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Our goal is to present a potential massage chair purchaser with an unbiased, thorough and comprehensive review of the Panasonice Real Pro Elite. We have developed a 5 category system to evaluate a massage chair. We give equal weight to each category and give 0 to 20 points rating and then add them up to present an overall score. Our categories include Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. This systematic approach forces us to a disciplined method of evaluating a massage chair to help guide anyone looking at massage chairs. The Panasonic Real Pro Elite EP-3222 shiatsu massage chair price is in the Luxury range of $4,000 to $5,000.

Warranty & Customer Service: First is how the manufacturer rates in both warranty coverage and customer service. The manufacturer needs to stand behind its product. Panasonic gives a 1 year labor, 1 year parts and 1 year in-home service as well as 1 year shipping. Panasonic puts a machine life cap of 1,000 hours of use. Panasonic gives a short warranty combined with the 1,000 hour cap (for heavy users), the warranty rates as ok. The electronics company’s such as Panasonic (or Sanyo) like to sell extended warranties. Panasonic offers in-home technician service and will pay for shipping for the first year. Customer service is through your retailer. Service times vary on the service center location. Overall Rating for Panasonic warranty and customer service is 15.

Comfort & Ergonomics: The comfort and fit of a shiatsu massage chair is important. Otherwise, the chair will only be used for massage. The chair back and armrests of the Panasonic Real Pro Elite are comfortable and the upholstery is well padded. The head pillow is soft and the thickness is appropriate. The footrest is comfortable, but cannot be adjusted. If you are 5′ 10″ or more, then your knees must be bent when the footrest is raised. This is the least ergonomic part of the chair. The average person in the US is taller than in Asia, so the footrest can be an issue. Our rating in this category is 17.

Ease of Use: Ease of use is defined as how intuitive the controls and how complicated are they to use without reading the instructions. Panasonic has lead in the development of remote controls using LCDs and other advanced features. The Real Pro Elite EP-3222 has many features and correspondingly many buttons on the control. Most are intuitive, but some take some getting used to, which means lower ease of use. Panasonic tries to compensate for this with its “Voice Guidance” feature. The automatic massage buttons are located across the top of the controls for easy access and they have a “focus” button which allows you to repeat the massage action that occurred. The Real Pro Elite has a side panel with additional manual massage controls for the lower body massages. Overall Rating for the Panasonic Real Pro Elite for ease of use is 17.

Key Features: The most prominent features of the Panasonic EP-3222 are the Lower Body Air System and the Swede-Atsu massage system. The lower body air system has 33 airbags covering your hips, thighs, buttocks, calves and feet. There are 3 lower body massages including Grasp, Auto and Squeeze. The Swede-Atsu replicates the stoking of the palms of the hand, pressing by the heal of the hand, and kneading with the thumbs. The Swede-Atsu has rubber massage heads built into the rollers. These mechanisms can replicate the feeling of the palm, thumbs and heal of the hand. The Swede-Atsu is a good massage system. The Panasonic Real Pro Elite shiatsu massage chair is a 19 in Key Features.

Massage Therapy: The massage functions are included in the Real Pro Elite EP-3222 includes Four 14-minute Pre-Programs, One 5-minute Quick Program and One 14-minute Self Program has 4 full body automatic courses, 5 massage speed settings for a total combination of 14 massage courses. The automatic massage functions include the following: Shiatsu, Gentle, Deep and Refresh. Panasonic equips the EP-3222 its exclusive Swede-Atsu massage system providing a thorough and realistic array of massage therapy choices. The lower body has 33 airbags of coverage and three programs to choose from. This shiatsu massage chair provides good tension relief for the lower body and increased lateral coverage on the back. Overall Rating for the Panasonic EP-3222 massage recliner for massage therapy is 19.

How does Panasonic Real Pro Elite EP-3222 rate? Overall, our rating of the Panasonic Ep-3222 is an 87/100. The remote control is easy to use, intuitive and comes with the Voice Guidance. The back and lower body massages are pretty comprehensive and effective. The warranty is a bit of a concern, since the direct factory warranty is rather short. It is possible to purchase an extended warranty, but this impacts the delivered price. If you are tall, then the footrest is an issue, since it cannot be adjusted. However, the technology used seems reliable and delivers a thorough massage. If you are looking for a shiatsu massage recliner in this category, this is definately one to seriously consider.

When it is time to buy a massage chair, and you know nothing else these are the two things you must remember. Firstly, comfort is the most important thing to look out for in a massage chair. The second thing is that the massage functions are really what separate different chairs. Those two are all you need to effectively go out and tests drive some chairs.

Massage chairs have built in rollers, nodes, and air bags that try to emulate the hands and fingers of a massage therapist. When you are at the store trying the chairs out, notice the different massage functions as well as the intensity of the massage.

Some chairs offer more massage functions, some allow you to set combinations of functions as well as the intensity. Most chairs that allow you to adjust the intensity will come with removable cushions. Just use more cushions to lighten the massage intensity, or fewer cushions to increase the intensity.

Inanimate comfort of the massage chair is really about supporting and filling the contours of your body. It comes down to size, and density of the chair. Removable cushions give users flexibility when it comes to density. You can add more cushions if you prefer to lounge on something soft or, if you need more support, remove cushions if you want your chair to be more firm with less support in specific areas of the body.

The comfort of the massage depends on how the rollers feel when it presses on your body through the cushions and the whether the adjustability of the massage is enough to match the contours of your body. For example, massages in the backrest begin with a roller that starts at the top and rolls down. For shorter people, the setting must be changed to start the massage at a lower point in the backrest or else the roller begins at the persons head. Some sophisticated chairs can detect the user’s height and even the spine in some cases to automatically make adjustments for optimal user experience.

Other chairs will let you choose the sequence of massages and save settings that you like best to be performed the next time you hop on. Some chairs work areas other than the back like the arms, hips, legs and feet using air bags that inflate and deflate.

In many cases, the buyer intends to share the chair with his family or some member of the household who will also use the chair on a regular basis. In such a case, it is better to pay a little extra for the added flexibility of adjustments so everyone who uses the chair can pick the settings they find most comfortable.

Since massage chairs are bulky items, it isn’t something you can just put away. For this reason, some people choose a chair based on the compatibility with the decor of their living. It can double as a lounge chair when not in use because we take such care to pick something of extreme comfort.

The reason it is important to visit a store is so you can sample the differences in massage chairs before you buy. But before physically trying out chairs, it helps to know what the differences are in the many models and brands.

Three key things that differentiate massage chairs are massage functions, upholstery, and physical design. Other variations are less obvious and you have to carefully read the specifications to learn the little but important things about the chair.

The most important functions that come with even the most basic chair are rolling, kneading, tapping and percussions. Higher end models have functions that allow a combination of these basic functions as well as the ability to perform combinations at the same time on different areas of the body.

Massage techniques also vary in their range of speeds and intensity of these functions. More advanced chairs can perform a wider range of speeds and intensities while the most basic chair might offer just a few functions and a single speed and no distinction in intensity.

Massage chairs come upholstered a variety of materials. Leathermatch and premium leather upholstered chairs will come with higher prices while more basic materials like fabric and microfiber won’t carry quite the same premium. Some manufacturers will distinguish their models of chairs based on the upholstery or small accents within the physical design, such as partial wooden bases.

The design of the chair is important to many and for good reason. Since they tend to be bulky, most people keep them in their living room and it serves double purpose as a lounge chair. For that reason, it’s not uncommon for the look of the chair to be a deal breaker or maker. However, there are also chairs that come with rollers so they can be tilted, rolled, and tucked away when not in use.

The number one consideration that buyers should look carefully for is the comfort. Since these chairs can double as lounge chairs for many, it needs to be something that you can sit in for long periods of time. In fact, you wouldn’t want to get up from some of the chairs that are very well designed for comfort.

When it comes down to it, comfort is the key. A massage chair is something that should unwind and relax you. If it is something to look forward to after a long day, then the chair has fulfilled its purpose.

The massage chair industry has a few myths that have been sustained over a number of years. One particularly interesting one is the number of motors in a massage chair. The myth claims that the more motors in the shiatsu massage chair the better. Certainly, an increase in the number of motors can enable more functions. Practical reality suggests that more motors means more cost and more real estate and weight of the massage chair. This myth will be explored in this article.

This myth buster will challenge the more motors the better the chair. There are inherent advantages to having more motors, such as more massage movements. As with anything, there are tradeoffs, such as quantity versus quality. Can a massage chair with 18 motors have the same quality motors in a chair with only 3 motors? Keep in mind that motors are one of the most expensive items in a massage chair. Since, motors are not cheap, as the number of motors increases, the cost of the chair increases holding the quality level equal. Obviously, there is a great chance as motors are added; the quality level of the motors will drop.

The motors used in a massage chair must be allocated space within the chair. If more motors are used, then more mechanism must be installed around each motor to drive whatever massage function. More and more real estate in the massage chair is used to accommodate additional motors. Motors are fairly heavy, weighing 2 lbs to 5 lbs each. If the massage chair has 18 motors at 5 lbs each, that is 90 lbs just in motors. Adding additional motors increases the weight of the chair and takes up valuable real estate within the chair.

How is the quality of massage with more or less motors? High end luxury massage chairs generally have 3 high quality motors to power the back massage rollers. There are individual motors to run the kneading massage and to run the tapping massage. The third motor drives the roller unit up and down the chair back. The tapping and kneading motors can be run simultaneously for the shiatsu massage.

There is a 5 motor design where the kneading and tapping use two motors each. This is done by having a motor on both the left and right side rollers for both the kneading and tapping. Having 2 motors for kneading splits the duty and should lead to longer motor life. Did it make any difference in the massage capabilities? There was no noticeable difference. Is more better?

If the motor does not create a new and unique massage, then what value does it add? Why have more motors and potentially more problems? The simpler the design, the higher the quality and the less problems down the road. Remember, each motor needs to have controls, software, wiring, etc. to integrate it into the overall massage chair. This drives complexity, increases the testing required to ensure quality and if cheaper motors are substituted, then reduces reliability. Do not buy into the myth that more motors the better for a shiatsu massage chair. Simple is always better!

The massage chair industry has a few myths that have been sustained over a number of years. One particularly interesting one is the number of motors in a massage chair. The myth claims that the more motors in the shiatsu massage chair the better. Certainly, an increase in the number of motors can enable more functions. Practical reality suggests that more motors means more cost and more real estate and weight of the massage chair. This myth will be explored in this article.

This myth is going to be challenged in this article to reveal the real truth about the more motors the better the chair myth. First, one should examine the tradeoff of quantity versus quality. If a massage chair has 3 motors versus 18 motors, what is the quality level of the motors in the massage chair? Obviously, motors, not being cheap, mean that as the number of motors is increased, the cost of the chair must increase assuming the quality level is equal. However, as more motors are added, the lower priced motors (i.e. lower quality motors) will be used.

The motors used in a massage chair must be allocated space within the chair. If more motors are used, then more mechanism must be installed around each motor to drive whatever massage function. More and more real estate in the massage chair is used to accommodate additional motors. Motors are fairly heavy, weighing 2 lbs to 5 lbs each. If the massage chair has 18 motors at 5 lbs each, that is 90 lbs just in motors. Adding additional motors increases the weight of the chair and takes up valuable real estate within the chair.

The real issue is does having more motors increase the quality of the massage? After all, this is the basis of the massage motor myth. Most shiatsu massage chairs, whether high end luxury models to even lower level models tend to use a 3 motor system for the back massage rollers. One motor drives the roller unit up and down the chair back. Two motors are mounted on the roller system with one motor to perform a kneading motion and the other motor to perform a tapping motion. Both motors can be run simultaneously to product a kneading/tapping massage.

If you examine the top of the line massage chairs, most use 1 motor to move the rollers up and down the chair back and 2 motors are used for the kneading and for the tapping. If the design runs each left and right roller independent, then this is done with 5 motors. The motors in this case do not provide any further massage capabilities, but will put less wear and tear on the motors, since their duties are split. Again, neat design, but no real improvement in the actual massage delivered.

There are still massage chair companies that claim to have very high numbers of motors. Certainly, they are not motors performing massage functions. These massage motors are expensive, heavy, take up space and are integral to a long, trouble-free life. Many massage chair companies jumped on this fad and perpertuated the myth. If adding motors does not add massage functions, then what is its value? In this case more is not better. More motors creates more potential problems, complicates the design and servicing. More motors also means the quality level is being sacrificed versus models with less motors. This myth is built on hype. Simple is beautiful!

We are asked many times by potential massage chair buyers as to the most important features in a massage chair. There is a vast array of massage chairs on the market with many features, options, and price points. It is good to know what you really want out of the massage chair recliner to help guide your decision making. We have put together the 5 most important massage chair features for your review:

Shiatsu Massage Therapy: Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage which uses pressure points, tapping and kneading to provide a very invigorating massage. The premier massage chair brands integrate a body scan to detect your pressure points. The massage is then tailored to each individual. The shiatsu uses a combination of massage techniques, so the programming by the manufacturer is very important.

Heat Therapy: Heat has great healing abilities when applied in the right situations. Many of the top robotic recliners have integrated heating elements into their chairs. Some chairs have the capability to heat only one area while others can heat multiple areas. If you can get the heating with individual area controls, this way you can apply heat to just the area(s) you really want. Heat is very relaxing and helps reduce swelling and increase blood flow.

Auto Programs: Most massage chairs come with automatic programs. Just press a button and the massage chair takes over and delivers the massage. The auto programs follow pre-set programs as designed by the manufacturers. The auto programs are set to control the various massage techniques, locations, massage systems and durations. All auto programs are not created equal. You want to make sure that the auto programs will perform massage therapies that you want. If you have lower back pain, then you want to make sure the program can adequately cover that area.

Seat Vibration: This seems like a basic feature, but if you sit a lot, then seat vibration is a very effective technique. The seat has a vibration unit installed under the seat. The vibration can be set to 3 to 5 levels of intensity. Many of the automatic programs use vibration at certain points in the massages. Vibration helps to stimulate the capillary vessels to enhance blood flow in the buttocks area.

Wireless Sub Remote: It is amazing how many massage chairs are coming out with 2 remote controls. However, most 2nd remotes or sub remotes are tethered by a wire to the chair. The idea of a remote control is well to use it remotely–not tied to the chair. There is finally a wireless sub remote available. You can sit all the way back in the chair and operate most every function. This is important, because you do not want to have to get up to make adjustments to the massage. Sit back, relax and just click on the wireless sub remote.

We feel these are the 5 most important features to really check out when you are looking at a massage chair. The massage chair is an important investment in your health and well being. Make sure you get the features that you will use over the long run. Take your time and find out what massage therapies are right for you. Consult with your health care provide. Then check out some massage chairs and see what you really like. This will ensure you get the most out of your massage chair recliner.

We will present the luxury massage chair by Omega which is the Montage Elite in this review. The Montage Elite was designed for the American market and can accommodate users up to 6′ 6″ and up to 300 lbs. We will also point out the most important features of this massage recliner and the warranty coverage. We now present the Montage Elite massage recliner.

One of the first things to check out about any massage chair is the warranty coverage. A massage chair has many moving parts, a computer and other electrical components. Although the quality of these chairs is outstanding, sometimes problems do occur. You want to make sure that your relaxation does not become frustration, because you did not get sufficient warranty coverage.

Let’s take a look at the warranty coverage with the Omega Montage Elite. The first is the frame of the chair which has 5 years of coverage. You get parts coverage for 3 years. Labor is covered for 3 years also. With the Montage there is one year of free parts shipping included. Field service is also available where a technician will come out to your home and make repairs. Omega covers this for the first 90 days.

The Montage Elite comes with 5 themed automatic programs. Each of these one-touch programs is geared toward a different result. For instance, night is more subtle and prepares you for a night of peaceful sleep. Activation is more vigorous and gets the blood flowing and the muscles loosened up for strenuous activity. Fin the one that is right for you depending on what you are looking to do.

The Montage Elite comes with four manual massages. These techniques include kneading, tapping, finger press and shiatsu. You can use these to cover the back, neck and shoulders. There are also manual massage courses that allow you to focus on a particular region of the back. There are 6 manual courses, 4 for the back and 2 for the neck and shoulders. This an effective way to target problem areas you may have.

The lower body is in for a treat with the air massage system. The air massage system covers your buttocks, thighs, hips, calves and feet. The air massage system is driven by a compressor which delivers air to airbags strategically placed throughout the chair. In particular is the Footflex massage. The Footflex is a reflexology foot massage that is built into the leg rest for the feet. If you enjoy a foot massage, then the Montage Elite is you for you.

How about a nice stretch of the lower body? The Montage Elite delivers. The lower body traction system will stretch out your lower body. The stretch is activated which will raise the leg rest to a horizontal position. The leg rest then lowers to 3 different successively lower positions. This extends out your hips, thighs, knees and ankles. This helps improve your range of motion.

The Montage Elite also comes with full body heat. Heat is excellent to reduce swelling and increase blood flow. You can set the heat for the chair back, seat or leg rest and control them individually. Do you want to relax your mind? The Elite has a built in MP3 player to listen to your favorite music. Headphones are included to help you tune out the world and relax. You can even synchronize the massage movements to the rhythm of the music. This massage chair recliner has it all!

If you are looking for the best of the best, the Montage Elite has everything going for it. It has a stylish design and soft yet durable synthetic leather upholstery. The massage programs provide very effective massage therapy to relieve aches and pains. There is the lower body traction system to stretch out your legs. You can apply heat to the area of the body as appropriate. Put on the headphones and let go of your thoughts as you relax to the music and the massage chair provides you a soothing and totally relaxing experience. This is what the Montage Elite massage chair is all about.

The Real Pro Ultra series is Panasonic’s next advance in their massage chair line. This series incorporates some of its newest technology and functions shared across models. We will take an in-depth view of the EP-30004 Panasonic massage chair. This review evaluates and opinionates on categories such as features, functions and warranty coverage.

First, we want to look at the long term protection given to the customer. You want to make sure you get adequate warranty coverage. It is just like an insurance policy. You hope you don’t need it, but if you do, then it is there. The other factor is to make sure you go with a name brand company. You want to make sure the company will be there down the road as well.

The Panasonic warranty coverage is the following for the EP 30004 massage chair recliner: 3 years parts, 1 year labor, 1 year shipping on parts and 1 year in home technician specialist service. The 1 year in home service is generous, but they jip you on the 1 year labor. We would expect more from a name such as Panasonic. There are situations where you can get additional warranty coverage, so find out if you are interested in this model.

There are some outstanding new features incorporated into the Real Pro Ultra massage chair series. The EP 30004 has both a lower body stretch and a shoulder stretch. There is also a new massage technique called Junetsu. The Junetsu massage technique literally means ultra fine kneading in Japanese. The Junetsu massage technique uses small circular motions and a one second of thumb-like firm pressure. The effect of this massage is to reverberate through the muscle and penetrating to the surface of the bone.

The Real Pro Ultra Series is known for its variety of massage therapies. The EP 30004 is no exception with 4 automatic massage therapy programs and 8 manual massage therapy programs. The 8 manual include junetsu, shiatsu, kneading, Swedish, stretch, tapping, rolling and grip. You can also select from 5 manual back courses. These cover different regions of your back for excellent coverage and relief.

Besides the voice guidance, Panasonic includes the self programming feature. The self programming button will remember the last 5 minutes of massage performed. It then stores it in memory for instant recall. This is particularly effective for regions you want to target for repeated massage therapy. After all, massage therapy is most effective when done on a recurring, frequent basis. You can use the self program for up to four users.

The lower body is covered with an air compression massage system. This system uses strategically place airbags throughout the massage recliner to target the hands, arms, feet, calves, thighs and buttocks. The massage technique is a squeeze, hold and release compression style. This is very soothing and relieving for the extremities of the body. Additionally, there are stretching capabilities for both the legs and the shoulders. These are great to help increase flexibility by elongating the muscles.

The chair design is fairly industrial looking, which is probably the most disappointing aspect of the massage recliner. The leg rest is extendable out another 5 inches, which is an important feature. The air massage for the hands and arm is concealed underneath the arm rest covers. These arm rest covers open to the side and the hands or arm can be placed inside. This is nice to conceal this apparatus within the armrest and not make it visible.

This is a high end luxury model with some great massage therapy features. The design is a bit industrial and the warranty lacking for a name brand. The air massage covers most of the body. The Junetsu massage therapy is great for working out knots. If you are looking for a chair, then try this one out, but it is not the ultimate massage chair recliner. It is however, fairly close.

This year I went to the Las Vegas 2009 Consumer Electronics Show or CES. This is the largest tradeshow for electronic manufacturers in the whole world. Everything that is new, innovative or hot is on display and most can be tried out. I walked the whole show and was particularly interested in the top massage chairs. These electronic and robotic wonders are getting more effective and sophisticated. Here are some of the best massage chairs that I found.

One of the more interesting massage chairs at the show was the Dream Wave Sogno. The Dream Wave Sogno was the winner of the CES 2009 Innovation Award for its advanced designed and sophistication. This massage recliner has some amazing technology.

One of the features of the Sogno is its air compression massage system. This massage chair has airbags for the neck, arms, hands and most other parts of the body. The air massage around the neck area is very soothing and relieving. This is perhaps the best air compression design for the neck area on the market today. The arm airbags were less impressive as I did not really receive much effectiveness.

The Dream Wave is named for the advanced seat design which is incorporated into this recliner. The seat pivots to provide ergonomic support for your spine and buttocks. The seat will rock in place in a wave like movement. This helps to reduce the stress built up on the spine and relax the lower torso. This technological marvel comes in an egg-shaped design which is a bit funky for most households. All this technology comes at a price, which for the Sogno was $6,000.

Another impressive high end massage chair is produced by Fuji Medical. The Fujiiryoki recliner provides a full body massage and a shoulder press. The shoulder press is firm and provides great relief from the sides of the body during the massage therapy. The Fujiiryoki has an FDA device listing and was touted as a medical chair. This advanced therapeutic massage recliner retails for $10,000.

The Fujiiryoki chair also has an air massage for the lower body and for the arms as well. The high end Fujiiryoki chair has been out for 2 years and is by far the most expensive at $8,500. The massage was fairly thorough, but the chair was a bit hard when you are just seated in it.

I was able to try the Montage Premier by Omega Massage. This is the high end Omega chair which has full body massage capabilities. The Omega Montage Premier was the only chair with heat therapy and also a music player. The massage capabilities were stronger than both the Sogno and the Fujiroiki chairs.

Trying massage chairs at a tradeshow with a million people around takes you being able to relax and forget your surroundings. This is where the Montage Premier shined. I slipped on the headphones and let the soothing tunes take me away from the crowds. The Montage Premier recliner then warmed me, stretched me and gave me a relieving deep tissue massage. I felt I found the right chair and at $4,500, it was the best deal at the show.

I wanted to try both Sanyo and Panasonic, but they were not displaying massage chairs in their exhibits this year. They did have some fantastic LCD and Plasma screen TVs though. However, my mission was massage chairs, so I was disappointed not to get a chance to try them.

If you ever go to a show to check out shows, you want to make sure that a company you buy a massage chair from will be there down the road. There are some companies that have great deals one year and then never come back to the show. Of course, there are new companies but you need to have the confidence that they will be there to take care of any warranty issues you might have.

The 2009 CES show was certainly impressive. It attracts over 130,000 people and they were out in force. I was able to get to try the best massage chairs on earth at one place. The best massage chairs were the Montage Premier, Sogno and the Fujiiryoki. These are all solid chairs with some amazing massage therapy and technology. These are the cream of the crop from the 2009 CES show.

The CES is held every year in Las Vegas in early January. It is the worlds showcase for consumer electronics. The attendance was around 130,000 people with over 2,800 exhibitors. It is so big that it spills over from the main convention center into the Sands and the Hilton Hotels. If you want to see the best massage chairs on the market, then make your plans on attending the 2010 CES show.

We are asked many times by potential massage chair buyers as to the most important features in a massage chair. There is a vast array of massage chairs on the market with many features, options, and price points. It is good to know what you really want out of the massage chair recliner to help guide your decision making. We have put together the 5 most important massage chair features for your review:

Shiatsu Massage Therapy: Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage which uses pressure points, tapping and kneading to provide a very invigorating massage. The premier massage chair brands integrate a body scan to detect your pressure points. The massage is then tailored to each individual. The shiatsu uses a combination of massage techniques, so the programming by the manufacturer is very important.

Air Massage System: The lower body massage is more effectively covered with an air massage system. An air massage system uses airbags to perform squeezing and holding movements. Air bags can be designed in any shape and size. They are used for the feet, calves, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms and hands. Since they are very flexible, they can be used throughout the massage chair recliner. Air systems use a compressor and a manifold to regulate the air flow to the various airbags. For effective relief for the body extremities an air massage system is the way to go.

Massage Courses: Massage courses are different areas that can be covered for your back. The massage rollers in the back of the chair can be moved to one spot, an area or the whole back. Massage courses enable the user to choose which area to cover with a manual massage. Basic massage chairs have 3 massage courses (upper, lower and whole back). In top level massage chairs, 4 or 5 manual courses are typical. If you have lower back pain, then select the lower back massage course and the chair focuses on that region.

Footrest Extension: This is a rather simple feature, but since massage chairs originated in Japan, they have always been small for the American market. To accommodate taller users (i.e. the average American), a footrest extension is critical. Most foot rest extensions allow the foot rest to go out an extra 3 to 4 inches. This doesn?t seem like a lot, but it is the difference between fitting in the massage chair and not. If you are five foot ten or over, you definitely want to investigate this further.

Music – Massage Synchronization: The top massage chair manufacturers have incorporated a music and massage synchronization function. This is a fascinating technology. With the touch of a button, the massage will synchronize its movements to the rhythm of the music. The intensity of the massage also varies with the tempo. Rock music will produce a more invigorating massage then say classical music. It is an interesting technology and when coupled with the right music can be very effective in reducing stress.

We are presenting the five key features that are available from the best massage chairs on the market today. These features represent some interesting innovation on the part of the massage chair manufacturers. These chairs continue to advance rapidly and the choices are getting wider and the features more effective. Make sure you determine the important results you want for your longer term massage therapy needs. Find the right chair just for your needs.