Massage chair

The popularity of the massage chair has increased over recent years, probably because of the associations that this type of chair has with relaxation and stress relief.

Massage chairs work by using a series of motors that generate small movements that simulate a massaging sensation. With a very basic chair the massage zone will be in a localised area (e.g. the middle of the backrest), however with the more advanced and expensive chairs the therapy can be much more extensive and cover much of the body.

Simple massage chair

A simple massage chair can take one of two forms. It can be a regular living room style chair that has a massage function included as an optional extra, or a purpose designed chair at the lower end of the "massage chair" price spectrum.

In both cases the type of massage function that can be expected will normally focus on the back (usually at the exclusion of the seat area) and the massage simulation available will be either Swedish or shiatsu.

A hand held remote control will allow variations in massage speed, direction and possibly the intensity of the motion to be selected. Some basic chairs will have selectable programs and some may even have a heat function.

Luxury massage chair

The most expensive massage chairs can cost a considerable sum, however the facilities and functions that they provide are equally impressive.

A luxury massage chair will offer a massage across the entire body from the head to the feet. It will use a combination of motors and inflatable pressure pads to simulate the massage sensation and the options and programs will be extensive, if not limitless.

Chairs of this kind can simulate either a Swedish or a Shiatsu massage and their design means that even the hands and feet can receive the treatment.

Multiple selectable programs, or programs that are created by the recipient allow the full range of the chair’s potential to be enjoyed in a single or multiple sessions. Heat is also a function on most of these chairs, allowing the combination of manipulation and warmth to sooth and ease the body.

The top of the range massage chairs have several internal motors and heaters and this means that they can be large and heavy. However, their appearance normally reflects this and their high quality finish means that they look acceptable in most living rooms.

Effectiveness

Anyone who buys a massage chair will be doing so because they want an outlet for relaxation, probably at the end of a long and stressful day.

These chairs can offer very good simulations of both the main massage techniques and they can even be programmed to work on a particular area or zone of the body. They are not, however, physiotherapists or human masseurs and therefore their use should not be seen as a medical treatment or a rehabilitation option.

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