Saturday, November 22, 2008

Massage Chair Purchasing Tips

By James Knolan

Here are some essential things to keep in mind when searching for a massage chair. With so much technology available, there are many features to choose from. This can sometimes be distracting to the process of getting a massage. We share some general considerations about the chair buying process. We hope to help you find what is right for you and your budget.

Customer Service & Repair: Evaluate the warranties of each manufacturer. How long is the coverage? Companies like Sanyo and Panasonic only have a 1 year warranty. Others may have 3-5 year warranties (at no additional cost). Also, what type of service will they provide if you have a problem? Do you have to ship your massage chair or take it to an authorized service center? Massage chairs weigh 100lbs to 200 lbs and shipping is expensive. Some manufacturers offer in home service. Be aware before you buy!

Ready to Make Your Decision: Which massage chair did you select? Where do you want to purchase it? What kind of shipping do you want? Do you want them to drop it off in the box or set it up for you? Shop around and see what makes sense for you. Make sure you include any significant other in the decision process. Once you know what you want find the best deal, because prices can vary substantially.

Massage Therapies: Massage recliners offer a tremendous variety of effective massage therapies. You can find chairs with shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Hawaiian and more. It helps to know a little about the more important techniques like shiatsu, Swedish and deep tissue. Each therapy has a particular focus. Also, manual massage techniques include kneading, chopping, percussion, tapping, finger press and others. It is good to try different chairs because the same massage technique may be interpreted differently.

Warranty Coverage: The main components of warranty coverage are parts, labor, shipping and in-home service. Some manufacturers cover only the main mechanical or electrical parts and most do not cover the upholstery or accessories. Labor may be included, but may only apply to labor at the manufacturer and not include technician service. Shipping is sometimes covered during the warranty period. If parts or your chair needs to be transported, it is good to know who covers it. In home technician service is a value added service and most name brands offer it.

Using the Chair Properly: To get the most out of you massage recliner and your investment: it is important to use the chair properly. Understand the main functions on the remote control. When you first sit in the chair, get comfortable. Recline the chair to what is right for you. The further you recline the stronger the massage. Raise the footrest either horizontal or so that your legs are bent 90 degrees. Adjust the head pillow so it supports your head or just push it behind the chair. Once you are comfortable, then you should start the massage.

Whatever perspective you are coming from, find out what benefits you want from a massage recliner. They provide numerous therapies or you can target a particular ailment. Find the best chair for your needs over a 3 to 5 year period. That way, you will have many therapies to choose from for many years to come. Think about how your needs may change through time and find one right for you. - 16752

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