Massage Chairs

Best Massage Chair to Rejuvenate Yourself

If you’re looking to relax after a tiresome day of work, you can bring home a quality massage chair. These massagers not only give you a comforting massage but also ease your aches and pains. Having a massage chair at home is not a luxury anymore, it has become a necessity as it enables you to take on whatever life throws at you.

In this guide, we'll shed some light on the benefits of using a massage chair and how it can help you in dealing with your acute or chronic pain.

So let's get going, shall we?

How Does a Massage Chair Benefit?

A massage chair has many benefits whether you’re looking to recover from a physical exertion, or just want to unwind from a tiring day.

Let’s have a look at the physical and mental benefits that a massage chair has to offer.

Physical Health Benefits of Massage Chair Recliner

Some of the physical health benefits that a massage chair has are,

●     Relieving Pain:

A massage chair can focus on certain muscle groups in your body and it can alleviate pain from areas under stress either by injury or strain.

With this targeted methodology, the relief you’ll get is not in general but is more precise. Your massage chair is tackling the root cause of your discomfort.

●     Relaxing Muscles:

With constant strain, muscles can feel stiff which results in limiting flexibility and movement. With the help of a massage chair, different techniques can be deployed to prevent muscle strain and improve flexibility

●     Improving Blood Circulation:

Blood circulation is paramount to muscle and organ health, no, and massage chairs can stimulate blood flow. Better circulation can reduce swelling and help in quick recovery from injuries.

This can result in oxygen properly reaching your organs and muscles and with that oxygen, adequate nutrients are delivered as well. Therefore, your entire body continues to perform well.

Mental Health Benefits

●     Reducing Stress:

People have busy schedules these days and having a moment of relaxation can be tough with so much going on. But if you have a massage chair at home, you can always go back to your little corner of a private retreat to reduce your stress levels and rejuvenate.

●     Improving Sleep Quality:

With the relaxation that a massage chair can provide, you can rest well and your body can conserve more energy to be ready for a deep sleep. It can also benefit if you have to deal with any sleep underlying conditions such as sleep disturbances.

Different Massage Chair Types

There are different types of massage chairs available, ranging from luxury models to some of the basic options. These models come with different integrated technologies, such as heated options, full body massage, and zero gravity.

Understanding different types of massage chairs can help you make an informed decision and bring in the right chair that meets your personal goals.

High-End vs. Basic Massage Chairs

Let’s compare the basic models vs the high-end ones and see how they are different from one another.

●     Basic Massage Chairs:

These models have all the fundamental functions of a massage chair. Basic models are meant to focus on rolling motions and simple vibrations.

These chairs work well for occasional use and offer a basic level of relaxation and comfort. If you have a tight budget and have limited space available, these models can serve you well.

These entry-level massage chairs offer a simple experience and no advanced features, so they tend to be more user-friendly as well.

●     High-End Massage Chairs:

The high-end models come with all the bells and whistles. These massage chairs have different customized options and are equipped with different massage techniques.

These include deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, Shiatsu massage, etc. Moreover, these chairs are also equipped with body scanning and adjust the massage according to your needs. Additional features include USB ports, Bluetooth speakers, and WiFi integration.

●    Reclining Massage Chair with Zero Gravity

These massage chairs come with the Zero Gravity feature that is meant to elevate your legs above your heart level. It mimics the positions of astronauts when they are taking off.

With this position, your weight is evenly distributed across the chair, resulting in low pressure on the body and improving the overall effectiveness of massage.

This massage methodology can promote circulation and limit spinal pressure. It enhances relaxation and reduces overall strain on your spine which makes this feature the best there is in all massage chairs.

●    Full-Body Massaging Chairs

These chairs provide a comprehensive massage chair experience that targets your entire body. These models feature roller tracks that can reach different areas of your body.

Moreover, these chairs come equipped with airbags to provide compression massage as well as foot rollers that massage your heels and soles. If you're looking for the therapeutic advantages of massage, then these chairs are the right option for you.

●    Heated Massaging Chairs

These chairs integrate heat with various massaging techniques, and with this inclusion pain relief and muscle relaxation become even more comforting.

With heat, your blood vessels get dilated and it improves blood circulation. This can result in an improved healing and recovery process.

And if you’re looking to relax your stiff muscles, just enjoy the relaxing warmth of this chair during the massage as an add-on to your overall experience.

Best Massage Chairs of 2024 Reviewed

Bodyfriend Phantom II Review

The Phantom II massage chair features a modern 4D massage system along with intelligent scanning to ensure a highly personalized experience to provide relief to your body.

This massage chair is one of the best as it comes integrated with various features to ensure a comprehensive therapeutic experience.

It is also equipped with a compression system that targets all important areas in your body to ensure a more holistic experience. Furthermore, it is equipped with intelligent voice control that enables you to effortlessly adjust the massage and choose between different massage styles.

Not only that, this chair comes with a range of different massage techniques. These include tapping, kneading, as well as acupressure with different intensities. It means that you can change the speed and intensity of your massage treatment according to your requirements and preferences.

Plus, the chair comes with a leg massage feature that includes airbags and rollers. It is highly beneficial for those who have to deal with swollen calves.

In terms of design, this massage chair doesn’t disappoint as it comes with some sleek aesthetics. The chair incorporates space-saving technology, which enables you to seamlessly fit it into your home and benefit from its therapeutic features.

With heat therapy and different message options, this chair is an absolute pinnacle in the world of massage chairs. It not only relieves pain and tackles muscle tension but also boosts well-being and comfort.

Pros:

• Comes with heat therapy for additional comfort.
• Integrated with voice control technology.
• Features zero-gravity reclining for maximum relaxation.
• Delivers air compression massage for your entire body.
• Incorporates smart body scanning technology.
• Boasts a 4D massage system.

Cons:

• Not many design or color options are available.

Bodyfriend Leonardo DaVinci Review

Another one of the top-quality massage chairs by Bodyfriend is the Leonardo DaVinci. This chair is far more than just providing a relaxation time for you to unwind. It comes with a personalized health management system integrated with bioelectrical impedance analysis or BIA.

This intelligent feature evaluates your body composition and delivers a more tailored massage experience to deal with osteoporosis and sarcopenia. It also recommends various diet plans as well as exercise regimes based on the analysis.

The arm massager of this chair is equipped with an LED function as well as heat therapy that focuses on your joints. Therefore, it blends acupressure massaging with heat therapy and provides a relaxed resting time for your hands and arms.

Moreover, it is equipped with an 8.7-inch LCD touchscreen which features a user-friendly design. It enables you to control this massaging chair with ease and have a relaxing time.

The aesthetics and design of this message chair resemble a supercar setting and it also integrates high-tech materials to ensure longevity.

Not only that, the chair is also equipped with voice control features and you don’t even have to look at the controls to make any adjustments. It has hip massage with air compression and full-body air massage as well to ensure your entire body is well taken care of during the session.

Plus, the chair comes with a 3D massage system along with fully automated body scanning and zero-gravity reclining to maximize your massaging experience.

Pros:

• Equipped with a sensitive voice control.
• 3D and air compression massage features.
• Highly intuitive touchscreen LCD.
• Design collaboration with Italdesign for luxurious aesthetics.
• Integrated with heat therapy.
• More personalized health management using BIA.

Cons:

• Using the chair can be a steep learning curve for those who are less tech-savvy.

Bodyfriend Eliza Massage Chair Review

Massage chairs tend to be quite bulky in size and they have a massive footprint. But this is not the case with Eliza by Bodyfriend.

This massage chair is the perfect blend of compact construction and efficiency that is suitable for every home. The compact size of this massage chair enables you to fit it in any room of your home without any issues.

Moreover, this massage chair comes with low energy consumption to ensure peace of mind while relaxing on it. This chair is the right option for anyone who has an eco-friendly lifestyle.

But that’s not all! This massage chair comes with targeted hip massage with a combo of airbags and massage balls. It ensures targeted relief and ensures an exceptional massage experience.

The chair weighs around 100 pounds and it is one of the lightest options available on the market in its price range. Therefore, you can move it around when needed.

The chair also comes with an integrated remote control for a more simple experience so you don’t have to deal with any complications while operating your massage chair and interrupting your relaxing time.

With the inclusion of a 5V USB port, you can connect different devices to your chair for charging or media. Moreover, the chair comes with a 15-minute auto timer that can ensure you don’t end up overusing it.

This chair has comprehensive messaging features to ensure a complete relaxing experience for your entire body with airbags and rollers. It keeps everything simple and highly efficient.

Pros:

• USB port for charging and media connectivity.
• Integrated user-friendly remote control.
• Easy transportability with a lightweight design.
• Comes with hip air massage.
• Highly energy efficient.
• Compact constrictions fit any size room.

Cons:

• Auto timer duration is short.
• Doesn’t feature a swivel.

Different Massage Techniques Available in Massage Chairs

Now, let’s talk about the different massage techniques that are available in different massage chairs that you can benefit from.

●    Kneading

This massage features rolling, lifting, and squeezing the flesh as if you are kneading some dough. This method can help relax strained muscles pretty well.

Benefits:

• Helpful in reducing muscle stiffness and tension.
• Increases muscle flexibility.
• Improves healing by promoting blood circulation.

Targeting Muscle Groups:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Back

●    Rolling

This massage features different rollers that move over your spine in a fixed way. It mimics the pulling and pushing methodologies of professionals for spinal alignment used by professional masseuses.

Benefits:

• Helps in improving posture and boosts spinal flexibility.
• Loosens your spinal muscles and reduces stiffness.
• Assists in stimulating spinal nerves.

Targeting Muscle Groups:

• Upper back region.
• Lower back region
• Entire spine.

●    Percussion or Tapping

This technique features brisk but light taps on the body which encourages the muscles to relax and contract fast. This technique promotes muscle function and improves circulation.

Benefits:

• Helps in boosting lymphatic drainage and detoxification.
• Relieves muscle fatigue and tension.
• Boosts blood circulation and flow of oxygen in muscles.

Targeting Muscles Groups:

• Legs
• Shoulders
• Back

●    Shiatsu

This technique is based on applying pressure to particular areas of your body using palms, fingers, and thumbs. This technique is based on acupuncture meridians and it helps in balancing the energy flow of your body.

Benefits:

• Relieves joint and muscle pain.
• Balances body mechanisms and energy levels.
• Relieves anxiety and stress and helps in reducing depression.

Targeting Muscles Groups:

• Shoulders
• Neck
• Back
• All pressure points across the body.

●    Swedish

This massage technique features long gliding strokes directed towards the veins that return blood to your heart. This message is meant for relaxation and improving circulation.

Benefits:

• Reduces toxins in muscles.
• Improves muscle flexibility.
• Increases blood oxygen level.
• Reduces stress.

Targeting Muscles Groups:

• Entire body.

●    Compression

This massage technique is all about applying pressure to your body using elbows, hands, and different devices for muscle compressions against the bones. It assists in improving circulation and releasing muscle tension.

Benefits:

• Boosts relaxation and reduces muscle swelling.
• Relieves muscle soreness and tension.
• Improves blood flow.

Targeting Muscles Groups:

• Back
• Arms
• Legs

●    Stretching

This technique involves stretching and pulling of muscles and limbs and it can improve range of motion and flexibility just like any other stretching exercises.

Benefits:

• Improves overall athleticism.
• Limits muscle soreness and stiffness.
• Enhances mobility and flexibility.

Targeting Muscle Groups:

• Back
• Arms
• Legs

●    Therapeutic Heating

This technique uses direct application of warmth to your body and it helps in relaxing muscles as well as improving blood circulation by dilating vessels.

Benefits:

• Boosts deep muscle relaxation.
• Eradicates pain and improves blood circulation.
• Flexes tighten muscles by reducing stiffness.

Target Muscle Groups:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Back

●    Air Compression

This technique features inflating and defaulting airbags. It mimics a masseuse’s hands when squeezing and releasing muscles. Therefore, it can assist in lymphatic drainage and improve blood circulation.

Benefits:

• Relieves muscle fatigue and tension.
• Reduces swelling and promotes blood circulation.
• Helps in detoxification and stimulates lymphatic drainage.

Target Muscle Groups:

• Hips
• Legs
• Arms

●    Reflexology

This technique emphasizes applying pressure to your hands and feet as well as your ears. These are the areas where reflex points are considered to correspond to various systems and organs in the body.

Benefits:

• Improves energy flow and blood circulation.
• Ensures stress relief
• Helps in stimulating internal organs.

Targeting Muscle Groups:

• Feet
• Hands

●    Zero Gravity

This technique positions your entire body in a manner to limits the stress on your spine. The focus here is to evenly distribute body weight by alleviating legs over your heart level.

Benefits:

• Lowers heart rate and helps in better breathing.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Lowers spinal pressures and reduces back pain.

Targeting Muscle Groups:

• Entire body.

●    Vibration

This technique involves repetitive and rapid vibrations that will stimulate your blood circulation and relax your muscles. It works well as a warmup and can also help in cooling your muscles down.

Benefits:

• Reduces stress and improves muscle relaxation.
• Limits muscle soreness
• Help in toning the muscles and faster recovery.

Targeting Muscle Groups:

• Legs
• Buttocks
• Back

●    Foot Rolling

This technique focuses on the arches and soles of your feet and it features rolling motions that stimulate different reflex points to promote healthy feet.

Benefits:

• Boosts blood circulation in the feet.
• Stimulate the reflex points
• Relieves foot tension and alleviates pain.

Targeting Muscle Groups:

• Feet

So How Does A Massage Chair Work?

Now the question is, how does a massage chair work? Well, these chairs are designed to provide a range of different therapeutic massages. They come with different mechanisms including airbags, rollers, motors, etc to reproduce motions that professional masseuses do.

●    Motors:

These components are the primary driving force behind a working massage chair. The motors are connected with airbags and rollers and enable them to perform their functions according to different preset programs.

High-end massage chairs are equipped with multiple motors and they can simultaneously perform complicated massage techniques with ease.

●    Rollers:

These are fundamental parts of any massage chair and they are meant to move along your back to provide continuous massage mimicking the rolling motions of the masseuse’s hands.

They can move up and down side to side and even in and out as they focus on different muscle groups. These trolleys tend to be different in shape and size depending upon the type of massages they are being used for.

●    Airbags:

These are placed strategically throughout a massage chair and they are there to provide compression massage while inflating and deflating and mimicking the squeeze and release actions of human hands.

These airbags target muscle groups that rollers tend to miss, such as shoulders, feet, elbows, legs, and arms. These components help in boosting blood circulation and easing muscle tension.

Various Technological Innovations in Massage Chairs

Here are some examples that you can consider for reference.

●    Voice Control:

Some of the latest models available on the market come with integrated voice controls. It means that you can conveniently adjust different settings on your massage chairs without even moving your finger.

●    Phone Integration:

Some modern models can easily be connected to smartphones. Therefore, you can conveniently control them with your phone using an app. This way you can control a chair with even more ease.

●    Heating Therapy:

Many high-end massage chairs come integrated with eating therapy as well. With heat therapy, you can enjoy deeper muscle massage providing extra relief from strain and tension.

●    Zero Gravity

This is a top feature that most modern massage chairs have. The positioning is inspired by the posture of astronauts when they take off. It reclines the chair and alleviates your legs higher than your heart level to reduce strains on your spine and evenly distribute your body weight.

Features to Consider When Buying A Massage Chair

Now, let’s take a look at some of the features that you must consider when buying a massage chair for your home.

●    Different Types of Massage Available:

The most important thing that you must consider before buying a massage chair is to determine how many massage options are available in that particular model. With a diverse range of massage options, you can always find the best one suitable for your needs. 

●    Body Scanning Feature:

Advanced models come with body scanning features as well. It can automatically customize your message according to your body requirements. Therefore, the chair will automatically target certain muscle groups with adequate pressure as per needed.

●    Zero Gravity:

This reclining feature can assist in pain relief and muscle relaxation, especially in your back area. This feature is only available in more advanced models.

●    Adjusting Settings:

You need to look for models that come with adjustable settings and you can change the speed and intensity of your massage.

●    Therapeutic Heating:

With these features, you will get an additional layer of muscle relaxation during your massage. This therapy can boost blood circulation and pain relief.

●    User-Friendliness

Make sure you go for a chair that comes with a user-friendly interface. It means that you won’t have to go through a steep learning curve when using such a chair.

●    Construction & Materials

Be sure to look for models that feature quality materials and sturdy construction as it will ensure durability and longevity. Go for synthetic fabrics or healthier because they are easy to clean and long-lasting. 

●    Space Saving

Some models enable you to minimize the amount of space that they can take up especially when reclining. If you have limited space, this is an important feature to consider.

●    Full-Body Massaging Capability

Some of the more advanced models can provide you with full body massage using different motors, airbags, and rollers.

●    Customer Support & Warranty

Choose a chair that comes with an excellent warranty and offers exceptional customer support to ensure peace of mind. 

●    Extra Feature

You can also go for a chair that comes with some additional features. For example, some models come with Bluetooth speakers and USB ports. Some also come with cup holders, etc as added features.

How to Properly Maintain A Massage Chair?

Here are some tips on how to maintain a massage chair to ensure its longevity.

●    Periodic Cleaning:

Be sure to periodically clean your massage chair by wiping it down using a soft, dry piece of cloth. It will help you in removing sweat and oils. For leather chairs, you can use a mild leather cleaner as well. Just be sure not to choose any harsh chemicals.

●    Inspect Any Loose Connections:

Keep an eye on the power cords, and other cables of your chair to make sure that there are no loose connections and everything is where it needs to be.

●    Don’t Overload Your Chair:

Be sure not to overlord your chair and consider the total weight capacity of a massage chair that comes with the specifications from the manufacturer.

●    Don’t Place It In Direct Sunlight:

Make sure that you don’t place your chair directly in sunlight or it will damage the upholstery.

●    Use surge Protection:

It is a good practice to connect your massage chair with a surge protector to keep it safe from any power surges as well as various electrical components that need to be safeguarded from surges. 

●    Professional Checkups:

You can also schedule professional checkups for your massage chair. A professional technician will service your chair and still prevent any potential issues even before they occur.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Let’s talk about how to troubleshoot common issues with your massage chair on your own.

●    What if the chair doesn’t power on?

You can check if the power cord is properly plugged into the outlet or not. Moreover, verify whether the power outlet is functional or not. If the issue persists, you can examine the power cord of your chair for any damage.

●    What if any unusual noises occur during the operation? 

You need to identify the source of the noise. Any loose parts or debris caught in the systems of your chair might be the root cause of these noises. Or you can tighten any bolts or screens or clear any obstructions from the moving components of the chair.

●    What massage intensity stays inconsistent?

You can check if your chair is correctly adjusted or not. You might have set the intensity level too low or you can inspect the power supply of your chair for any issues.

This can result in your chair getting reduced power. And be sure that you don’t overload your chair as it can influence the intensity of massage that it delivers as well.

●    What to do if error messages are displayed?

You can check the user manual that came with your chair and check different error codes and the subsequent troubleshooting steps. If the issue persists, you can always reset the settings to eliminate any software glitches and turn your massage chair back on.

FAQs

How do 4D and 3D massage chairs differ from one another?

A 3D massage chair can adjust the massaging intensity by controlling how far rollers can extend out from the backrest of the chair.

On the other hand, a 4D massage chair also comes with similar features but adds one more dimension, spreading the massaging effect and making it more real.

Can I use the zero gravity feature frequently?

Yes, it’s safe to use these features frequently in general. But be sure that you don't use intense massage settings. Better to start with shorter sessions and keep this feature for relaxation purposes instead of therapeutic purposes.

Do massage chairs help in alleviating back pain?

Yes, these massage chairs can come in handy for alleviating back pain with different massage techniques.

Can kids use these massage chairs?

Yes, kids can also use these chairs but be sure to supervise them when they are sitting in these massage chairs.

How long does a massage chair last?

A high-end massage chair can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years and even longer if you take proper care of it.

Can I use massage chairs during pregnancy?

Pregnant women need to consult their doctors before they start using these chairs. Gentle massage can be beneficial and safe but certain features should be avoided during these periods, especially the first trimester.

Conclusion

Massage chairs have come quite a long way since their inception many decades ago. And with each of these technological advancements, your user experience gets better.

In today’s busy life, a massage chair can be the much needed addition to regain your body’s energy.

Invest in a quality chair with a range of features that can come in handy during your day-to-day use to get the best bang of your buck.