An article in the January 2020 edition of a popular home interiors magazine carried information on the best massage chair, the best massage chair pad, and the best back massage chair. The article listed the best products in these categories, their features and where they could be bought. There were testimonials from satisfied customers who had used the product for some time now.
What Do I Get for Under $1000?
However, you might be concerned as to what features you will get with a massage chair in the budget of $1,000. If we look up additional resources, you would be convinced that most budget chairs come with a zero-gravity reclining function.
This function enables the body weight to be distributed evenly across the chair, making the body relax completely. It makes one feel light. The airbag powered massage nodes mechanism of the massage chair offers a superlative massage session.
They target shoulders, arms, legs, calves, back, and neck, the primary stress areas to minimize the accumulated stress in these parts.
Then there are four to six (depending on the brand and manufacturer) pre-set automatic massage options to aid in recovery along with relaxation. Besides, some brands also allow customized massage options.
Here, you can set your type of preferred massage, intensity, speed, and time.
The massage chairs also offer foot massage. Massage rollers in the footrest of the chair target acupuncture points within the feet. This stimulates muscle relaxation while at the same time increasing blood circulation. This leads to a better flow of oxygen and blood in the body.
It enables the heart, lungs, and muscles to function efficiently. Good circulation also means good immunity from diseases.
Some massage chairs have a computerized scan technology, whereby the chair traces the spine of the patient and offers a massage to those points where it is needed.
The waist or lower back heating mechanism in massage chairs is specifically targeted towards the areas which have the highest risk of being prone to stress.
Some massage chairs have an integrated USB charging feature. Thus, one can continue using their phone while it gets charged.
Some brands of massage chairs come even with Bluetooth-enabled facilities and speakers.
Besides, some massage chairs can be used as recliners when not in massage mode. So, no need for a separate recliner.
So Do Massage Chairs Help Only with Regular Pain and Stress?
It is interesting to know that massage chairs are indeed helpful in alleviating some other health conditions, too, other than daily stress.
Patients with cases of Fibromyalgia or acute pain in muscles and tenderness in parts of the body were administered massage therapy.
The therapy was given for over 5 weeks, and improvement from pain, anxiety, and depression was reported.
Also, massage therapy is beneficial to patients with limited mobility, the elderly, or the disabled.
Also, muscles that have become tight from sneezing and coughing in the allergy season can be eased with massage therapy. Allergies are the result of a weakened immunity system.
A massage therapy substitutes drugs to boost the immune system and relieve sinusitis. When complemented with exercise and nutrition, a massage brings about a significant decrease in allergy symptoms.
As per research, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects one in five Americans when there is an impending long winter. Its less severe form, winter blues, affects a larger population.
If not checked, it can lead to depression. Massage therapy helps improve one’s reactions to negative influences such as anxieties, disorders, and even weather.
A massage can;
- Minimize anxiety and depression when combined with care, just as that provided by psychotherapy.
- Lead to an increase in neurotransmitters that lower anxiety and reduce hormones that increase stress.
- Bring about a reduction in heart rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure.
Bring about an overall improvement in mental health.
Another instance when a massage chair proves to be beneficial is in ameliorating chronic pos -surgical pain. A massage reduces surrounding discomfort and re-aligns muscles and joints.
Besides, having your massage chair makes it easily accessible, unlike the ones at the salon where you have to take an appointment.
Comparison Chart
| Image | Brand | Name | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OOTORI | OOTORI Full Body Electric Massage Chair | Prime | Check Price | |
| Top | BestMassage | BestMassage Zero Gravity Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair | Prime | Check Price |
| R Rothania | R Rothania Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair | Prime | Check Price | |
| FDW | FWD Zero Gravity Electric Shiatsu UL Approved Massage Chair | Prime | Check Price | |
| BestMassage | BestMassage Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner | Prime | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
1. OOTORI Full Body Electric Massage Chair
Suave & Compact Massage Chair
- Zero-gravity, Shiatsu massager with heat and foot rollers.
A massage chair approved by the FDA, it is ideal for your home. Its 8-roller smart-massage system automatically traces the contours of the back and adapts to the shape of the body, thus giving a customized massage.
In-built air massage works with the roller system for a full-body massage. The zero-gravity technology ensures total relaxation.Enter your text here...
Pros
Cons
Our Finding:
A professional-grade massage chair ideal for a home. A compact model with fantastic functionality.
2. BestMassage Zero Gravity Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
Elegant & Modest Massage Chair
- An ultra-sophisticated, zero-gravity electric Shiatsu massage chair recliner.
This L-Track roller mechanism-based massage chair has 7 massage modes. Strategically-located airbags on the buttocks, thighs, and calves make relaxation a better experience.
Zero-gravity massage chairs support the neck, back, and lumbar, making you almost weightless and stress-free.
Pros
Cons
Our Finding:
A cozy, not-so-bulky massage chair with a USB charger and Bluetooth.
3. R Rothania Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair
Swanky & Compact Massage Chair
- A zero-gravity, airbag massage technology-equipped electric massage chair.
A zero-gravity massage chair that operates on airbag technology for compression massage from shoulders to calves. Also, it includes features such as back rollers, foot rollers, and foot heating.
Pros
Cons
Our Finding:
A sleek massage chair with good massage features suitable for your pocket.
4. FWD Zero Gravity Electric Shiatsu UL Approved Massage Chair
Decent & Contemporary Massage Chair
- A UL-certified, zero-gravity, full-body electric Shiatsu recliner.
This full-body electric massage recliner comes with 32 airbags meant to comfort strategic body parts.
A space-efficient model has two heating pads in the back area to enhance the massage experience. A sturdy model with a capacity to accommodate heavy and tall users.
3 pre-set auto massage programs for an excellent massage.
Pros
Cons
Our Finding:
A contemporary massage chair recliner with a multi-massage option.
5. BestMassage Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner
Advanced & Elegant Massage Chair
- Electric, Shiatsu massage chair recliner with in-built heat therapy.
This electric chair comes with 7 massage modes and has an in-built smart body scan technology to custom-fit massage. 21 strategically located airbags for total head-to-toe massage.
Heating bags in back and foot to enhance the massage experience.
It comes with a 9 pre-set auto massage program with different massage methods for a memorable massage experience.
Pros
Cons
Our Finding:
An elegant massage chair with hi-tech massage features ideal for home, office, or living room.
F.A.Q.
Q. What is the airbag compression mechanism for massage in massage chairs?
A. The airbags in the chair expand and contract to compress muscles firmly. This improves blood circulation and relieves tension in tight muscles.
Q. How does the heat therapy in the massage chair help?
A. Heat therapy expands the blood vessels and thus promotes blood circulation. As nutrients and oxygen are supplied to these vessels, the soreness and pain in muscles and joints reduce.
Q. What is the computerized body scanning technology in a massage chair?
A. This is an advanced technology where the chair traces the size, shape, and curvature of your back. It then adjusts the rollers as per each user.
Q. Do massage chairs come with additional features?
A. Yes. Some massage chairs are Bluetooth-enabled and also have a USB plug.
Q. How often can a massage chair be used?
A. Till one gets acclimatized to massage, a single session in a semi-lying or sitting position is recommended. After that, two sessions of 15-20 minutes is a healthy option.
Q. Is the use of the massage chair prohibited for some people?
A. Yes, pregnant women and those who have recently undergone surgery should avoid using the massage chair.
Conclusion
From the massage chairs under $1000 reviewed above, we pick BestMassage’s full-body, electric, Shiatsu massage chair recliner as the best.
Its L-Track frame structure stretches the spine to increase blood flow to vertebrae. The massage chair reclines in the zero-gravity mode for complete relaxation. It also comes with in-built heat therapy, air massage system, stretch, and vibration.
Among its many pluses is the feature to adjust the angle of the massage chair as per convenience. One can adjust the speed, width, and intensity of the massage up to 3 levels.
The chair has good airbag coverage for buttocks, legs, and feet. As many as 21 airbags provide compression massage to arms, shoulder, hips, thighs, calves, and feet. The four massage points work with other areas for complete support.
It offers heat therapy for waist and soles to aid faster recovery and increased blood circulation.
The smart body scan technology scans the body to detect the body size for a body specific massage.
The built-in sensor measures the length of the spine and adjusts massage intensity according to the user’s body weight. You can select from 9 pre-set massage modes, along with an added stretching program for the body.
Also available in manual massage functions.
