Smart Shopping for Massage Chairs

Massage is commonly used to reduce stress and tension in tight muscles. The Mayo Clinic, however, reports that studies have found massage is also helpful for anxiety, pain, sports-related soreness, the immune system, cancer treatment and self-esteem.

While massage cannot cure all ailments, it can help you relax by releasing your body's natural painkillers. Massage chairs are not only a pleasurable form of pampering; they also provide a convenient, home-based alternative to the spa massage.

What to Look for

The range of massage chair capabilities and price is quite broad. You can spend less than $100 for a simple massage cushion that attaches to your office chair back or pay over $5,000 for a massage chair with all the latest bells and whistles.

There are many options to consider when choosing a massage chair. It is essential to determine what options are important to you. First, look at the general construction of the chair and determine if you want your chair to have a head rest or foot rest, or the ability to recline. You must further establish your preference for the chair's material; most are available in leather, suede, cloth and synthetic upholstery.

Also consider the massage techniques each chair offers, from rolling to kneading to vibrating to pulsating. Most massage chairs offer multiple techniques and both automatic and manual programming. Next, determine your need for a chair with varying levels of massage intensity. For the greatest amount of versatility, look for a massage chair that has the ability to provide different levels of intensity and different massage techniques to different parts of the body simultaneously. Additional special features include a heating element, removable music speakers and body scanning technology.

Common Pitfalls

Many buyers agree that a massage chair is a significant purchase. Despite this investment, individuals often overlook the details of the massage chair's warranty. It is not uncommon for manufactures to provide short warranties of 1 year or less. Do not forget to read the fine print of your warranty to understand which parts are covered under your contract, and never hesitate to ask about extended warranty options.

A second common pitfall buyers fall into when purchasing a massage chair is unknowingly agreeing to hidden delivery fees. As these chairs can be quite heavy, the delivery costs are generally high. Shop around to find the best delivery rate.