Best electric massage chairs and recliners sofa for pain relief (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

We've put together the best buying guide so you know all the tips and tricks to consider when choosing an electric massage chair. You will find a detailed review that will not only help you save money, but also help you get the massager that best suits you.

Don't waste any more time searching on the internet. Below you will find a simple overview of what types of massage chairs and recliners are available and which solution suits you best. We'll also go over the benefits and advantages of massage therapy and answer the questions you should ask yourself before buying your next electric massage chair.

What is the best massage chairs and recliners sofa for pain relief?

The shape of the RENPHO back massager is ideal for placing it on your office chair or living room couch because its ergonomic shape will anatomically support the lower back and neck. Don't miss this opportunity to get one of the best electric massage pads with Shiatsu, kneading and heat functions. All these variables can be controlled from its intuitive cable control.

It is designed with four massage nodes to cover the neck and shoulders, while on the back you will find 10 Shiatsu motors, which will benefit the blood circulation. Just place the adjustable cushion on any seat to get the benefits of the S-shaped massage. Please note that the intensity may be a little too strong for some people's backs, although this can be overcome by placing a towel over the cushion.

If you spend a lot of time sitting or need to relax your back, we recommend the GURU massage chair. Its professional design features 3 massage modes and integrated speakers to generate surround sound to maximise relaxation. Its curved design is designed to stimulate blood circulation and reduce deep tissue trigger point tension.

Its high quality eco-leather upholstery encases a technologically advanced structure with which you can choose to massage the whole body or the back or legs independently. By simply sitting down and selecting Shiatsu massages on the integrated control knob, the curved design adapts to the ergonomics of your body, creating a unique feeling of well-being. A point to take into account is that it does not have a heating function or wheels to move it.

The Comfier back massaging seat features a vibration system with 10 motors to stimulate the dilation of the capillary vessels in the cervical and lumbar region. It has a heat function to improve blood circulation and relax tense muscles. Its design fits easily to any office chair or car seat because it has adaptable straps and non-slip material to prevent it from slipping during the session.

Please note that the customisable setting does not include Shiatsu massage or reach deep tissue. You can choose the degree of intensity at either of two levels when seated to massage the back or legs or both areas. It features a one-minute quick warm-up system and a safety lock to prevent the cushion from overheating and causing injury. Its polyester material may be uncomfortable in hot environments.

To relieve back pain and relax your legs and feet you can use the Ananda massage chair for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Its innovative design, made of durable material and lined with eco-leather, creates the comfort needed to loosen the tension in the muscles and achieve an overall sense of well-being. If you wish to enhance your relaxation experience, you can choose the zero gravity position.

And if that's not enough, you can add your favourite music to the therapy via a Bluetooth or USB connection and listen to it through its integrated speakers. Don't miss this opportunity to use any of the 12 professional programmes to massage your whole body, from the soles of your feet to your neck through heat, vibration, Shiatsu and compression therapy. Its size may be a consideration in small environments.

Everything you need to relax your body can be found in the KENSHO electric massage chair. Its futuristic design features a zero-gravity system for total relaxation through massage rollers and automatic functions. The air pockets and footrests generate the necessary compression to stimulate the blood and treat the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and calf stiffness.

It has a body scanner that measures shoulder width, height and body contour so that its sensors adapt the ergonomic position to your muscles. Thanks to the breathable fabric, the 3D surround sound and its Bluetooth connection, you will get better results from reflexology, which you can combine with thermotherapy. It includes programmes for automatic shut-off and heat emission control. Its volume is ample and it does not have wheels to move it.

Stop suffering from stress and start relaxing your body with a professional iRest massage chair. This massage machine has everything you're looking for, its carbon fibre material and ability to recline the body, generating the relief you need to treat nerve sensors. The weightless position will help you to get the overall wellness to help you rest your muscles, but also to get a good night's sleep.

It is designed with a high quality structure and its roller system massages up to 5 different shapes. If you want to choose a Shiatsu or lumbar kneading massage, no problem, because you can combine it with the rear heating for best results. It is intended to be used for 20 to 30 minutes, but don't worry about this limit because you can activate its automatic shut-off. The width of the chair may be narrow for some people.

The air massage system and the 28 customisable massage programmes of the NCBH chair will make you feel a unique experience of relaxation and well-being after a long day at work. Its style adapts to any room or office decor because it has a combination of leather and high quality fabric that goes with any environment. It has 26 air bags, 8 magnetic valves and 6 motors that drive a pump to combine with the massage rollers.

You can also add heating and enjoy its zero gravity reclining system for complete full body relaxation. Connect your phone to play music via Bluetooth and, if you wish, combine the type of massages in S and L. Don't let your performance and concentration decrease due to stress, although you should consider that the power in the kneading may be insufficient for some people.

Enjoy the benefits of the ROTAI electric massage chair. Its design is configured to easily adapt to the edges of the back and buttocks and transmit in an L-shape any of the five massage programmes. It can be used by both men and women, thanks to its width and ergonomics, it is suitable for the well-being of any person. Its synthetic leather material contributes to total relaxation in the zero gravity position.

When you sit in your living room or in the office, you can apply 6 massage programmes automatically by means of its easy-to-use and readable control. In addition, it has a heating system to combine vibration and Shiatsu therapy on the entire back and waist. It does not have a foot rest and the body scanner, which measures the length of the back, may not be accurate.

have you ever thought that you can get a massage just by sitting down? Well, thanks to the SNAILAX electric massager for cars and sofas you will be able to stimulate the trigger points of the neck and back with great ease. This is due to the design that adapts to the contours of the body and allows you to reach deep tissues to relieve pain and improve muscle relaxation. It is designed to deliver Shiatsu massages by rolling, vibrating or kneading.

The adjustable width of the rolling back massage will allow you to relax the most important muscles in the front part of the body, which will fill you with energy and reduce stress. It is lined with PU leather, which significantly improves comfort. Its control panel is complete and intuitive, but in some cases the length of the cable may be insufficient.

The four strategically placed rotating nodes on the backrest of the Comfier electric massage seat generate the relaxation needed to reach the deep tissues. You can achieve myofascial release through soothing heat therapy by simply choosing the intensity level of the thermotherapy and one of the three power levels of the Shiatsu massage. In addition, its non-slip fabric with rubber dots adheres easily to any surface.

It is ideal for relaxing your back and absorbing vibration while driving, or for sitting in the living room and enjoying the best movies by simply reclining the backrest and using the remote control to achieve the right combination of massage style. Please note that its size does not reach the neck area, so you will not be able to relax your neck.

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Tips for buying the best electric massage chair

Buying the best electric massage chair is not an easy task, as there are a variety of products with different features to help you achieve unique relaxation benefits. For this reason, we present below a buying guide that will show you all the available options that you should consider when choosing your massage chair.

Pay attention to each and every point:

Material

The material that the chairs are made of depends on the segment they belong to. In other words: If you want a high-quality electric massager, you will get a product that is covered with genuine leather. However, as the power decreases, the material becomes artificial leather and polyester fabric mixed with cotton. Most importantly, these materials are non-slip and skin-friendly.

Shape and size

The shape of electric massage chairs varies depending on the area of the body they protect. You can find massagers that extend from the head (for color therapy) to the soles of the feet, and others that cover only the back to the knees. All of them are equipped with wheels to facilitate transportation, while the more expensive models have a rotating base.

In terms of size, you should keep in mind that most massage chairs have a large volume. This means that it is not easy to use them in small environments, since their dimensions must not only cover the user's body, but also contain all the electronics needed to operate the menu options. Some can be stored folded against the wall to save space.

Performance

This factor measures how many times per minute the motors, located on the back and other strategic areas, work to loosen the knots in the body and improve blood circulation. The most effective electric massage chairs are those whose motors have a speed of 3500-3700 revolutions per minute. However, note that the maximum power is not always beneficial to health, as this depends on each user and the area to be massaged.

Type of connection

Massage chairs are electrically powered, as they require a power supply that must be connected to the home network. There are also models that can be charged through a 12 V connection, but you should know that these are smaller and are used to be placed on the car seat or on the chair at home.

As the quality of the massager increases, it is possible to find Bluetooth connectivity to pair your phone or tablet with the chair, so you can send the sound of your device through the built-in speakers. Another option you have is to find USB ports to charge your phone's battery during the massage session.

Types of massage

Thanks to the different functions and friction tools available in an electric recliner, you can enjoy the following types of massages:

• Stretching and stretching: This technique is used to stimulate the synovial fluid in the joints by gently stretching the body parts in a controlled manner.
• Kneading: This is the most common massage used in electric relaxation chairs, as it rubs the knots in the muscles to relax the tension in the structure. Thanks to this, it is possible to shorten the recovery time from injuries.
• Vibration or percussion: This is done through a variety of gentle, repetitive movements. It is ideal for relieving stress and improving blood circulation.
• Rolling: This massage is applied to the back and neck area in a circular motion to stimulate the elimination of toxins.
• Shiatsu massages: This Japanese technique uses acupressure to stimulate trigger balls to release toxins that have accumulated in the tissues. This massage most closely resembles that of a physical therapist.
• Therapeutic compression: In an electric massage chair, not only do you receive stimulation through stroking or kneading, but it is also possible to position the body to receive controlled pressure on legs, arms and other areas. This leads to a rapid improvement of injuries and a reduction in stiffness.
• Techniques of tapping: This type of massage is used for small areas where it stimulates the dilation of blood vessels to relieve pain and improve joint range of motion. Gentle, controlled massage is used.
• Heat therapy: Although not a massage in the strict sense, this complementary treatment, which uses heat to reduce muscle stiffness and reduce joint inflammation, should not be ignored. This technique is combined with all the massages mentioned above.

Massage zones

The easiest thing to say in this regard is that the massage zones that you can relax with an electric vibration chair are all present. This means that not only do you have the option to relieve tension in the neck, shoulder and back muscles, but you can also massage the legs, calves and soles of the feet. In addition, some top models are equipped with a hood for the application of color therapy. With the help of this hood it is possible to achieve emotional balance.

Heat effect

By choosing a good electric massage chair, you can relax your muscles through various types of massage, but if you combine massage therapy with heat therapy, the results will be even better. Some models of vibration chairs include heating pads or warm air ventilation system , which promotes the relaxation of legs, hips, lumbar and cervical vertebrae.

Remote control

To operate the electric massage chair, you can choose models with a built-in remote control, some with a touch screen or a wireless remote control (this can also be connected via a cable). With this tool, you can select all available functions during the massage session, without having to ask another person for help. The most important feature to highlight in this aspect is that the control unit should be easy to use, easy to read and large.

Price

The functions included in the relaxation chair, the quality of the materials and the design are crucial in determining different price ranges so that everyone can have an electric massage chair at home.

It is possible to divide the prices into three price categories:

• Not very expensive: In this group you can find electric massage chairs that have limited functions, but this does not mean that they do not fulfill the goal of relaxation and stimulation of blood circulation. You can find massage chairs for cars and offices, but also less bulky relaxation chairs. In the latter, you can benefit from separate footrests, shape adjustment functions, integrated rollers for moving, sectoral nodes and massage rollers. Another feature is the user-friendly control unit, which can be wired or wireless. The price can go up to 1500 $.
• Standard: The price ranges from 1500 $ to 2500 $. These models have an intermediate size, where you can find advanced features such as gravity zeroing and heating pads for heat therapy. They have a scanning unit for specific parts of the body, which allows you to get better results in the back and neck area. They have built-in airbags, footrests and automatic knots, and can be operated via a wireless control with a touch screen. Massage shapes are either L or S, although some models include both options. Arm clamps are available for tapping massages.
• Premium: These are the most comfortable models. This range includes massagers with multiple levels of weightlessness and devices with lighting that can relax the mind through color therapy. Its size is bulky, as it has a hood that covers the head and a sleeve that hugs the calves and foot. Among its most salient features are the possibility of using aromatherapy, sensors for scanning the body, a large number of air pockets and heating pads. They are covered with a skin-friendly material, and in L, S and LS shapes, all kinds of massages are possible. They have Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports and built-in speakers.

Types of massage chairs and reclining sofas

There are different types of electric massage chairs and reclining sofas that you can get to relax your whole body. Take a look at the models available below:

Portable

Portable massage chairs have a small volume that allows them to have a limited weight, so they can be easily moved between office, car and home. Their design covers the back and some models include nodes in the neck area, although these are the least common. They are equipped with massage cushions that easily adapt to the body and contain heat for relaxation therapy.

You can perform deep or soft massages and choose between different levels of percussion, shiatsu, kneading and rolling movements. They can be powered by batteries, a 12-volt connection, or a mains power supply.

Tilting sofas

Electric tilting sofas are one of the most comprehensive products in the field of relaxation therapy. This is because they include various functions that help to better dilate capillaries to eliminate toxins and relieve stress. They are equipped with head and foot rests, achieving a tilt that allows maximum relaxation of the entire body.

They are designed to facilitate the kneading of tense areas with the help of knots and different types of massage. They have a USB port, Bluetooth and built-in controls that can be used during therapy. Air pockets and body sensing sensors provide an ideal setting for relaxation. Their volume and weight should be considered when purchasing, although wheels are included for transport.

Zero Gravity

Zero gravity or weightlessness is the sensation you feel in your body when the position of the electric massage chair raises your knee above the level of your heart. This creates a great feeling of well-being and promotes relaxation through blood circulation. There are models that allow you to achieve up to three levels of weightlessness, which can be easily adjusted to suit each user. It is important to note that this feature is included in the most expensive electric massage chairs.

Car seat massager

Not only can you use an electric massager in your living room, but you can also place a massage chair on the seat of your car so you can relax while driving. There are a variety of products that vary in function and external design, so that they fit perfectly with the aesthetics of your car.

You can choose between shiatsu, vibration and rolling massage for the back, neck and legs. They are charged through a 12 V connection and have a remote control where you can choose the desired intensity and speed. It is possible to combine heat therapy through strategically placed pillows in the lumbar and back areas. They are non-slip and safe when driving.

Office chairs

Office chairs are similar to massage chairs for cars in that they have a similar size and design, so they can be easily integrated into any chair in the workplace. You can choose between a rechargeable battery system or a power connection to operate the different levels of intensity and depth of massage. They are suitable for acupressure and massage therapy, as the rollers stimulate vasodilation.

Some models are heated and have headrests, but the most important thing is the angle of the backrest and the inclination of the seat to get an ideal support that absorbs the vibrations. You can find massagers with motors for the back, thighs, waist and buttocks, but office massage seats for the neck and shoulders are also a good choice.

Heat therapy

Massage chairs and reclining sofas can have cushions with heat gels that generate the heat needed to relax the muscles in the back and any other area of the body. There are also models available where the heat is generated by a hot air system that relaxes the lower back, calves and feet. All models are equipped with an automatic shut-off. Massagers with integrated heat therapy function usually have a slightly higher price than others.

Low prices

Cheap electric massage chairs are characterized by the relaxation functions you need for your back and legs, which reduce muscle tension and improve blood circulation. These products are ideal for people who do not have much space in their living room and need a relaxing massage before going to sleep.

Advantages and benefits of massage therapy

Relaxing massage therapy offers the following advantages and benefits:

• Reduces pain: Tense muscles start to loosen up when they are massaged by kneading and vibrating. This allows capillaries to expand better and contributes to oxygenation.
• It is ideal for reducing arthritic pain: People suffering from this degenerative joint disease can fight the symptoms by gentle massages that stimulate the elimination of toxic substances from the joint cavity.
• It is used as a method to prevent migraines: Headaches can be easily reduced by applying relaxation therapy to the shoulders, neck and back. This relieves the tissues surrounding the nerves and prevents migraines.
• Reduces sciatic pain: Sciatica pain can also benefit from loosening the walls covering the nerve by massaging and stretching the surrounding muscles.
• Eliminates knots in the neck: Muscle strains due to lack of strength or a cold cause painful knots in the neck. These knots can be eliminated by vibrating and rolling massages that stimulate the removal of toxins.
• Improves blood circulation: Dilating the capillaries helps the venules and arterioles decompress the connective tissue, which promotes better blood circulation.
• It has a relaxing effect: Massage reduces symptoms of exhaustion and anxiety, as tissue fibers are better oxygenated, generating more energy.
• It contributes to a better night's sleep: Relaxation not only reduces stress, but also improves other important aspects of health. For example, massage stimulates endorphins and oxytocin, which helps produce deep sleep at night.
• The posture of the body is improved: Relaxation therapy with electric massage chairs promotes stretching and strengthening of muscles, which leads to better posture.
• Helps recover faster from injuries: The oxygen stimulation and nutrient exchange that takes place during relaxation massage removes toxic substances stored in the fibers. This allows muscle injuries to recover more quickly.
• The absorption of insulin is improved: Diabetics are advised to use relaxation massages to make injections more effective by improving the body's absorption of insulin.

F.A.Q: Frequently asked questions