Massage Therapy Supplies

Massage has long a long history in a number of different cultures, having been used by nearly every ethnicity and society to some degree. In fact, there are more than thirty common theoretical approaches to massage, ranging from ancient traditional methods from India and Asia to modern scientific approaches utilizing the latest research from medical professionals. Massage has been used to treat everything from physical pain to posture to psychological ailments. Massage often includes all sorts of different elements, from scented oils and herbs to incense and temperature variations. One thing all types of massage share is the need for a surface on which the person receiving the massage can rest while the massage is performed. These are called massage therapy chairs.

Modern massage therapy is a fully recognized component of health care, with significant support from a number of peer-reviewed studies on its impact and efficacy. Studies have split these benefits into two main categories: single-session and multiple dose. Single session treatments are for acute symptoms and have been proven useful in the treatment of anxiety, physical pain, a reduction in blood pressure and enhanced memory and mathematical ability. Regular massage can help treat back pain, reduce their susceptibilty to anxiety, help treat subclinical depression and even the physical effects of several chronic diseases.

Massage chairs are those odd shaped assemblies of metal, plastic and various types of padding that are used by during a massage. Massage chairs are generally sturdy constructions designed to safely hold a client during the massage process, which can include a good deal of pressure and exerted force. As a result they tend to be overbuilt, with plenty of leeway for clients of different sizes and shapes. This often leads to a degree of adjustability in their construction so that a single chair can accommodate a wide variety of body types. A real massage chair generally possesses a few common traits, including a degree of portability and a headrest with an opening for the client's face. Massages delivered with a chair are generally done while the client is fully clothed, which, when coupled with the portability offered by a massage chair versus a massage table, lend them to public usage.

BRAND NEW MASSAGE CHAIR RECLINER SHIATSU HEAT THERAPY    US $1,259.95

MASSAGE THERAPY CHAIR PISCES DOLPHIN II MUST SELL    US $455.00

Brand New Massage Chair Shiatsu Recliner w HEAT THERAPY    US $1,399.95

Massage chairs are used by professional massage therapists to perform a massage. A client sits upright in a chair, generally with their face resting on the headrest, which gives the therapist access to the client's back and neck. The client remains in the chair until the massage is completed. As mentioned above, massage chairs as lighter and can often be broken down into travel-friendly components for transport. As a result, they are very popular for home visits, public locations like malls or contract massages at a workplace.

While massage therapy chairs are very useful and popular for portable work, they are less condusive for heavy duty massage treatments such as deep tissue or Swedish massage. Additionally they are less effective for long periods of massage as they are less comfortable than massage tables. As massage chairs are designed for more mobile work, these limitations are balanced by the types of treatments offered by the therapist.

Massage chairs tend to be much less expensive than massage tables. A basic massage chair designed for portable use starts at around two hundred dollars. Several entry level models are available from Fellston start around $180 online and generally include a limited warranty. More advanced models, with heavier construction, more flexible adjustments and a larger array of attachments, grow progressively more expensive. Mid range chairs, for example the Earthlite Vortex, are in the three hundred dollar range. High end chairs, like the Oakwork's Portal cost around five hundred dollars and come with more extensive warranties, improved ergonomics and often an instructional DVD to explain their features. Also useful are package deals which include no only a chair but various other important elements like disposable covers for the padding, massage oils and travel bags for easy portability.