Is a massage chair worth it? - 7 tips for the right choice

The massage chair is celebrating its anniversary: the automated massage helper has been around for 70 years. Unofficially, the first chairs of this type are said to have existed in Japan in the 18th century. Massage chairs may not be a novelty, but they have been particularly trendy in recent years. Partly due to the rapid technical progress they are experiencing, partly due to their captivating appearance and not least because they offer excellent massage performance for a wide range of needs. Depending on the model, a massage chair can be quite expensive, so many potential buyers are faced with the following questions: Is a massage chair really worth it? And: What is the best massage chair? Before you choose your...

Michael Roedeske
Owner of the massage chair world

The massage chair is celebrating its anniversary: the automated massage helper has been around for 70 years. Unofficially, the first chairs of this type are said to have existed in Japan in the 18th century. Massage chairs may not be a novelty, but they have been particularly trendy in recent years. 

Partly due to the rapid technical progress they are experiencing, partly due to their captivating appearance and not least because they offer outstanding massage performance for a wide range of needs. Depending on the model, a massage chair can cost quite a lot, which is why many prospective customers are faced with the following questions: 

Is a massage chair really worth it? And: What is the best massage chair?

Before you make your decision, we would like to show you 7 points that you should keep in mind before buying. You'll get an overview of the effects of massages and how to focus on your personal requirements when making your choice. 


Is a massage chair really worth it? 

Each:r of us picks our conscience before making major financial investments: Do I really need this? With the desire for relaxation, rest and recuperation, it can quickly happen that a quick solution is needed instead of the right one. 

But would you do the same when buying a car? Imagine going to your trusted car dealership, pointing at a model at random and realizing after the purchase that the car doesn't actually meet your needs. What's more, you don't even know what the fuel consumption is, what it can do and you despair when you open the hood because you didn't have any help choosing.

That's why the answer to the questions of whether a massage chair is worthwhile for you and which massage chair is best for you can only be found in one way: With the right advice and the right follow-up questions.

First and foremost: why do you want to treat your body to massages? The better you know what your needs and requirements are, the better the end result will be.

So, what can a massage chair be good for?

 

Effects on your body: massage for everything?

We basically distinguish massage chairs first of all according to their preferred area of application. This can be predominantly assigned to one of the following categories: 

  • Health and rehabilitation
  • Sporty active
  • Retirement and old age
  • Premium and luxury
  • Company and home office

When deciding whether a massage chair is worthwhile for you, you should first get a clear picture of the areas in which you would like support. Pain relief, regeneration after sport, mental relaxation during and after work or simply physical relaxation?

 

Massages for a relaxed nervous system

The massage effect can be felt both physically and mentally, as it also involves the nervous system. A massage can stimulate the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the relaxation and regeneration of your body. The result: lower blood pressure, a slower heart rate and a general relaxation of your body. At the same time, the massage can reduce the release of stress hormones such as cortisol.

If a massage is to have an effect in the physical and mental areas, individual circumstances must be taken into account. These include primarily:

  • Size, age and stature
  • Pain patterns and/or physical complaints
  • Time compatibility of everyday life and conventional massage appointments

Massage chairs can have a positive effect in many areas, but only if they are tailored to your personal requirements and needs. 

How do you find these requirements? Five short steps are all you have to do.

Please read our 5 steps to a massage chair and find the best massage chair for you.


Your massage chair test winner: why you should rely on yourself when making your decision 

Our bodies are as individual as our characters. General comparisons that the massage chair test winners are therefore not very helpful when it comes to finding the right model for you. In order to be satisfied with your purchase for a long time, it is worth first finding out what your requirements are for the chair and then finding out for yourself how different chairs affect you.

Your personal massage chair test winner is not based on general factors that some editorial team can summarize for you. No, it depends on your height, your weight, your build and, of course, your individual wishes.


Why is the selection of the dealer of massage chairs so important?

There is a wide range of massage chairs to ensure a targeted effect. 

This makes sense and has made massage chairs increasingly effective and professional with their integrated techniques and programs in recent years. 

On the other hand, different manufacturers and models are not always suitable for all customers. In order to find the best massage chair for you, your precise requirements and in-depth specialist knowledge of the various brands and models of massage chair must work together in harmony. This makes consultation a key issue.

Are you ready to actively search for a massage chair and know what you need and what you value most? Then you need to find someone who can guide you through the complex and extensive world of massage chairs, their manufacturers and models to find the right chair for you.


7 tips to identify reputable supplier:inside for massage chairs

Massage chairs are complex. They have many different functions that are designed for different areas of the body and now offer as many options as a mid-range car. They require intensive consultation in order to deliver exactly the results you ultimately expect. 

However, not all providers in this industry work with the appropriate care, which is why you as a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the following aspects. These will help you not only to receive professional advice, but also to be satisfied with your product for many years to come and thus get the most out of your investment. 


1. The reputation and respectability of the trader


Customer reviews and third-party opinions are a reliable criterion for assessing the reliability of retailers. Make sure that these are not only published on the retailer's own website, but also come from independent platforms such as Trusted Shops or Google, which have strict guidelines regarding fake reviews. 

 

2. The expertise of providers

Find out whether the provider is even able to provide brand-independent advice. If they only have one manufacturer's models available, and even then only a few models, it is usually difficult to find a tailor-made solution for you. If this is nevertheless advertised, caution is advised. 


Make sure you seek advice from trained staff who have expertise in massages in general and in massage chairs of different brands and models. They should be able to provide you with support over the phone, by email or in person. For providers that operate outsourced hotlines with untrained staff, it is not possible to get professional advice is generally not to be expected.


3. a look into the warranty services

High-quality massage chairs are durable and dealers should vouch for this. Pay attention to the warranty period and how it applies in detail. Does the massage chair have to be sent in if it is damaged or does the warranty also apply on site? A guarantee of at least five years should not be undercut by reputable providers with high-quality products. It also makes sense for warranty services to be covered by an external service company and insurance, giving you maximum security in the event of a warranty claim. 

 

4. ability to deliver products

Ask about stock levels and delivery times. This will give you an indication of whether the vendor has their own warehouse or is merely acting as an intermediary who delivers directly from the manufacturer. If the seller has their own warehouse, this means that they have a direct influence on the delivery time and availability and can therefore provide you with specific information.

 

5. construction and services

Find out about additional services such as assembly and installation. Are external subcontractors commissioned for this, who often do not have the necessary know-how and experience? 

It is helpful if your provider works with permanent delivery teams. Thanks to their experience, they can usually overcome challenges such as narrow doors or spiral staircases. Their expertise in massage chairs also enables quick assembly, which is rounded off by a short training session after installation. 

 

6. repair service

You can also tell whether you have landed with the right provider by whether they will support you in any repair cases. If a repair is offered on site, does it have the necessary expertise or can it only be replaced by the manufacturer under warranty? If, for example, electrical, pneumatic and mechanical parts are replaced on site at the dealer, this has a positive effect on the repair time and is also much more sustainable than simply replacing the appliance completely. 



7. investment protection

Question the provider's investment protection. A massage chair is a long-term investment and your provider should provide spare parts for several years, just in case. - which we understand to be around 7-10 years.

Experience has shown that many prospective chair buyers rely on external intermediaries who often no longer provide parts after 2-3 years. So make sure that your investment is secured for years to come so that you can enjoy your massage chair for as long as possible. 

 

Is a massage chair worth it? 

Definitely! That's our answer, if you take into account that the all-round features also fit. A massage chair offers more than just a body massage, but includes many other aspects that improve your quality of life. Pain relief, relaxation and stress reduction during work as well as improved regeneration for active sportspeople combined with absolute flexibility in terms of time are some of the major benefits of massage chairs. 

Intensive and, above all, honest advice is a must for such a complex product and is not offered by all providers. Pay particular attention to the selection of your dealer so that your investment fulfills its purpose and relaxation is guaranteed for many years to come.

So do the massage chair test yourself, find your massage chair provider and finally your test winner.

Share post
Michael Roedeske
Owner of the massage chair world

Co-founder and Managing Director of Massage Chair World. With his expert knowledge and industry expertise, he helps private individuals and companies to find the right massage chairs for relaxation, health and vitality. The individual expert advice is provided both by telephone or video chat, as well as in the exhibition outside Stuttgart.