscle tissue), and percussion (rapid-tapping strokes for relieving pressure on the spinal column and releasing cramping from muscles).

For adjusting and programming the settings you can use the built-in control panel. For more intensity, you can recline the massage chair to the position that will be perfect for you.

This massage recliner chair is one of the most affordable options and is available in 2 colors: black and espresso.

Electric Full Body Shiatsu 06C

If you are looking for a reasonably priced best massaging chair, then BestMassage 06C is worth considering. This modern massage chair offers a great number of features comparable to other pricier models. It is well made with a sleek look. It also provides ultimate shiatsu experience with the use of compression, percussion, and power rollers, kneading, tapping and flapping. It’s a whole body massager, so even your feet get relaxed and soothed with the addition of the heated stretched footrest.

There are 30 airbags built in the Shiatsu 06C, with 20 of them distributed for the lower body parts. The massage of the chair can help with neck stress relief. It also targets buttocks, thighs, and calves with vibration motor for relaxing muscle stress. Choosing different programs you can reduce fatigue, stimulate stressed nerves, soften thick layers, improve flexibility and rejuvenate the body and mind.

Overall, the customers are happy with BestMassage 06C, giving good comments on its functionality and liking the addition of the footrest. However, some people who have experienced certain problems with the chair commented that the support service is not all that supportive. But most of the users are satisfied with the massage provided by this machine.

iRobotics 6 Ultimate Medical Massager

Our next best full body massage chair review is of the iRobotics 6, which is the first robotic chair massager assembled in the US by Luraco Company. It is designed with outstanding innovative features, including Luraco total body massage technology, intelligent self-diagnostic, advanced body stretching technique and zero gravity, which was proven the heighten the state of relaxation.

The chair can be adjusted to fit the height of shoulders and length of legs. The massage of the chair is provided by 104 airbags and robotic arms.

iRobotics 6 is programmed with 6 specially designed modes: Japanese, Swedish, morning, night, health care and deep tissue. The massage can be customized to your preference for individual body parts. The chair provides pain and stress relief to the entire body from head, neck, back and shoulders to full arms and legs.

The massager allows you to adjust the intensity and choose methods of massage, such kneading, tapping, and vibration.

To enhance your mind relaxation, the iRobotics 6 also includes an audio MP3 player with built-in speakers. For easy use, the chair also comes with a Bluetooth control that includes tablet and smartphone applications, so you can control the settings from your phone or Android tablet. The settings you can view on the integrated display.

Panasonic EP1285KL With Chiro Mode, Leather Urban Collection

EP1285KL is also one of the top rated massage chairs and it comes from Panasonic’s Urban Collection. Its quad-style technology promotes good health by offering therapeutic muscle relaxation, as well as improved blood circulation. Its sleek design is made in high-quality leather upholstery in black hues to fit any home décor.

This Panasonic chair will leave no part of your body untreated. It’s equipped with modes for all body types and parts. In total it offers 8 manual massage modes: kneading, tapping, compression, Swedish, soft Shiatsu, Hawaiian, full and regional roll. Additionally, there 4 pre-set programs: Swedish, shiatsu, quick (5 minutes of all 8 manual modes) and Chiro mode (a new Panasonic massage technique for relaxing fatigued muscles). The mechanisms of the chair work on neck, shoulders, lower back, legs, thighs, and hips.

Panasonic EP1285KL features a Float Mechanism technology that delivers a human-like massage, like movements of a rotating wrist and hand. Also, the rubber massage heads mimic other massaging techniques, such as thumb kneading, palm strokes, and heel rolling.

There are 14 airbags in this massaging chair, with most of them targeting lower body parts. The unit is also equipped with Air Ottoman system that works on the legs with emphasis on the calves and feet.

Forever Rest Premium Massage Chair

The ergonomic design of this best home massage chair will find a place in any house décor. Its top features include multiple modes, powerful motor, jade heating system and humanized massage mechanism.

The S-type chair back has 2 layers of back padding. Additionally, it includes one more removable pad for extra comfort. The chair provides significant comfort and relaxing massage.

Forever Rest Premium features a body scan that’s equipped with a humanized massage mechanism that feels like real professional hands are performing. The mechanism mimics such manners as walk, knead, press, scratch, and tap.

For customizing the massage session, the user can select one of the 6 programs: kneading, flapping, a combination of flapping and kneading, rolling, shiatsu and a combination of knocking and vibrating.

This modern massage chair can be reclined into a deeper massage position of zero gravity and the armrests automatically recline with the chair. So you have arm massage in both reclined and upright position.

Forever Rest Premium has a built-in jade heat system that emits infrared heat. The temperature can be adjusted to suit your convenience.

BestMassage Zero Gravity Soft 3D Hand Massage EC01

The last chair on our list of 10 top massage chairs is the BesMassage EC01. It uses power rollers for rejuvenating your mind and body through relaxing and relieving stress from muscles.

There are various settings for different body needs. Using the rolling setting, you can have a simple massage effect. For the chair to work on any knows of the muscles, you can choose the kneading program. With the compression and percussion functions, the EC01 chair will work on the leg’s mobility and flexibility, improving your overall posture.

The chair offers 4 different massage programs, including preset extend, recovery, refresh and present relax. Each of them can be adjusted to target specific areas of your body you want to work on.

This is a full body massager, so it works from neck to feet. For the buttocks, it provides vibrations and air pressure massage. It’s also equipped with airbags that work on thighs and calves. The arms also get massaged with air squeeze.

Best 5 Massage Chairs Under $500 (Some are Under $200!)

Some of the top massage chairs cost quite a bit and many of them are really worth it.  But, what about when you don’t have the funds (just yet)?  Or, it could simply be that you want something that’s ligher and you don’t want it to take up so much of the space at home, but still provides good functions.  There are still a few solid options to provide good experience and provide core functionalities of a massage chair at a great budget point.  We will explore some options for under $500 and some of them even going below $200.  It might be missing a few bells and whistles, but don’t be fooled by the great price, it will take care of the main areas of your back, which is where you want it the most.  Some of them even come with a heat treatment options, so if you like warmer built in, look out for that feature.

	Flash Furniture BT-7600P	Relaxzen 60-425111	Comfort Products 60-0582	Relaxzen 60-078011	Looking for 5th Our 5th choice is no longer in the market. Do you have a suggestion?
Motors	8	8	10	8
Modes	9	9	3	9
Weight	56	57.2	51.1	51.7
Size/Dimention (in inches)	30.8 x 43 x 41	52.8 x 28.5 x 35.2	46.2 x 28.2 x 40	32 x 31 x 33

Flash Furniture BT-7600P Massaging Recliner and Ottoman

Back, lumbar area, thighs and legs are where this massage chair could tackle for you.  This is a great option for under $200.  There are 5 different pre-programmed settings to work different areas of your body.

You can also change the intensity of these massages.  It’s packs great functionality and feature for its price of under sub $200 level.

 

Relaxzen 60-425111 Leisure Massage Reclining Chair

Relaxzen is a brand offered by Comfort Products Inc.  The 60-425111 model features confortsoft upholstery that looks and feels like quality leather.   It comes in Black, Brown, and camoflouge (nope not kidding) colors.  It’s another great affordable chair offered by Comfort Products.

8 vibration motors take care of your upper and mid back, thighs, and calves.  Heat is also available in lumbar region.

There is 9 pre-programmed modes as well as you can chose independent massage zones.  It comes with 5 different intensity levels.

For recline, it goes to 135 degrees – personally I wouldn’t want it to go back further than this on a entry chair level.  Because they are pretty light and it might tip over if it goes further back, so that is a good angle.  (On a higher premium model – you often see zero gravity that basically tilts you all the way back, but to provide that chairs are very heavy.)

Comfort Products has been around since 1919, so it is a good choice company to go with when you are in a budget hunt.

 

 

Comfort Products 60-0582 Heated Massage Recliner and Ottoman

Comfort Products offers one more great massage chairs in the price range of below 500 and it’s one of the best in its class. This chair comes in a set with a hand controller and an ottoman. It’s made in simulated leather material and done in black color. The thick foam cushions of the chair provide extra relaxing comfort, while the massage soothes sores and pains in the upper, mid and lower back and thighs.

The great massaging ability is provided by the power of its 10 motors that work to release stress and tension from your muscles. This massage therapy chair features not just powerful massaging action, but also a heating system for the lumbar area that adds a more relaxing effect to massage. The combination allows melting away the stress and tension in a single sitting.

The hand controller that comes with the chair allows you to conveniently choose settings of the massage. The settings of the Comfort Products 60-0582 include 3 different modes, as well as 3 levels of intensity.

Relaxzen 60-078011 Leisure Massage Reclining Chair with Heat

Another one that made the top 5 by Comfot Products.  Relaxzen 60-078011 is similar to other ones in that they have vibrating motors and provides massage for upper back, mid back, thighs and calves.  reclines, swivels and offers recline tension adjustment.  It comes with a wood base, which provides more lux feel to it.

Thick padded faux suede upholstery provides comfort and 9 pre-programmed mode offers more choices than others Relaxzen option above, but it’s about 20% more expensive than the other choice.  It does have independent zone option as well.

It offers heating in lumbar area, so that is one feature to note that just might be worth it for you.

Best Massage Chairs Comparison Chart

Tips On How To Choose the Best Massage Chair

When you are considering whether to buy a massage chair or not there are a lot of different factors involved. Once the decision has been made, the factors to consider change, as you also need to choose which chair to buy. That’s where things can get tricky. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the big variety of brands and their models. To avoid getting the wrong chair and to make sure that you choose the most suitable one for your needs, you should first consider a few tips before making the final decision.

These robotic chairs are quite a big investment. Finding the perfect one can be challenging, but after considering several factors it can be done. Below in our massage chair buying guide, we offer a few tips that will help you find the right one with the most suitable features for your needs.

1. Consider and identify your priorities.

   So you are thinking of purchasing your own massage therapy chair. But what is your exact need for this robotic machine? Do you need it for de-stressing and relaxing at the end of a long day at work? Do you need it as a treatment for a specific health condition? Or maybe you want a chair for massage simply because everyone else among your friends has one, so you don’t want to feel left out of the good stuff?
   When identifying your needs, be objective and accordingly to what’s more important to you try to rank your priorities. You’ll need to think of whether to focus on aesthetics of the functions of the chair. Depending on your answers, certain brands or models might be more suitable for your choice.

2. Set your budget.

   
   One of the most important factors to consider is your budget. How much are you prepared to spare for a massage chair? When you know your price range, it will be easier for you to narrow down the list of models. If your budget is tight, you can check models equipped with basic features. For example, the top 5 models under $500 we have mentioned above is a good list to consider.
   On the other hand, if the price range you are willing to work with is higher, you can go for models with extra useful features. The top 10 above are some of the best options. However, the most expensive massage chair doesn’t always mean the best quality. So before purchasing, always check that the features, quality of the material used, the size and other specifications match the price of the chair. A good way to do that is to check reviews.

3. Massage chair price

   How much does a massage chair cost? Massage chair prices can be as low as several hundred dollars to over 8,000. In the reviews above we have divided the models into two parts of more high-end massage chairs and those below $500. On Amazon, you can find good massage chair deals.

4. Choose the brand.

   

   Choose a chair from a recognized brand, as it signifies high quality, credibility, and good customer support.

5. Where to buy a massage chair?

   
   Fortunately, to buy a massage chair you no longer have to check all the stores that sell these massagers. You can buy it online. If you are wondering where to buy massage chairs online, a good place to check is Amazon. There are different brands and models available, and it allows to check real user feedback before purchase.

6. Read reviews.

   
   To get an idea of the quality of different chair models, it can be helpful to read reviews of real users. You can read the reviews on our website, where we write about the top of the line massage chairs based on research. You can also jump to Amazon, where you can also check real user feedback.

7. Warranty.

   
   The last but not least important factor is the warranty. Check the manufacturer’s warranty period for the chair parts. Of course, you want the chair to work for a very long time. But things can break sometimes and this way you’ll know that your investment is well protected.

8. Do prior research.

   
   Don’t let the looks rule your choice. Look deeper to ensure that all the features of the therapeutic massage chair are what you need. Consider the following features:

   • Construction and design. Of course, you want the chair to be in use for a long time. So check its durability. It should be well built and made of sturdy materials. Also, every chair has a weight capacity. You might also want to check that the chair with its color and design fits your home or office décor. Space is also a factor to consider. Massage chairs are usually not that small, so you need to be sure that you can find free space for it.
   • Massage coverage. There are different types of massage chairs available. Some work on the whole body, while others target certain areas. So think if you need to chair to focus on your upper or lower back. Or do you need a massage for shoulders and thighs? Or you want the entire body to get massaged? It will work on all pressure points in the body from neck to feet.
   • Massage styles and programs. Consider different massage styles that the chair models have to offer. It can be shiatsu, rolling or kneading. Some offer combinations. The budget options usually offer just vibrations. More expensive chairs also usually come with different pre-programmed settings that make the massage treatment more relaxing and enjoyable.
   • Customization. Most of the pricier models allow adjusting the massage settings in order to fit your needs and preferences. If it’s a full body massage chair, you can still target particular body zones or choose particular massage types. The features also should allow adjusting the intensity levels.

After considering all these factors, choosing the most suitable massaging chair will not be that difficult. You just need to be objective and give some thought to what’s more important for you. With the tips we have listed above, you can find the chair that will perfectly fit your home or office, as well as fit your budget and needs. It’s an important investment into your health and with the right choice, it can last you for years, regularly giving your body the much needed soothing massage.

Benefits of Chair Massage

If you have tension or back pain, a good massage can do wonders. However, a therapeutic massage is not that convenient or available sometimes. Though to get the best massage you will need a licensed massage therapist, there’s a substitute that can provide the benefits of the human touch in the comfort of your home or office. It’s the therapeutic massage chair, which has been around for more than 30 years. Over the decades their functions and designs have been significantly improved so they can efficiently replace a professional masseuse.

Are massage chairs good for you? Many people believe that massaging robotic chairs are a luxury. However, the benefits of chair massage can outweigh the price. They provide numerous benefits and they help to cure various health conditions. Full body massage you get with one of these chairs can help relieve stress and tension, treat back pain and digestive problems. They treat headaches, anxiety, depression, and offer many other chair massage benefits. To understand the most notable health benefits of massage chairs, below we provide a deeper insight.

1. Helps sore muscles.

   The aches and pains in your body are usually not the results of sore joints or bones (though it can be true in a number of cases). Most often the pain is caused by the strained or overworked muscles. With a high-quality robotic chair massage, you can reduce and eliminate the discomfort.
   This benefit can especially be useful for athletes and other people who do a lot of working out on a regular basis. Athletes usually require regular professional sports massage to keep their body flexible. Having a massage chair at your home can easily substitute a personal massager, so you can enjoy a personalized sports massage in the comfort and privacy of your home.
   The chair massage helps to speed up the recovery after a muscle injury, such as strain or sprain. It improves blood circulation and reduces soft tissue pain.

2. Improves blood flow.

   Blood carries all the important nutrients for the muscles and vital organs of the body, so it is essential for its correct functioning. Electronic massage chairs help to improve the body’s blood flow, which has several benefits.
   First of all, people who suffer from impaired blood flow can benefit from this. People who have this issue usually experience constant cold of hands and feet and when left unattended, impaired blood flow can have a really bad impact on your health. The massage provided by the chair boosts the activity and helps to increase the production of red blood cells. It also helps to provide a correct blood flow by helping the blood vessels and arteries dilate. This benefits to relieving hypertension, which is linked to increasing the risk of a stroke and cardiovascular disease.
   With improved blood flow, it reduces swelling in the feet and improves healing as more beneficial oxygen is reached to organs and tissues. The massage improves not just blood flow but also increases lymphatic circulation, which helps to remove more toxins from the body.

3. Reduces Stress and Tension

   
   This is one of the main reasons why the massage chairs are so popular nowadays. After a tiring day at work, a massage chair is really helpful at relieving all that stress and nothing can relax you better than a professional massage. Many people are also starting to enjoy the benefits of chair massage at work, as you can find models that can perfectly fit the office space.

4. Improves your posture.

   
   A bad posture can affect your bloodstream and create breathing difficulties. Massage chairs can relax the muscles and improve their flexibility, thus helping to restore posture. If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, this can be really useful. Several minutes of deep relaxation will increase your energy levels and will leave your body feeling rejuvenated.

5. Action against pain.

   
   Benefits of massage chair also spread to the health of your skeletal system. They work on stiff and painful joints by increasing their flexibility. Massage chairs use different techniques to combat the issue, including rubbing, rolling, knocking and other. Massage chairs are especially good at combating back pain. But most full body chairs impact almost all parts of the body.

6. Reduces anxiety.

   
   While the massage chair works on your body it also increases endorphin levels, which are important for the enhancement of the human’s well-being. These occurring in the body sedative chemicals are linked to reducing anxiety.

 

With the state-of-the-art technology, the modern massage chairs have developed to the extent that they perfectly mimic the massage techniques used by professional therapists. The mechanisms they use stimulate human hands and fingers. They are designed to fit the body type of each individual. Some of the most advanced massage chairs even offer a scanning system. Before you start your massage session, the system scans your whole body in order to choose the best massage type and intensity.

Another benefit of massage chairs is that it’s a long lasting investment. You pay once but you can regularly use it for years. You can replace the human masseuse and with more privacy enjoy the relaxing massage that you can adjust to your preference.

How Do Massage Chairs Work?

After a long day of exhausting work, you might be left returning home with a stiff back. The tiring work might make your shoulders ache in pain and your feet swollen. A professional massage would help to get relief from all that stiffness and pain, but it’s not always convenient or possible. An easy and more comfortable way to get that relief is a massage chair. The robotic massage chairs have been on the market for many years. With the modern technologies, the chair massage will be almost human-like, if not better.

What is a chair massage? The main idea behind it is very simple. The chairs incorporate special devices inside them that provide a soothing and relaxing sensation to the person sitting in it. In some of the chairs, the device is simple, while in others it’s more complex and provides more versatility in the chair’s functions.

Vibrations only. Most of the cheaper massage chairs that you can find on the market today are equipped with vibrating elements only. More complex and expensive chairs, on the other hand, contain motors and machinery that are specifically designed to provide maximum stimulation of the techniques used by professional massage therapists.

Massage chairs of today use a complex mechanical approach and some inventors are introducing new techniques implemented in the massage chairs. In some of the chairs, you can water being used for massaging and reducing the user’s stress and tension. Many other ones use airbags. They work by squeezing the muscles, which promotes blood circulation and releases muscular pain.

Airbags. This is technique is used in many of the high-end massage chairs. A chair uses multiple airbags for squeezing the large muscles as a form of massage, which is a common technique among many massage therapists. The airbags are connected to an air compressor, which inflates them during the massage session.

Most massage chairs use a combination of motors, gears, rollers and vibrating mechanisms.

Vibrations. The simplest models usually use a vibrating surface that provides a massage. The vibrations are made by small devices, which contain a gear or a weighted wheel. The motor of the device pushes and rotates the wheel at high speed, which causes the vibrations. As an example, a mini version of this vibrating device is used in cellphones.

Rollers. In pricier massage chairs there are also rollers that create a more human-like hand massage. On some of the chairs, the rollers only move up and down, while on more complex ones they can move both laterally and vertically. So they move left, right and even in circular motions.

Massage Chair Recliners. Some of the massage chairs also function as recliners and some offer zero gravity position for a deeper massage experience. Most of the top-of-the-line massage chairs use a motorized reclining system. All you need to do is press a button on the control system and the chair will automatically change its position. On the other simpler chairs, you might have to pull a release handle and then physically push back against the backrest of the massage chair.

Many advanced massage chairs offer a variety of massage styles:

• Kneading. The rollers move in a circular or up and down movements focusing on pressure points. Kneading helps to increase blood circulation to and from the heart.
• Rolling. The rollers massage up and down along the spine. It’s designed to reduce pressure on the discs in your back.
• Shiatsu. It’s a type of Japanese physical therapy technique. It is similar to acupuncture as it uses fingers to stimulate acupoints providing deep tissue massage and relieving tension.
• Swedish. This massage style in chairs is used to replicate the feeling of long strokes of palm style massage. Swedish style focuses on muscle relaxation and blood stimulation.
• Tapping. The rollers push in and out of the backrest in rapid movements, simulating the “karate chop” technique. Tapping reduces stiffness and relieves muscle tension.

Massage Chair Brands

Today you can find massage chairs from many different brands. Below we have compiled a comprehensive list of the most known brands in the massage chair industry.

Panasonic

Some of the best innovations of massage chair technology are presented by Panasonic. They have been developing and assembling massage chairs since the 1960’s. In their products, they focus on creating the massage experience as lifelike as possible. The massage techniques incorporated in their massage chairs are borrowed from different massage styles. Panasonic is known for high quality and their massage chairs are made with that quality as well.

Their top rated massage chair models include EP-30007 and MA-70. They are the bestsellers of the Panasonic brand and have multiple positive feedback.

Inada

Another pioneer of the massage chair technology is the Inada company. It has been working on the massage chair market since the early days of its existence as well. They put a lot of effort in developing the most advanced techniques. Their chairs are designed and made in Japan.

Inada’s best model is the Sogno Dreamwave. It offers easy usability, an attractive design and most importantly amazing massage performance provided by a complex airbag massage system.

Omega

Omega is also known for their high-quality chairs and their functions. They focus on developing chairs that are feature rich but are easy to use. Their massage chairs provide the firm, smooth and realistic massage experience. They keep the user in mind when designing their products. They have introduced some of the industry first programs and features.

The most popular Omega model is the Montage Pro. It’s designed with a sleek design, solid construction and multiple useful features.

Osaki

One of the newer massage manufacturers is the Osaki brand. Though they were in the industry for just several years, they have been providing cutting edge chair massage products. They offer a wide range of products, with each one focusing on the best massage therapy experience.

Among the Osaki model, the OS-4000 massage chair stands out. It includes zero gravity, a multitude of pre-programmed functions and 48 airbags.

Cozzia

Cozzia has also developed a wide range of massage therapy focused products that are made with high quality. They focus on incorporating in their products the best in popular therapy, making their products easy to use and affordable for the enthusiasts. They have massage chairs that can fit different needs and budget.

The best Cozzia model is 16027 massage chair. This zero gravity chair delivers a firm but thorough massage with its innovative features and aesthetic appeal.

Infinity

Another popular brand is Infinity. In 2009 they launched their first line of Therapeutic Massage Chairs. They also provide personal massage products for spas. All of their chairs offer different massage styles and functions. They feature zero gravity, inversion, and some of them use the new foot roller technology. Their best chairs include Iyashi, IT-8500 and IT-8100.

Luraco

Luraco is a manufacturer of spa and massage technology. Their base for research and development as well as the production is located in Arlington Texas.

Their most prominent massage chair is the iRobotics 6. It’s made of high quality materials, features 100 airbags and zero gravity. It’s made with ease of use in mind, so it’s easy to adjust it to your needs.

Human Touch

Human Touch has won awards for their massage chair manufacturing. In developing their products they focus around the person’s wellness and incorporate features that provide lifelike experience and bring out the benefits of massage therapy. This company’s headquarters are also located in the U.S., in Southern California. They have developed several popular lines such as iJoy and HT series.

Osim

Osim massage chairs are built with high quality materials and come in a modern and contemporary design. In their design, they also use advanced therapeutic technologies. One of them is the mobile application that allows you to control the massage chair settings. uDivine is their most popular model that comes with this app and provides a very human-like massage. One of the products that stands out in the line of massage chairs is uAstro2.

Inner Balance

Inner Balance is most known for their Zero Gravity Recliners such as ZG571 and Zg550. In the development of their massage chairs, they use a wellness first approach. They focus on the specialties of therapy and relaxation to give the best results. The chairs they make are not fully featured as they focus more on just providing a quick way to relax in a zero gravity position with some vibration to soothe your muscles.

iComfort

iComfort is owned by a Canadian based company. Among their developments, they have many spa and health related products, including massage chairs. It’s not the most popular brand of massage chairs, but they have a good line and they continue to research and develop new ones.

Fujita

Fujita designs the massage chairs with the focus on comfort and health improvement. In their product development, they use the theories of physical therapy, acupressure, and natural healing. Their massage chairs adjust the body to a healthy posture through intense therapy methods. They provide deep tissue massage also stimulating the blood circulation. Their best product is the SMK9100 massage chair that comes with arm width adjustments, music sync, and Thai stretching.

The Bottom Line

People have practiced massage therapy since the ancient times. Nowadays, the technology advanced and there’re many innovations in the field of health. One of them is massage chairs, which have come really close to duplicating the human touch in their massage techniques.

Regularly visiting a spa for a massage and hiring the services of a massage professional are not that cheap. With a massage chair, you can have a relaxing and relieving experience close to or better than that of a professional. Moreover, you can have at any time you want on a regular basis and all in the privacy of your own home. So in the long run, it can actually save you money if you like to frequently visit the spa for a massage. If you would like to target a certain area of your body, you can choose more affordable options instead of a massage chair.

You can get a massage cushion, a foot massager (follow the link for best foot massager reviews), or a massager for just the shoulders and back. If you were looking for a massage chair for your massage spa, there are some other products you can consider purchasing for your business. They include portable massage chairs and portable massage tables. Some other products in the massage industry that can be substituted to massage chairs but also bring good relief include handheld massagers, massaging home foot spas, and electronic pulse massagers.

There are many health benefits that full body massage chairs bring to a person, from reducing pain to stress relief. With the advanced technologies used in the massage chairs, you can have the perfect massage for your exact needs whether you prefer a certain style of massage or would like a certain intensity level or want the chair to work on a certain part of your body. Choosing the best massage chair for the money, you’ll have all these options that you can adjust to achieve luxurious relaxation. With our massage chair reviews, you can compare the top models on the market to see what’s best for you. All these models have the highest ratings and popularity on the market, as well as the best combination of value, price, and functionality.