Video:Buy a Massage Chair

SHARE ON                

Transcript:Buy a Massage Chair

Hi I'm Cathy Wong, your guide to Alternative Medicine at About.com.

Why Buy a Massage Chair?

Massage chairs have built-in electric rollers, nodes, and air bags, all designed to emulate the fingers and hands of a massage therapist.

When You Buy a Massage Chair

If you're thinking about buying one, my advice is to go into the stores and try out the floor models.

Massage Chair Intensity

Make sure the intensity of the massage is right for you. Some chairs provide a strong massage, others do a lighter massage.
You can increase the pressure by removing any detachable cushions or by reclining.

If that isn't enough, chairs like the Panasonic Real Pro Elite have controls that allow you to increase or decrease the intensity of the massage.

Massage Chair Size

Another thing to consider is size. Many chairs like the Ijoy, are built for someone who's ideally around 5'10. So the massage starts up here and moves down. But I'm 5'3, so I have to manually adjust the controls during each massage so it starts lower where my back is.

You might not mind doing that, but if you do, you can pay more for a chair like the Panasonic Lifestyle that automatically adjusts to the height of the user and makes sure that the massage starts at the right place on your back.

When you get into top models like the Pro Elite, they also automatically sense where the spine is or find tense areas to give you a more customized massage.

Massage Chair Features

Chairs, like the Pro Elite, allow you to save your favorite massage sequences.Some chairs work on other areas, like the hips, legs, feet, and arms using air bags that inflate and deflate.

Check out the range of massage strokes. From the basic to kneading, swedish, shiatsu, even Hawaiian massage--there may be techniques that you love and others you can do without.

Top of the line models have some pretty cool features. The Isymphonic has a built in CD player with headphones and can actually synchronize the massage to the music.

Massage Chair Appearance

Another consideration is what the chair looks like and whether it'll fit in with your décor. Lets face it. Some of these chairs are pretty bulky, which is why they're often hidden away in bedrooms or home offices.

If you can't find one that looks right, chairs like the Ijoy have wheels so it can be moved from room to room or out of sight if company's coming.

Buy a Massage Chair

Then there's price. Massage chairs range from over 500 to 5000 dollars. Not everyone needs the features of the higher-priced models- it's a matter of determining which features are important to you. and that's why testing them in the store is necessary.

And finally, make sure you find out about the standard warranty. How long does it last, and does it cover parts and labor?

Those are the basic points you should consider before buying a massage chair. Also, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor first because people with certain conditions, like osteoporosis, may not be able to use one.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at Altmedicine.About.com.