According to physical therapist Megan McLain, PT, DPT, receiving a massage after working out is linked to several advantages, including improved range of motion, reduced discomfort, and accelerated recuperation. If you’re not able to afford a professional massage after every class, you can still get similar benefits from using a massage chair.A quick brief review on the use of massage chairs to enhance general health and wellness.
In our search for the finest massage chairs, we talked to four physiotherapy specialists, and they all agreed that the best models available had more features than just vibrating massages, such as a variety of massage styles and adjustable settings.
We assessed dozens of the best massage chairs available on the market using this guidance. In the Verywell Testing Lab, we have also tested six expertly authorized chairs by sitting in each one for 20 minutes and experimenting with every setting. During the testing process, we record the degree of comfort, ease of use, and post-use relief experienced by each chair.
High marks were given to our best choices for design, overall value, comfort, pressure, effectiveness, and ease of use. One more reason to believe what we recommend? We had this article reviewed for correctness and safe and effective usage of a massage chair by an athletic trainer and a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy from our Review Board.
Things to Consider Before Beginning:
Although using a massage chair can help release tension and stress, it is not advisable to use one if you have any major injuries. Before utilizing or acquiring a massage chair, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare physician to rule out any potential pain, injuries, or other issues.
Osaki OS-Champ
Advantage:
- integrated lumbar warmer
- Outstanding value
- movable footrest and headrest
Cons:
- Low weight tolerance
- For some people, massage may be excessively strong.
Important Specifications:
The massage track is an L-track. Its dimensions are 30.5 x 57.1 x 44.1 inches. It can support up to 260 pounds of weight. It is zero gravity and heated. Our rating is 4.7 out of 5.
For whom is it intended?
Because it is on the larger side, this massage chair is best suited for taller persons who have a designated room for one.
We’ve spent hours examining and evaluating the best solutions, and Osaki’s OS-Champ is our top pick since it provides significant relief at an affordable price. After a strenuous workout, the kneading rollers on this L-track massage chair made their way down our necks to our hamstrings, while the 18 compression airbags worked their way down our arms and legs.
We adore how comfy it is to sit and recline on this chair—even without the light on. It’s simple to select your preferred settings or choose from five auto-massage modes using the provided remote. We were taken aback by how much the zero-gravity reclining position affected the intensity of the massage as soon as we began using the OS-Champ. We felt instant, complete alleviation after just one brief session.
We also appreciate that a range of users can be accommodated by the design of the OS-Champ. For those who are taller, there is an optional extended footrest with acupressure massage rollers and an adjustable headrest. When compared to other chairs we evaluated, this one stands out as a terrific value for the money because to additional practical features like a built-in lumbar warmer and a remote holder that also accommodates a smartphone.
Possible Drawbacks:
In comparison to other chairs on our list, the 260-pound weight capability of this one is modest.
When we experimented with several settings, we discovered that the chair’s rather strong massage almost seemed excessive.
Advantages:
- provides five different forms of massage.
- integrated lumbar warmer
- High weight tolerance
Cons:
- It is challenging to change settings while using
- Limited
Important Specifications:
The L-track massage track has dimensions of 61 x 29.5 x 45.1 inches, a weight capacity of 330 pounds, zero gravity and heating capabilities. Our overall rating is 4.7 out of 5.
For whom is it intended?
Ideal for those who want low pressure, particularly if you want a completely engrossing encounter.
The A306 Massage Chair from iRest boasts the most zero-gravity modes of any chair on our list—three. It is also distinctive in that it provides five different forms of massage: shiatsu, tapping, knocking, kneading, and kneading and tapping. We discovered that all of the settings were comfortable—not too light or too intense—and that they each target various muscle regions. A built-in lumbar warming, 12 massage modes, and adjustable speed and intensity settings deliver focused relief exactly where you need it—in your calves after a marathon or in your back after a hot yoga class.
We enjoy that the iRest offers AI voice controls and Bluetooth speakers for a better audio experience, though it should be noted that during testing, we experienced some trouble configuring voice commands. We found that the chair’s little pressure was calming and relaxing after utilizing it. In fact, one of our editors discovered that her hands and feet had improved circulation. We also like that it can support the most weight out of all the items on our list.
Possible Drawbacks:
We find that operating the control panel and remote is not too difficult. To change the chair’s settings, you must, however, sit up mid-massage and remove your arms from the armrests.
We observed that the arm, leg, and seating sections of the chair are somewhat constrained by the heavy padding.
Most Useful Knowledge:
After being outside in the cold, the heat feature on the back feels like a soothing, cozy bath.
Advantages:
- Simple to employ
- elegant style
- Outstanding value
Cons:
- For some, massage may be too gentle.
- less rollers than before
Important Specifications:
Weight capacity: 300 pounds; Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 43 inches; Zero-gravity: yes; Heated: yes; Massage track: S-track Overall Grade: 4.7 out of 5
For whom is it intended?
After working out, if all you want to do is unwind, we suggest the Favor-03 ADV Massage Chair from Real Relax. Even when the chair’s zero-gravity settings are in use, we value how supportive and comfy the backrest is at all positions. The chair’s functions may be easily customized to meet your needs thanks to its six massage programs and adjustable speed, intensity, and target region settings.
With a simple instruction booklet, an LED screen that indicates which body areas are being massaged at any one time, and Bluetooth connectivity that takes less than two minutes to set up, we adore how simple it is to use. The dual-core rollers on this S-track massage chair end at the lower back. Even though the air compression function in the arms and legs wasn’t as strong as we would have wanted, we still found that it offered a lot of relief. Nevertheless, we believe that the chair is a wise purchase given its remarkable features, affordable cost, and stylish appearance.
Possible Drawbacks:
Similar to iRest’s A306, Real Relax’s Favor-03 ADV has a lower pressure, albeit it might not be suitable for all users. For those who desire a more profound and vigorous massage, we suggest trying Osaki’s OS-Champ.
The coverage of this S-track massage chair is not as extensive as that of our top-rated L-track models. In L-track chairs, the rollers go all the way to your hamstrings and glutes; in S-track chairs, they stop at the base of your spine.
Most Useful Knowledge:
Using this massage chair is quite simple. I appreciate that the LED screen makes it clear which body part is being targeted.
Our Current Position:
Our conclusion after evaluating six massage chairs and studying dozens more is that Osaki’s OS-Champ is the best option. We adore that it offers calming comfort in a matter of minutes, and it’s a terrific value thanks to a few other smart features. As we continue to evaluate every massage chair in our lab, we’ll update this post to reflect any significant findings that we haven’t yet addressed.
What to Look for in Massage Chair Purchases:
Cost: You should budget between $700 and $5,000 for a massage that meets the recommendations of all of our specialists. Although they might not have as many glitzy features, less expensive chairs can nonetheless be just as functional as more expensive ones. Osaki’s OS-Champ, our top choice overall, is priced at about $2,000.
Massage Tracks: To aid knead stiff muscles, the majority of massage chairs contain rollers inside. The S-track or L-track is where these rollers are placed. S-tracks form a S shape, beginning at your neck and ending at your lower back. L-tracks form a L shape, beginning at your neck and ending at your hamstrings. Though they can be hard to acquire at lower price ranges, massage chairs with L-tracks—like iRest’s 2023 Massage Chair—are preferred by many users because they offer more coverage.
Massage Settings: Your massage chair shouldn’t merely vibrate, according to the experts we spoke with. Rather, it ought to employ an assortment of massage methods and provide a multitude of customizable options for your selection. When contrasting seats, take into account their features: How many different massage modes are there? Which types of massage techniques—rolling, kneading, etc.—are employed? Is it possible to change the location, pace, and intensity of your massage?
Comfort: According to McLain, your massage chair should be cozy and supportive. Verify that it is big and sturdy enough to support your entire weight and height. It should ideally feature a footrest that can be adjusted in height, similar to the Quies Massage Chair by Human Touch.
more Features: Every massage chair on our list comes equipped with a few more features to enhance your treatment. These include voice controls, Bluetooth speakers, and heaters for your arms, legs, or back—a favorite of board-certified orthopedic physical therapist Tom Walters, PT, DPT, CSCS, is. If you’re having trouble selecting between a few chairs, taking into account their extra characteristics will help you get the best one for your requirements.
How the Greatest Massage Chairs Were Chosen and Tested:
We’ve talked to four physiotherapy specialists—three physical therapists and a massage therapist—to determine which massage chairs are the finest. Additionally, after studying dozens of chairs available on the market, we have selected six types to test out at the Verywell Testing Lab. Muscle stiffness is often experienced by our editors who test massage chairs after sleeping in specific positions and spending the day at work.
Comfort: Before we even switch on each chair, we evaluate its level of comfort as we sit in it. We are examining the level of cushioning and padding in every area of the chair, ranging from the headrest to the footrest (if applicable). If the chair has any adjustable parts, we also make sure to evaluate the lumbar support.
Pressure: As soon as the chair is turned on, we experiment with all of the settings to evaluate how strong the massage is. We take note of the degree of customization available for each massage setting and whether the chair offers a selection of various massage techniques (such as tapping and kneading).
Ease of Use: We take into account the chair’s and its controls’ usability during the testing phase. Does the remote have easy-to-use settings, or do we always need to consult the instruction manual? Does the user guide have clear labeling and good writing?
Effectiveness: After the chair has undergone extensive testing, we evaluate its ability to relieve stress, discomfort, and soreness. Do we feel more at ease than we did earlier? What is the sensation of our muscles?
Design: We also take into account each massage chair’s design because, for the most part, they are big and will be in your home for a long time. Does it occupy a large amount of room? Does it appear huge and clumsy or elegant and stylish?
Overall Value: We look at the price tag following our testing and evaluation of each chair in every other category. Given how well the massage chair functioned throughout our test, we give it a good overall value score if we believe the pricing is reasonable.
What is the lifespan of a massage chair?
The type of chair you purchase, its craftsmanship, how frequently you use it, and how well you take care of it all play a role. However, in general, you should anticipate a massage chair to last five to twenty years.
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