The current nature of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) doesn’t give way to much familiarity. Most try to liken it to cryotherapy or sensory deprivation float tanks. Though they bare similarities, HBOT is completely different. HBOT is a non-invasive medical treatment of delivering a large amount of oxygen under pressure. That influx of oxygen supports rapid healing in the body during the session and in days after. But it’s not common place and our treatment chambers can look a bit intimidating, so we have made every effort to practice HBOT in an environment that is peaceful and relaxing. Our Human Touch® Perfect Chairs® really make the experience. Immediately, our patients are transported out of the grind of their lives and on a mini va-ca, into a spa where every need was thought of and met before the patient had to ask. The Perfect Chair is their first introduction to our place. We recline them, take vital signs, and walk them through the treatment. Our regulars stake claim to their favorite chair, colonizing them with their personal items, customizing the settings and regaling the newbies about their first time. This chatter helps; new patients tend to sink into their chair more at ease and all you see after a while are two pairs of feet in the air from a deep recline, like two white flags surrendering to the process, ready for treatment.
Once settled inside, the pure oxygen lulls most everyone to sleep. For good reason, your body wants to utilize the surge of oxygen. When the body is put under pressure, oxygen is able to be dissolved in to your blood at a much higher rate (Henry's Law). Oxygen is needed to make ATP which is cellular energy or cellular cash and just like every good capitalist society, cash is king, and your body goes right to work spending it. While the patient sleeps, cellular contractors are putting in bids and molecular architects are submitting plans. Every project is approved in this oxygen rich environment and the work begins without delay! Teams begin repairing soft tissue, building new blood vessels, stimulating the growth of stem cells, reducing inflammation/swelling, enhancing immune functioning, improving neurocognitive functions, fortifying bone tissue and more. All the patient has to do is breathe.
After 90 minutes, the patient is brought out of the chamber and welcomed back into our tranquil place. With all the changes their body undergoes, they experience disorientation and the feeling of being high. We guide them to take refuge back in a Perfect Chair. There is no better way to transition them back to real life. We preheat the chair with the jade infrared heat and have a tray with warm moist towels ready for them. The infrared heat improves lymphatic flow and increases circulation of blood deep in the tissues, helping to clear out any leftover waste from all the projects. Once they are nestled in, we recline them and let them re-acclimate slowly. This pause is paramount. The body needs to rest and readjust back to the oxygen poor environment. Once the patient feels like they are back down to earth, they are given vitamins and sent on their way. Routinely, patients will call us just to tell us about how great they feel even days later.
Our goal is to transport people away from the hustle of real life to a tranquil escape. We are reintroducing what healthcare is supposed to look like. It is our belief when people are placed in an environment rooted in patient first care, they actually heal. And that reintroduction starts and ends with the Perfect Chair. From the moment they sit down, they know we have invested in their comfort. The Perfect chair is not just a design choice, it is the treatment. The perfect bookends to a restorative hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment.
© Craig Berry/flickr.com
PonyApp Pro-Tips brought to you by Human Touch® Super Novo.
We’ve come a long way from the days when riding was considered an exclusive, country pursuit, usually accompanied by corseted ladies in sidesaddle, plenty of tweed, and a healthy dose of sherry and whiskey. More and more today, equestrian competition is being recognized as the sport that it is by the general public, but we, as riders, often fail to recognize the other half of that equation. Riders are athletes, and we need to think about our sport, and how we train for it, like any other athlete would.
“Riders are athletes, and we need to think about our sport, and how we train for it, like any other athlete would.”
At the top of that list: taking a more holistic approach to the way we care for ourselves in and out of the ring, from our diet and exercise program, to the way we incorporate wellness techniques for the mind and body—be that through mediation and yoga, acupuncture and massage, or something else entirely.
So just why is thinking big-picture about health and wellness critical to a rider’s overall performance? For that, we caught up with Dr. Drew DeMann, a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in Primary Care Sports Medicine at Manhattan Medicine in New York. Here, Dr. DeMann shares four reasons why taking a holistic approach to your training can help you hack your health, in and out of the saddle.
1. It can help you prevent injuries.
“If you don’t look at things holistically, and you just look at [pain] like ‘it’s a knee’, or ‘it’s a shoulder’, or ‘it’s a back’, often you miss the big-picture on how people get hurt,” explains Dr. DeMann. “You could be presenting [in my office] with knee pain because your hips are too tight, or because your back is too tight.” The goal: treating these associated areas with something like massage or physical therapy before there’s a sports performance issue.
2. It can help you eat the absolute right way.
You know what they say: you are what you eat. Ask any top rider and they’re likely to tell you that looking at your diet holistically, as an extension of your training program, can have a positive impact on your performance. From Dr. DeMann’s perspective, it’s just good common sense. “From a nutrition standpoint, it’s super important, because if you don’t [eat in a healthy way], you’re going to wind up with nutritional deficiencies over time.”
3. It can help you get your head right.
“Sports doctors can tell, when patients come in the office, who’s more likely to get better and who’s not, almost [based entirely] on their attitude,” says Dr. DeMann, who notes that taking steps to ensure your mental wellness is as fine-tuned as your physical health is essential. “If you tell your brain that you’re healthy, your brain will produce chemicals that will make you healthy. If you tell your brain that you’re sick, or that you’re not functioning properly, your brain will fulfill that outcome.”
4. It can help you train better.
Let’s face it, it’s a lot harder to maximize that hour in the gym or be the best you can be for the horse you’re riding in the moment when you wake up every day feeling stiff and uncomfortable from the training you’ve done the day before. For that, Dr. DeMann says, incorporating a massage program can be especially beneficial. “When you exercise anaerobically—as in, you’re training—you produce something called lactic acid. Lactic acid can get cleared out of the muscles, and [that’s when] you get post-exercise soreness,” he explains. “Massage increases blood flow to the muscle, and releases a lot of that lactic acid back into your lymphatic system, and that helps you to function a little more normally.”
Function more normally and ride a whole lot better. Who can argue with that?
The new Human Touch® Super Novo is a specially designed chair that delivers three dimensional massage along the entire length of your spine and all the way down to the thighs. What’s more, the Super Novo offers Mediation and Yoga Studio programs to help you achieve a relaxed state of being pre- or post-ride— it’s even (Amazon) Alexa compatible! For more information, visit: humantouch.com/supernovo.
WRITTEN BY
The PonyApp
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Human Touch to Showcase its Latest Massage Chair Innovations at The Hampton Classic
LONG BEACH, CA August 25, 2019 – Human Touch, the U.S. market leader in high performance massage chairs, Perfect Chair® recliners, and other wellness solutions, proudly announces its affiliation and sponsorship of the 44th Annual Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, New York, August 25 through September 1, 2019. Honored for the opportunity to introduce their wellness solutions into the equestrian lifestyle, Human Touch will be showcasing its new Super Novo massage chair, as well as its Novo XT2, which provide advanced recovery, relaxation, and relief to equestrians, other athletes, and individuals desiring superior pain relief and stress management.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to support such a long-standing tradition,” says David Wood, CEO of Human Touch. “Our massage chair innovations and wellness solutions were specifically designed with the needs and desires of athletes, including equestrians, in mind. We hope attendees will take the time to visit our booth in the Boutique Garden and website to learn more about our exciting massage and wellness innovations.”
Newly added to the Human Touch Wellness Council this year is Elisa Wallace, an award-winning equestrian representing the U.S.A. in international competition. She is a 5-star three-day event rider and popular YouTuber. Elisa is also a well-known advocate for American Mustang adoption, off the track thoroughbreds, rider safety, and women in sports. Human Touch formed the Wellness Council with the intention of sourcing valuable insights from leading doctors, professional athletes, wellness practitioners, and natural healers to further advance the design, function, and needs of the Human Touch product line. With the addition of Elisa to the council, her remarkable expertise and athletic diversity complements the development and scope of treatment Human Touch wellness solutions offer.
This year, Human Touch unveiled its most advanced massage chair yet: the Super Novo. Providing real therapeutic relief and recovery, the Super Novo introduces the world’s first massage chair to implement user-customized Virtual Therapist™ through Amazon Alexa’s voice recognition and Human Touch’s multidimensional massage technology into one fully immersive, zero gravity massage experience. The chair features full body stretch capabilities, Cloud Touch Acupressure, and 38 Auto-Wellness programs, such as full body immersion, deep tissue, and a diverse collection of therapeutic relaxation, meditation, and recovery programs, in addition to three 4D massage programs that soothe, stretch, and rejuvenate the entire body.
For more information, please visit www.humantouch.com.
About Human Touch®
Entering its 40th year, Human Touch® proudly serves as the country’s leading provider and innovator of high-performance massage chairs, zero gravity recliners and other wellness solutions. Committed to creating the most immersive and personalized independent wellness experiences, Human Touch introduces patented massage systems that replicate the touch and techniques used by leading massage professionals. Each product is strategically engineered and designed to address the pains and stresses caused by today's hectic lifestyle using the latest technologies and intelligent ergonomics. Products are available at fine furniture stores, back care specialty stores, and mass-market retailers across the U.S., through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries.
Media Contact:
Emily Wong
Direct Ph: 562-733-7358
First of its Class Super Novo Massage Chair Now Available Exclusively from Amazon and at Costco Stores
LONG BEACH, CA July 1, 2019 – Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader in high performance massage chairs, Perfect Chair® recliners, and other wellness solutions, has just launched its most advanced wellness solution yet: The Super Novo. Now available exclusively online on Amazon and at select Costco stores, the Super Novo marks the world’s first massage chair to implement a user-customized Virtual Therapist™ and Human Touch’s multidimensional massage technology into one fully immersive, zero gravity massage experience.
In bringing Amazon Alexa capabilities to the Super Novo, Human Touch has placed the chair in an exclusive class of its own. For the first time ever, individuals have the luxury of customizing their massage chair experience in real-time using voice recognition.
“With Virtual Therapist, you can speak to your Super Novo like you would to a massage therapist, directing the intensity and type of massage you receive as you go,” says David Wood, CEO of Human Touch. “The Super Novo is the culmination of advanced technology and engineering, striking design and the best in innovation. The team at Human Touch has worked hard to create a product that will ultimately set industry standards.”
Empowering consumers with real therapeutic relief in a personal or at-home setting, the Super Novo combines zero gravity positioning, full body stretch capabilities, and Cloud Touch Acupressure, which leverages strategically-placed air cells that apply pressure to key healing points. It also features 38 Auto-Wellness programs, such as full body immersion, deep tissue, and a diverse collection of therapeutic relaxation, meditation, and recovery programs, in addition to three 4D massage programs that soothe, stretch, and rejuvenate the entire body.
The Super Novo also features:
* Advanced Multi-Dimensional Massage Technology with S- and L-track systems extend massage coverage from the shoulders and spine down to the thighs.
* Dual lumbar heat is adjustable and has targeted heat that gently soothes the back to loosen tight muscles and helps relieve pain.
* The space-saving design of the Super Novo requires only 2” of wall clearance in order to pivot seamlessly from the upright to the reclined position.
* The built-in USB port can charge your favorite hand-held device while you listen to music, watch videos, or read an eBook.
* Narrated demo walks through the features of the chair and describes the health benefits of each function.
* Heated foot, calf and knee massage with under-foot rollers and reflexology that automatically extends to fit the height of the user.
* The Altec Lansing Premium Sound System adds the enveloping melody of any music via Bluetooth connection.
* The built-in Sound Soothe offers eight calming built-in nature tracks allowing the user to easily unwind and de-stress.
* The downloadable and intuitive Super Novo App turns an Android or iOS device into a seamless controller for the chair.
The Super Novo is available in Black, Red, Gray, Cream, Saddle, and Espresso for $9,999. It is available exclusively from Amazon and at Costco stores.
For more information, please visit www.humantouch.com.
About Human Touch
Entering its 40th year, Human Touch proudly serves as the country’s leading provider and innovator of high-performance massage chairs, zero gravity recliners and other wellness solutions. Committed to creating the most immersive and personalized independent wellness experiences, Human Touch introduces patented massage systems that replicate the touch and techniques used by leading massage professionals. Each product is strategically engineered and designed to address the pains and stresses caused by today's hectic lifestyle using the latest technologies and intelligent ergonomics. Products are available at fine furniture stores, back care specialty stores, and mass-market retailers across the U.S., through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries.
Media Contact:Emily WongDirect Ph: 562-733-7358ewong@humantouch.com Media KitWorld Champion Athletes and Health Advocates Join Current Members to Build Awareness for the Latest Therapeutic Innovations from Human Touch
LONG BEACH, CA July 10, 2019—Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader in high-performance massage chairs, Perfect Chair® recliners, and other wellness innovations, announces its new Wellness Council, consisting of equestrian, Elisa Wallace, professional golfer, Stephanie Kono, triathlete and hyperbarics expert, Alexandra Williams, and returning member, Olympian and Ironman 70.3 World Champion, Andy Potts.
The Human Touch Wellness Council was formed with the intention of sourcing valuable insights from leading doctors, professional athletes, wellness practitioners, and natural healers to further advance the design, function, and needs of the Human Touch product line.
Elisa Wallace is an award-winning equestrian representing the U.S.A. in international competition. She is a 5-star three-day event rider, popular YouTuber, and well-known advocate for American Mustang adoption, off the track thoroughbreds, rider safety, and women in sports.
Stephanie Kono is an LPGA professional golfer earning her first full tour status in 2012 and re-earning her full tour status with her performance at the 2018 LPGA Q-Series. The highlight of Stephanie's 2018 season was winning the second annual Donald Ross classic on the LPGA Symetra Tour.
Alex Williams is a triathlete, hyperbarics expert, and the Founder of Holistic Hyperbarics in Berkeley, California. An EMT, birth doula, and post-surgery masseuse, she has a deep passion for promoting healing and chronic pain relief to patients.
Andy Potts is an Ironman World-Champion, U.S. Olympian, and a three-time winning USAT Triathlete of the Year. He has completed over 200 races with more than 57 first place finishes. As one of the most versatile triathletes in the world, Andy makes it a priority to give back to the sport and its community.
“We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding team of professionals to the Human Touch family,” says David Wood, CEO of Human Touch. “Their diverse experiences, along with their personal and professional dedication to total body wellness will serve to guide us as we continue to develop the most innovative, intuitive, and purpose-serving products possible for individuals with chronic pain, athletes, health professionals, and consumers alike.”
To learn more about the Human Touch Wellness Council, please visit www.humantouch.com/wellness-council
About Human Touch
Entering its 40th year, Human Touch® proudly serves as the country’s leading provider and innovator of high-performance massage chairs, Perfect Chair recliners and other wellness solutions. Committed to creating the most immersive and personalized independent wellness experiences, Human Touch introduces patented massage systems that replicate the touch and techniques used by leading massage professionals. Each product is strategically engineered and designed to address the pains and stresses caused by today's hectic lifestyle using the latest technologies and intelligent ergonomics. Products are available at fine furniture stores, back care specialty stores, and mass-market retailers across the U.S., through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries, and online at www.humantouch.com.
Media Contact:Emily WongDirect Ph: 562-733-7358ewong@humantouch.comMeet Alexandra Williams, Founder of Holistic Hyperbarics and Human Touch Wellness Council member.
Long Beach, CA – May 28, 2019 – Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® recliners, and other wellness solutions, has been honored with five 2019 Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX). Conducted each year by the Design Journal, the ADEX awards recognizes the superior product design of furnishings marketed and sold throughout the international architecture and design industry, and this year the annual competition received entries from 600 companies. This is the ninth year that Human Touch products have been recognized by the ADEX committee.
“Human Touch continues to impress our committee each year with their innovative and attractive designs,” says John Platter, ADEX CEO & Executive Director. “The ADEX awards are the largest awards program in the design industry, and we’re proud to recognize Human Touch for the ninth year running.”
Human Touch’s ADEX-winning wellness solutions include:
• The Human Touch Super Novo massage chair received a Platinum ADEX Award for its captivating unibody construction, delivering a proprietary three-dimensional massage along the entire length of your spine and all the way down to your thighs. The Meditation programs combine a soothing soundtrack with your massage, helping you to focus your breathing and achieve a relaxed state of being while the Yoga Studio programs use deep stretching and pressure to loosen and relieve pain from tight muscles. Top off your massage with your favorite music by connecting to the built-in Altec Lansing Premium Sound System via Bluetooth, or play one of Sound Soothe’s eight relaxing nature sounds — you can even control the volume. Complementing its advanced massage technology, Super Novo is the first chair of its kind to implement Alexa capability with the help of Virtual Therapist™. Ask Virtual Therapist to give you a massage and feel the smooth glide of the recline sweep you back into a perfect state of relaxation.
• The Human Touch Novo XT2 massage chair received a Platinum ADEX Award for its striking design and best-in-class performance, providing a therapeutic massage that can be custom-tailored to fit your lifestyle. The Novo XT2 features a distinctive unibody design, delivering three-dimensional massage along the entire length of the spine and all the way down to the thighs, Altec Lansing Premium Sound System to enjoy your favorite music or one of eight calming built-in sound Soothe nature tracks. The wellness solution also features a full-body stretch, lumbar heat, cloud touch acupressure, zero-gravity massage and an extending foot and calf massager. The Novo XT2 massage chair is endorsed by the World Federation of Chiropractic as an optimal way to improve spinal health and relieve overall stress.
• The Human Touch Gravis ZG chair received a Platinum ADEX Award for its combination of the therapeutic benefits of zero-gravity seating with air massage technology, multi-zone heat and powered positioning for every part of the chair, including the headrest. With crisp, clean lines and innovative design, Gravis delivers both soothing neutral posture pain relief and exceptional control of your seating comfort.
• The Human Touch Perfect Chair® PC-LiVE™ zero-gravity recliner also won a Platinum ADEX Award for combining innovative design with therapeutic benefits. Like all Perfect Chairs from Human Touch, the PC-LiVE combines contemporary architecture with old-world craftsmanship. The physician-recommended, zero-gravity seating position offered by Human Touch’s Perfect Chairs is made even more perfect with the PC-LiVE by using 3D EasePoint Technology™, which features a proprietary and patented fluid-cell cushion that distributes pressure evenly across the entire seating surface to deliver the benefits of zero-gravity in any seating position.
• The Human Touch Perfect Chair® PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic zero-gravity recliner received a Gold ADEX Award for its stylish design using hand-carved wood and luxuriously crafted leather upholstery. The dual-motor mechanism allows for infinite comfort positions and provides a unique balance of support and seating comfort by placing the body in a zero-gravity, virtually weightless position that physicians recommend as the healthiest way to sit.
“We’ve celebrated our 40th year in the industry by introducing products that are not only the most technologically-advanced on the market, but that also offer design, function, and comfort,” said David Wood, CEO of Human Touch. “These five ADEX awards are a great honor for us, and we’re pleased to receive this recognition of our long-term commitment to lifestyle products that not only offer cutting-edge technology, but superior design as well.”
About Human Touch
Human Touch is the leading provider of high-quality, innovative lifestyle products, massage chairs, and experiences that have been delivering indispensable, life-changing benefits to an ever-growing number of consumers for almost 40 years. Human Touch has been making people feel better by developing state-of-the-art massage products containing patented massage systems that replicate the hands and techniques used by massage professionals, thereby helping to reduce pain and stress caused by today’s hectic lifestyle. Products are available at fine furniture stores, back care specialty stores, and mass-market retailers across the U.S., through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries, and online at www.humantouch.com.
Media Contact:
Emily Wong
Direct Ph: 562-733-7358
Corp. Ph: 800-355-2762
The Long Beach Business Journal recently selected our CEO, David Wood, to feature in a special segment titled “The Executive.” In his interview, David shared his expertise and insight as the CEO of Human Touch as we celebrate our 40 Year Anniversary, as well as our new Chairs for Charity program, what gives the company a competitive edge, and more.
Guest post from our friends at Massagers-And-More!
Are you interested in buying a massage chair, but confused silly with all the different options out there? Not to worry, I was in your shoes about a year ago. With not enough resources and information, I’d find myself tirelessly scavenging the net comparing one chair to another. Safe to say that all paid off!
Since then my fascination for massage chairs has grown tremendously. I’ve written detailed reviews on 30 odd chairs, and continue to do so as new chairs get released.
The below 6 considerations are what I personally used/followed when I purchased my massage chair. Whenever friends or family ask me “what to look for when buying a massage chair,” these are the points I recommend.
Even though some items on this list may seem subjective, it’s worth paying attention to. Without further ado!
What To Look for When Buying a Massage Chair
#1 Price $$$$$!
Massage chairs aren’t exactly cheap, and even the cheapest of chairs will run you a solid $400-500 easy. The higher end chairs can go up to the $10K mark!
With these kinds of prices, you definitely need to know how to buy a massage chair.
And if you haven’t purchased a chair before or even know what features to look for, you can spend a lot of money on a chair that you don’t really need.
Which is why it’s so important to get a handle on budget!
You must ask yourself the following questions specifically:
- How much am I willing to spend in total? Total means everything i.e., shipping, install fees, taxes etc.
- How do I wish to pay? Typically, you can either finance the chair (most places offer 0% interest) over a period of several months, or you can pay the entire amount in one shot.
It’s important that you have a clear understanding of this before even looking at anything else. If you’re having difficulty coming up with a budget, just remember there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about what you’re most comfortable spending.
If you’re okay spending $3K, fine. If you’re okay spending $6K, awesome. If you’re okay spending $500, swell!
If you have your budget nailed down, that’s it. Many people tend to budge from their set budget. Don’t be one of those people! Set yourself a budget!
But also, be realistic with what your budget will get you.
A $500 chair is going to have the most basic features. You’ll definitely still have a chair that gives you a nice massage, but don’t expect the same features in a $500 chair you’d find in a $3,000 chair. It's just not going to happen.
Set yourself a budget and tame those expectations if your budget is low.
What Do You Get When You Pay for a High-end Massage Chair?
High-end chairs fall within the $2,500 - $4,000 range, and when you sit in one of the more expensive chairs, you really notice the difference of:
- Smoother massage
- Additional massage functions
- Advanced roller systems
You really need to know what to look for in a massage chair when focusing on the high-end market because they have a ton of additional features, such as lumbar heating, massage programs, leg and foot massage and so much more.
And you’ll find a lot of different roller systems, too.
#2 Roller System: 2D, 3D, or 4D?
Once you’ve determined your budget, next step is to decide on a roller system. As of 2022, there are 3 types of roller technologies to choose from:
2D Rollers
2D rollers are the oldest technology you can find on a massage chair. They move in 2 dimensions i.e., up and down along the length of the back, and side to side across the width of the back.
3D Rollers
Basically, a step up from 2D rollers. In addition to the horizontal and vertical movements, 3D rollers can also protrude in/out. This additional dimension makes 3D rollers capable of performing deep tissue massage.
4D Rollers
The most technologically advanced roller system you can find on a massage chair. 4D rollers are the exact same as 3D, but with one major difference: roller speed control is automatic in a 4D system. In a 3D system, roller speed is something you must manually adjust.
So, does that mean you should only buy a chair with 4D rollers?
Absolutely not! 4D is the best money can buy, no question, but 3D and 2D chairs are not far behind. What’s more is the incredible industry experience around 2D rollers. Because 2D technology has been around for decades, massage chair manufacturers truly understand how to get the most out of this technology.
What’s the catch?
It’s simple. It all boils down to intensity. If you’re specifically looking for a chair capable of massaging at high intensities, consider a 3D or 4D chair. If intensity isn’t a concern for you, pick a 2D chair!
Human Touch Super Novo: Our first 4D chair. The Super Novo offers 3D and 4D massage, fingertip controls, virtual therapist, S- and L-track massage and much more!
Want to learn more about rollers and what you can expect from them? Be sure to read through our in-depth guide on 2D vs 3D vs 4D rollers.
#3 Roller Track
In point #2 we discussed the different roller technologies, that’s only one half of the equation. The other half has to do with roller track. What is roller track anyways?
Roller track talks about the distance a set of rollers will follow.
For example, there are some massage chairs with rollers that can only travel from neck to tailbone (30-32’’), and then there are other chairs whose rollers can travel all the way to the hamstrings (47-52’’).
The longer the track, the better the massage!
If you’re able to afford it, I recommend you always go for a chair with an extended roller track. The extra roller coverage makes a world of difference when it comes to massaging the glutes and hamstrings.
Human Touch iJoy Total Massage: A perfect option for anyone in the under $1,000 massage chair range!
#4 User Flexibility
This is something that often gets overlooked. If people paid more attention to this one thing, they’d end up saving so much time and money!
User flexibility is about how well a massage chair can accommodate users with varying heights and weights.
If you’re buying online, this becomes especially important to consider. If you’re buying offline, it’s still important, but not as much because you would have sat and tried the chair out.
No 2 chairs are the same!
And as such user flexibility can tend to vary from one chair to another. For example, chair X may be designed to fit in small, tight spaces, so as a result, it can only accommodate a height range of 5’0-6’0 ft. Chair Y on the other hand is designed to fit taller folks and has a height range of 5’2-6’4 ft. The same thing applies for weight.
Remember to check the height and weight limits before you buy!
The Novo XT2 is an example of a massage chair that has incredible user flexibility!
#5 Number Of Auto Modes!
Auto modes are preset or preprogrammed massage routines. They’re incredibly important for a few reasons:
- Auto modes take away the guesswork from the user. In other words, the user doesn’t have to mess around with manual settings trying to figure out the optimum parameters for massage.
- They keep things fresh. This is especially true for chairs that have 10+ auto modes! Because you have so many choices, massage is never repetitive and boring.
Most massage chairs generally tend to have on average 5 auto modes. Some of the better ones have 7-10, and some of the high-end ones have 30+!
#6 Massage Technology Other Than Rollers
The main roller system is arguably the most critical component to a massage chair, but it doesn't end there. There are several other components that also play a role in determining how good/bad a chair is. These are the airbags, calf rollers, and foot rollers.
Why are each of these components important?
Airbags and calf/foot rollers are important for 2 reasons:
- They provide a massage technique different from the main roller system. For example, airbags inflate with air to provide a compression style massage.
- They provide a massage to areas of the body where the main roller system can't reach. For example, the feet is one area where the main back rollers cannot reach.
That being said, one should always consider:
- The number of airbags in a chair before buying. Look for a good spread across the chair!
- The presence of calf and foot rollers. Foot rollers are a must have as far as I'm concerned. Calf rollers on the other hand is a feature you won't find in most massage chairs. After a long day, foot massages are pure bliss.
You'll also want to consider the reputation of the seller. Are they a good company that backs their product with a warranty? Is it easy to get a hold of customer support if you need help with anything?
You may never need to use your warranty or reach out to support. However, if you do have an issue with your product, you’ll be happy you researched the company to see how responsive and helpful they are.
Now that you know how to choose a massage chair, the next part is narrowing down the options in your budget range. Human Touch offers a wide range of options that will fit into every realistic price range.
We hope you enjoyed this guest post from our friends at Massagers-And-More!
Lets start out with the chair: it is very solidly built and easy to use. It takes up about the same space as my old recliner. The automatic adjustment (with manual controls too) for shoulder height makes the chair fit my 5' tall wife and my 6'3" height too. In the automatic modes the chair self-adjusts for height (in manual mode you set height yourself). We both use the chair for 20 minutes in the morning and evening.
Why did we get the chair? My wife has sciatica. I have had chronic pain for over 20 years. Initially just hand pain, but in the last 7 years in all joints (osteoarthritis, most noticeable in my ankles, knees, hips, hands, and back). In the past year or so I have also developed some numbness in my feet. My doctors had me take Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs for years, which helped but, I ended up with a bleeding ulcer 4 years ago. Since then I've been taking prescription pain relievers to keep pain levels low enough to allow me to work, and to be able to sleep. I kept up exercise, but over time that too suffered.
Last month my wife and I basically just stumbled on a demo of the [Novo] XT2 at Costco . After a short demo my back pain was reduced, and her sciatica noticeably better. So we ordered it. We figured if all it did was help her sciatica that would be well worth it. The chair arrived (white glove service is great) and we set about understanding how to use it for our best results.
It took about 10 days to figure out what worked best for us, and then things just started getting better. My wife's sciatica pain is largely gone. The pain in my ankles, hips, and back are much better, also almost gone. I am now pain medication free for the first time in years. In fact yesterday I was able to mow my yards for the first time in years without suffering hours of pain.
I think the proper ending for my review is to say ... thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU Human Touch.
- Charles W.