The Best Massage Chairs For Muscle Recovery

Buying Guide

Modern massage chairs are getting more and more high-tech, with features like voice control, compression airbags and zero-gravity reclining. Gone are the days when all massage chairs were made to stay in only one position.

Traditional massage chairs resemble oversized recliners and have centralized massages that focus on specific body parts, such as the lower back. The newer zero-gravity models let you recline completely, so you’ll feel as though you are floating. They do all the work, and all you have to do is sit back, adjust the settings and enjoy the relaxation that follows.

Zero-gravity massage chairs allow you to lay flat so that you can get a head-to-toe massage. They also tend to have more features and be more expensive. Low-end massage chairs usually have a rolling massage and simple vibration. The high-end options can have heat therapy, Shiatsu, reflexology, vibration, sound therapy, inversion therapy (like Thai stretching), voice commands and more.

Massage chairs also have different kinds of rollers. An L-track usually measures from 47 to 52 inches long, extends from your neck to your gluteus muscles and is shaped like the letter “L.”

S-tracks are shorter than L-tracks (S tracks are about about 30 to 32 inches in length) and stop at the lower lumbar region. These provide more twisting flexibility and spinal stretching.

A J-track (flex track) massage chair combines the features of S and L tracks. Massage chair airbags are a great feature because, as they inflate with pressurized air, they compress muscles to provide soreness relief.

You’ll also want to know about the chair’s massage strength. Basic models have 2D technology, and the rollers move left, right, up and down. 3D massage rollers work diagonally. Top-of-the-line 4D massage chairs have 3D technology and variable roller intensity to dig deep into those sore backs and shoulders.

The sort of chair you buy should be based on your needs. If you have certain issues with particular muscle groups, or if you are an athlete and need special care, consider that when buying a massage chair.

• Massage chairs are not small or lightweight, so check the dimensions on the product pages and ensure you have enough space.
• Some higher-priced models are designed to be space-saving.
• Massage chairs have different weight capacities, so be sure to check this before ordering.
• A heat therapy function on a massage chair is an excellent option to consider, because it feels great and helps loosen muscles.
• A massage chair is an investment, so read its manual and follow the directions carefully.
• A massage chair is not a toy for kids to play on, and it can be dangerous if they do.