To Your Health
March, 2007 (Vol. 01, Issue 03)
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SIX Essential Components of a Great Massage Chair

If you're interested in purchasing a robotic massage chair for your home or office, make sure it can perform the following massage functions:

Woman receiving lower back massage. - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark 1 ROLLING

Feels like the gentle hands of a massage therapist pressing firmly first on one side of your spine, and then the other. It relieves tension and loosens the muscles to prepare your back for deeper massage.

Woman receiving lower back massage. - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark 2 KNEADING

Feels like thumbs pressing firmly in a circular motion on both sides of the spine. This therapeutic motion goes deeper, lifting and stretching muscles to improve circulation.

Woman receiving lower back massage. - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark 3 COMPRESSION

Feels like the heels of a professional therapist's hands firmly pushing on muscles alongside your spine and inward, toward the spine itself. This mode aids in improving mobility and posture.

Woman receiving percussion massage. - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark 4 PERCUSSION

Feels like fists or the edge of hands rapidly tapping on your back muscles. This flexes spinal joints, relieves pressure and invigorates your entire back.

Man receiving a massage. - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark 5 EFFLEURAGE

Feels like long, soothing strokes; designed to flush the muscle belly and help lymphatic drainage.

Woman receiving lumbar traction. - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark 6 LUMBAR TRACTION

Feels like the back muscles are being gently flexed and then extended (stretched).


Michael Nathanson, DC, a 1972 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, currently practices in Lake Worth, Fla., specializing in manipulative medicine, physical therapy, rehabilitation and massage.