Are you looking around for a massage chair? Then you will want to see the 5 most important features in the massage chairs of today. There is a tremendous variety of features, options and choices with these massage recliners. You want to investigate what will benefit you the most. Your choice of chairs and features is a long term investment. Check out these 5 features.

Kneading Massage: The kneading function in a massage chair recliner is the most important. The kneading massage is a gentle or firm squeezing movement. The rollers must move sideways across your back to perform a kneading massage. Make sure that the massage chair you purchase has a motor that is dedicated just to the kneading massage. This is ensures that the kneading will have sufficient torque from the motor to perform flawlessly.

MP3 Music Player: Music therapy is part of the massage therapy environment. If you go to the spa, you are not there to listen to CNN. The spas know to play soft, rhythmic music to help induce relaxation. Music helps to take the mind off the day to day worries and to relax. MP3 music players usually run off a usb stick which is inserted into the chair. The massage chair comes with headphones which help to remove all ambient noise.

Manual Massage Programs: Manual massage technique programs are the individual motions that the back rollers can perform. Massage chairs have between 3 and 5 manual programs. You can specify the massage technique and the chair performs just that massage technique. The most important manual programs are kneading, tapping and rolling. Shiatsu is usually a combination of kneading and tapping and may be labeled as its own manual technique. A nice manual technique is Sway or Hawaiian massage. This is a gentle side to side motion which is great for loosening tight back muscles.

Footrest Extension: This is a rather simple feature, but since massage chairs originated in Japan, they have always been small for the American market. To accommodate taller users (i.e. the average American), a footrest extension is critical. Most foot rest extensions allow the foot rest to go out an extra 3 to 4 inches. This doesn't seem like a lot, but it is the difference between fitting in the massage chair and not. If you are five foot ten or over, you definitely want to investigate this further.

Music - Massage Synchronization: The top massage chair manufacturers have incorporated a music and massage synchronization function. This is a fascinating technology. With the touch of a button, the massage will synchronize its movements to the rhythm of the music. The intensity of the massage also varies with the tempo. Rock music will produce a more invigorating massage then say classical music. It is an interesting technology and when coupled with the right music can be very effective in reducing stress.

We feel these are the 5 most important features to really check out when you are looking at a massage chair. The massage chair is an important investment in your health and well being. Make sure you get the features that you will use over the long run. Take your time and find out what massage therapies are right for you. Consult with your health care provide. Then check out some massage chairs and see what you really like. This will ensure you get the most out of your massage chair recliner.