Massage Chairs - Reclining & Full Body Massage Chairs To Help You Relax

What is a Massage Chair?

Also referred to as a robotic massage chair, or massaging chair, massage chairs are similarly constructed as recliner chairs. They should not be confused with portable massage chairs, which are utilized for massage therapy with a massage therapist. Robotic massage chairs are assembled with electronic motors and gears to massage the individual sitting in the chair. They are available in a diverse assortment of designs and sizes to better suit the needs and preferences of the individual users.

How do Massage Chairs Work?

While a professional massage with a therapist is the best way to experience massage therapy, visiting a therapist is not always feasible or convenient. Massaging chairs provide the same benefits of professional massage therapy, all within the comfort, privacy and convenience of your own home. Because of their cutting edge technology and special mechanisms inside of massage chairs that perform various functions, everyone can choose a chair that best fulfills their own requirements for massage therapy.

Vibration function: While the least expensive massage chairs on the market usually only provide vibration, more complex designs highlight state-of-the-art machinery intended to mimic the stimulation techniques of different types of professional massage. Simpler vibration devices push and rotate a weighted wheel or gear at a high speed, resulting in vibrations of varying levels.

Roller function: Better made massaging chairs often include rollers that mimic the pressure and movement of a massage therapist’s hands. Some models offer only up and down rolling movement, while more complex models can also move vertically, laterally and even in circular motions.

Airbag function: Connected to an air compressor, airbags are a relatively new feature on higher end massage chairs. Specifically located multiple airbags are inflated by the compressor, which then squeeze the large muscles, a common massage technique used by professional therapists.

Reclining function: Most robotic massage chairs look and function like regular recliner chairs, but some offer a zero gravity reclining position that can result in a deeper massage experience. The recline feature is generally available as a pull and release handle for manual reclining, and as a simple push of a button on a control panel or remote control for automated, motorized reclining.

Massage Style function: While the simpler chairs typically only offer vibration massage, more advanced chair models often offer a variety of massage styles, or will focus on several of the following modalities.

Shiatsu: Similar to acupuncture, this Japanese massage technique highlights the use of the fingers to relieve tension and provide deep tissue massage through the stimulation of acupressure points.

Swedish: Focusing on blood stimulation and muscle relaxation, this massage style utilizes the long strokes of hand-palm types of massage.

Rolling: This technique involves rolling the hands up and down the back to help reduce pressure on the discs of the spine.

Kneading: A common massage style that helps enhance circulation to and from the heart, kneading is usually implemented by grabbing and digging into the body with the hands in up and down or circular movements.

Tapping: Also known as the “karate chop” technique, tapping involves rapidly hitting the back muscles to mitigate muscle tension and reduce stiffness.

What are the Benefits of Massage Chairs?

Once considered a luxury, robotic massage chairs are now highly regarded as efficient tools for health and well-being. Regular sessions in a massage chair not only help to treat existing stress and pain problems, but also help to prevent these issues from occurring. Because more advanced models can now simulate a professional massage therapist’s hands and fingers and have advanced to the extent that they provide the same benefits as a human masseuse, choosing to buy a massage chair could be one of the most cost-effective plans you could put into place for good health. This long lasting investment will continue to pay you back for years to come with its numerous health benefits.

Circulation: Massage chairs enhance blood flow throughout the body, boosting circulation and increasing red blood cell production. Because this movement helps to balance circulatory problems through better dilation of the arteries and blood vessels, chair massage can reduce hypertension/high blood pressure, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. More functional circulation also increases lymphatic flow, helping to remove toxins from the body. Swelling and edema are often reduced through the use of massage chairs, while more beneficial oxygen is better circulated to tissues and organs.

Sore Muscles and Generalized Pain: While sore bones and joints can certainly cause aches and pains, most of these issues are actually the result of overworked or strained muscles. Advanced massage chairs can help massage these muscles to reduce pain, but also help the skeletal system by massaging stiffness away from the bones and joints to increase their flexibility and range of motion. The specific massage actions from the chair speed up the recovery process for an injury, sprain or strain, and the enhanced circulation also helps reduce pain from soft tissue injuries.

Stress , Anxiety and Tension: Just like professional massage therapy, today’s massaging chairs help to increase endorphin levels, which contributes to a greater sense of well-being and feeling good. Nothing can relax someone better than a full body massage, and this is one of the main reasons that people buy these chairs for regular use at home. Tension headaches and tight muscles are all relieved with the various types of massage a robotic massage chair can offer. Feelings of anxiety and stress melt away with massage, and regular usage can help prevent getting overwhelmed with worry.

Posture: Since massage chairs relax muscles and improve their flexibility, regular usage can help to restore proper posture. With so many of us sitting hunched over computers for work or play these days, regular sessions in a massage chair can help get our bodies back in better alignment, which leads to increased energy and rejuvenation.

Rehabmart is proud to offer an extensive collection of high performance massage chairs from one of the most expert vendors in massage products, Titan, LLC.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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