Having a massage therapy chair in your own home can be fun. It’s also great for recovering from exercise and improving your circulation. Massage chairs have many benefits you might not have even considered.
In this guide, we’re exploring the best massage chair to buy. Make sure you end up with the ideal chair to fit your build, and to ease your aches and pains.
Buying Guide
Before you get a chair, you should understand what features are important. Some people will prioritize tech features, and want a massage chair that can play media and link to their phone. Others will focus on the chair’s modes and functionality.
2D, 3D, or 4D Rollers
Massage chairs come with 2D, 3D, or 4D functionality. This refers to the rollers they use.
- 2D systems are the oldest technology. They massage your muscles on the surface but don’t offer a deep-tissue massage. The rollers aren’t usually very intense.
- 3D systems go deeper into your muscles, usually penetrating more into the shoulders and around your back. 3D rollers might come further out of the chair to give more coverage.
- 4D rollers can access the body in different ways. They offer different angles and strong protrusions. You can choose how far out the rollers come, and how deeply they reach your muscles.
Heat
Applying heat has been shown to help your muscles with flexibility. If you have arthritis or are suffering from muscular stiffness or inflammation, heated massage has been shown to help.
Some professional massage chairs include the option to add heat. This can help to ease pain and improve recovery from injury.
Massage Modes
When you get a massage you can choose between different styles and methods. Different styles of massage all have their own pros and cons.
Massage chairs usually include different modes. You can choose the style based on stiffness or preference. Some common styles and modes include:
- Shiatsu. The translation is “finger pressure”. This method uses stretching and pressure, as well as some rotation.
- Tapping. Tapping techniques are good for breaking up scar tissue. It also helps stiff muscles.
- Kneading. This gets its name from how the hands look (like they are kneading bread. It involves stretching, which helps circulation and removes some toxins from muscles.
- Swedish. The massage style is good for those who don’t like a lot of pain in their massage. It uses long strokes and can work out knots as well as releasing muscle tension.
Coverage (Arms, Legs, and Neck)
Many massage chairs focus on the back, but you may want a model that covers your arms, legs, and neck.
Airbags often cover the arms and legs. These inflate and deflate to work the muscles for a type of compression massage.
Tech Features and Controls
The controls should allow you to choose between modes, strength, and control any heat functions. Even professional massage therapy chairs like the Synca Kurodo Massage Chair have simple controls.
Other tech features may include speakers, Bluetooth connection, and even phone compatibility. Some feature USB charging ports.
Build-Quality
There’s no excuse for a massage chair not to be well made. Even a small, portable massage therapy chair can be sturdy and well-made. If not, the fabric can wear down over time. You might even end up with little rips.
Recline
Reclining chairs have been around for a long time. People find them comfortable. Some recliners provide “zero gravity” reclining, first used by Nasa. Your legs are raised above your heart. This takes some stress out of your joints and gravity also helps with the massage strength.
Best Massage Chairs To Buy
1. Infinity Massage Chair Imperial 3D/4D
This massage chair features excellent coverage. As well as back and neck, it has calf-kneading massage rollers. You can use it even if you are up to 6’3” tall and body scanning detects your shape and size.
You can adjust the L-track to suit your needs and choose between different strengths. This chair also has six massage styles including shiatsu, kneading, and tapping. You can also use a zero gravity mode.
An air ionizer is a great addition. It blows fresh air and leaves you feeling invigorated after a massage.
The build quality is exceptional. So are the tech features. You can connect devices via Bluetooth. There is even Apple and Android app connectivity and a USB charging station.
The Imperial 3D/4D has lumbar heat. You can apply heat to improve the effectiveness of the massage.
2. Synca Kurodo Massage Chair
This professional massage therapy chair is made in Japan and features Hitachi massage robots.
It gives an incredible level of control. You can choose between 17 different massage techniques and use any of 4 “auto courses” to follow. You can adjust the strength overall or choose the strength by region. You can have a stronger massage in your lower body than your upper, for example.
28 compression cells give extensive coverage. You can also use the power incline and recline functions to recline to a comfortable position.
The finish is commercial grade synthetic leather and designed to handle the movements of the 4G massage robots. It doesn’t use breathable fabrics, so it is easy to clean. This is a hygienic model.
3. Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro LE Massage Chair
The “Maestro LE” is a high-tech massage chair. It features a touch screen tablet to allow you to control the modes. It feels futuristic, but it’s still simple to use.
This massage therapy chair is also quiet. Enjoy a serene massage or make sure it doesn’t drown out the TV.
This chair focuses on your whole body. It has a foot and heel massager as well as airbags on the legs. Rollers give strong stretch massages including your back and glutes.
The Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro LE has heated rollers that give you the impact of a hot stone massage and can aid circulation.
There are many options for massage. Choose between 8 different levels of 4D, 5 strength, 5 Intensity, and 5 speed adjustments. Customize your experience.
To Sum Up
Finding the best massage therapy chairs for you means considering exactly what you need. The three options in this list feature many different features. The Synca Kurodo Massage Chair, for example, lets you immerse yourself in a full-body massage including arms and legs. It has 17 different styles and techniques to choose from, and Hitachi massage robots intricately massage even deep knots and aches.
Investing in a massage chair can be an alternative to going to regular massages. In the long term, it can save you money. Following our guide to choosing the best chair can ensure you can enjoy professional, relaxing massages in your own home whenever you want. Both your body and mind will reap the benefits.