Your choice of massage chair should be highly individualized. Each person has different preferences, requirements, and budgets when it comes to this. Similarly, each chair comes with its own set of features and functions. The Inada DreamWave, for instance, combines healing techniques and modern technology for a full-body massage.
What is the most appropriate massage chair for you to invest in?
Placement
One of the first things you need to consider is whether you have the space for a massage chair in your home.
They’re bulky, and they’ll likely end up somewhere in your bedroom, home office, or living room. Wherever you decide to put it, make sure it’s somewhere accessible and others in your household agree about placement.
If you get a massage chair with reclining functionality, you won’t be able to put it close to a wall. This is why it’s important to take note of dimensions and space while you’re selecting the chair. How much space do you need for a full recline?
There are also massage chair options with wheels. This allows the chair to be brought between rooms so they can be put out of sight when you need more space.
People Using It
Generally, massage chairs are designed for those about 5’10 in height. If you’re significantly shorter or taller than this, you may want to try out the chair in person before making a purchase. Back rollers may operate too high for you if you are below 5’10. They may end up massaging your head and neck instead of your back.
For some massage chairs, you’ll be able to manually adjust the position of nodes and rollers, so they massage the right areas of your body. Other chairs can automatically adjust to your height, as they can sense where the tops of your shoulders are.
Another important factor is the height of the massage chair seat. It should remain at a comfortable level. Seats closer to the ground can be uncomfortable for people above a height of 6 feet and for those experiencing knee, hip, or lower back pain.
Features and Functionalities
Why are you getting a massage chair? If it’s to reduce muscle tension in certain areas of your body, find a chair that is focused on massaging that area. You probably won’t be using the entire range of features all of the time.
What intensity or pressure suits you best? It can provide strong or light pressure, but you have to actually try out the chair to determine whether what pressure levels suit you best. And you have to do this as you’re looking for a chair, not upon purchase.
Budget
Depending on the brand and features of the chair, the cost will range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Price shouldn’t be used to measure quality. The most expensive chairs aren’t automatically of the highest quality. You may not even need or want the features of higher-priced models, as simpler functions may be enough for your needs.
If you decide to invest in a massage chair and you have some health conditions, check with your doctor first. It is possible that some features of the chair, as well as the type or duration of massage, can pose some negative health effects. Your health provider can clear that up and ensure you’re getting the maximum health benefits from a massage chair.