continued...

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

5 EFFLEURAGE

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

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.