Friday, December 25, 2009

Back Pain Relief

Find Relief For Your Back Pain

by Russ Campanella

Back pain can be debilitating. Fortunately, there are some exercises that you can do to help prevent this pain from reoccurring.

For the first two days after an acute injury your doctor may want you to have bed rest. Just after an injury, your may be having muscle spasms. This is your body telling you that you have an injury and that you should not move. During these two days, lying on a hard bed may relieve the spasms.

Once you have reached two days, it is time to get back out of bed and start moving. If you stay in bed too long, the muscles become weak and healing takes longer.

A normal schedule works for most people to help to recover quickly. Normal walking and sitting are better than lying in bed or than starting to exercise too soon.

Until you have completely recovered from the injury, you will want to stay away from activities that are considered high impact. You can begin walking or swimming. These low impact activities will strengthen the back muscles. Stretching will help to increase blood flow, and loosen tight muscles. Warm showers may help to keep those muscles loose and make exercises easier for you to do.

At some time between two and eight weeks, the back pain should be gone and you will be able to do more strenuous exercises. The doctor or therapist will help you to develop an exercise program to strengthen muscles without causing further injury.

Your exercises need to target your core muscles. The stronger that these muscles become, the more support you are giving to your spine. Strengthened muscles take away the stress off the joints of your spine. This is essential to prevent more back pain.

Strengthen core muscles in order to prevent or reduce back pain. In fact, many people find that these steps will actually eliminate back pain altogether.

In addition muscles that are not stretched on a regular basis can become shortened. Shortened muscles cause the spine to be out of alignment and may give you pain. By choosing stretching exercises, the shortened muscles are lengthened and pain is relieved. If the muscles in your back, buttocks, hamstrings or quadriceps are tight, it often affects spine alignment. Stretching muscles can relieve this problem and increase joint mobility in the spine.

If you do have a back injury, the doctor may give you a prescription for pain medication. Regular strengthening of core muscles will help to to prevent further injuries and pain.

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Friday, December 18, 2009

Low Back Pain

Get Some Reprieve For Your Low Back Pain With A Massage Chair

by Steve Vargas

Back pain at some point will rear its ugly head with most of it. It may be lower back, shoulders or maybe the neck. Either it is the result of injury or it is the more gradual progression. If it is more gradual, then do not wait until it is a problem to get it looked at. If you are injured you go immediately, but when back pain just creeps up, then we do nothing. There are treatment options available. Preventative options are better. Check with your health care professional on a course of action for you. Most likely, massage therapy will be part of the healing process. Professional massage therapy is preferred, but not always convenient. Massage chairs are another alternative with many benefits

There are many possible causes for back pain, but the most common are from lifting, posture, sitting, pregnancy, stress and injury. More traumatic back pain is usually associated with lifting and injury. Usually a sudden sharp pain is felt and the damage is done immediately. Minor back pain, on the other hand, may result from posture, sitting, stress, or even pregnancy. These pains accumulate over a period of time and result in dull, prolonged aches and pains. These can be cumbersome to live with and cause considerable discomfort. Finding out how to help heal these conditions requires a multi-prong approach.

If you recognize that you are suffering from discomfort associated with back pain, get medical attention. Explain what you feel to your chiropractor and come up with a plan of action. Back pain can be debilitating, so waiting does not cure it. Understanding the causes is an important first step to starting the healing process.

Is your back pain going to get cured by doing the same thing you have always done? Most likely not. You may have developed habits that are leading to the pain you are feeling. Your posture may be the cause of your back pain. You may need to stand up straighter and hold your shoulders back. This requires effort and reinforcement. This is the type of information you and your health professional should be discussing. Your health professional can help you set the course back to normal.

Part of the healing process may require massage therapy. Although a professional massage therapist is the preferred method for massage therapy, massage chairs have some particular advantages. Massage chairs offer a tremendous variety of massages. You can receive shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, kneading, chopping, compression, and pressing to mention a few. The premier massage chair brands provide full body massages from your head to your feet. Additionally, perhaps the most important advantage may be in home convenience and 24/7 access. Find out what is right for you.

Consult with your doctor or chiropractor and find the best course of action for your particular condition. Do not just continue to live with the pain. Find relief for your back pain. There are many options available today. You owe it to yourself and your family to get the healing process going. Relieving your discomfort can go a long way to changing your outlook on life. Do not wait find out how you can get relief today.

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Buying A Massage Chair At Home Shows

Buying A Massage Chair Online Or Home Shows & Fairs

by Jack Cooke

If you are feeling out the market for massage chairs, then consider going to a Home Show or County Fair. You may find massage chair vendors. We have had many clients buy massage chairs at Fairs, for instance, and then only have a series of problems. We checked into a number of these venues as mystery shoppers posing as serious buyers. Based on input from our customers and our own firsthand look, we offer 5 tips to avoid mistakes, so you get the best massage chair to meet your long term needs.

1. Massage Chair Motors are Vital: You want to find out 2 things. Find out where the motors are made. The best motors come from Japan. They are precision made and long lasting. The motors need sufficient torque to power through the massage, since all your weight is put on them. You also want to ask how many motors they have. It is far better to have fewer high quality motors then many. You want to avoid getting low quality motors or you will have many service calls in the future.

2. Beware of Over Generous Warranties: Many of these vendors promise very compelling warranties. The question is: Will they be here tomorrow to honor that warranty? One way to find out is to ask the salesperson if they have independent internet dealers, (That doesn?t mean their own website or E-bay!). Or even better, do they have retailers that have physical brick and mortar locations (preferable a known chain store). If not, then chances are they may never answer your call down the road for help. (The number you have reached has been disconnected and there is no new number--beep!).

3. We Get Our Massage Chair From Panasonic's Factory: One of our favorite sales claims is where the massage chair comes from or where it is made. Some of our customers told us that salespeople would claim to get their massage chair from Panasonic's factory. This is a weird claim and we see it as a tactic to get you to believe somehow their quality is the same, but of course at a substantial discount to the Panasonic chair. Now, how could this be? It must be the same as the Panasonic, be careful!

4. Can't Find the Kitchen Sink: We were surprised at how some of the booths were set up for some vendors at Home Shows and County Fairs. There are many manufacturer's that display at these shows and they will have 1 or 2 models to try. On the other hand, there are small importers that just got a container load of everything but the kitchen sink. Their booth is piled high with the stuff and they have a massage chair crammed in there as well. Be careful, that the chair being offered wasn't just the last great deal he got. Because after the sale, the chair becomes your problem. They may not have a national technician service network or even parts on hand. Go with the major brands and you will not regret it!

5. The Deal is Too Good to Be True: Finally if a chair is selling way below market value of a name brand chair. You may be thinking, Wow, I can't believe the deal I am getting. It is almost too good to be true. Well, we hate to say it, but? Chances are it is too good to be true! Stay away! You're probably buying a refurbished chair or a piece of absolute junk. You get what you pay for!

With the help of our customers, we offer you these nuggets of advice when shopping at a home show or county fair. There are many excellent massage chairs at these events. It is a great venue to take a break and try one. You will find the major manufacturers at these events and can take advantage of their special show price. Just make sure if you are seeing too good of a deal, then dig a little deeper to avoid some of the pitfalls we point out for you.

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Friday, December 4, 2009

Zero Gravity Massage Chair Recliner

Review About The Zero Gravity Massage Chair Recliner

by Eric Roberson

We are starting to see the term zero gravity be used in many different front lines. Massage chairs now have incorporated a zero gravity position. The zero gravity position adjusts the chair to better support the human body. The original zero gravity position was developed by NASA. It was used for launching astronauts in rockets. Now, massage chairs are starting to integrate the zero gravity position.

Originally, NASA developed the zero gravity position as a way to reduce the stress put on astronauts during takeoff. The astronauts must pull many times the force of normal gravity.

NASA found through many trials and errors that the best position for an astronaut was to have them recline fully on their backs. Additionally, they found that by raising the lower legs above the heart they were better able to withstand more fours. This position was termed the zero gravity position.

Massage chairs definitely help to relieve tension and stress. However, they aren't going to launch you to the moon. The zero gravity position of a massage chair is designed to better distribute the weight off of your spine.

Massage chair manufacturers are incorporating zero gravity positions to support the weight of the body. This helps to reduce the pressure on the spine while keeping the sitter in a comfortable position. The zero gravity position can be very helpful for those with back pain problems.

Many massage chair companies have developed zero gravity positions. They utilize automatic controls which automatically put the sitter and the zero gravity position. This avoids having to make a number of adjustments to find a true zero gravity position.

Sanyo developed its model DR 7700 massage chair with two different zero gravity positions. Each of these zero gravity positions helps to reduce stress on the spine. Each position is controlled by its own button on the remote control.

The zero gravity position seems to better spread the weight of the body. When I tried it, I did not feel weightless, but it did feel more comfortable. Each of the zero gravity positions would help to relieve the body's weight off of the spine.

Most zero gravity massage chairs are designed to be set to more than 10 gravity position. Each of these zero gravity positions are intended to better support the weight of the body. This is achieved by reducing pressure on the spine making the sitting position more comfortable.

Some massage chairs may not put the legs fully above the heart. Don't despair if you think that is important and you like the chair? Simply put a pillow underneath your legs and it will have the same affect.

This is a positive trend to cede massage chair companies integrating more ergonomic features. The zero gravity position is a comfortable position for relieving the weight on your spine. This can be very helpful for people with back pain or other back discomfort.

The Sanyo DR 7700 massage chair has two different zero gravity positions. Each position has slightly different angles and tilt. The choice of what is more comfortable is left up to the user. This enables you to find what fits you more comfortably. Massage chairs are advancing rapidly and many are now incorporating the zero gravity position.

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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Fit Over 40

Staying Fit Over 40: Massage Chairs Absolutely Console You

by Monty Anthonyerson

Fitness over 40? Impossible, you think? Well, think again. As you get older your metabolism slows down. A woman over 40 is faced with a decreased metabolic rate. This metabolic decline actually starts in her mid 30s. There are three prongs to fitness over 40. It is all about diet, exercise and massage chair therapy.

When the metabolic rate begins to drop, you will feel like you have less energy. Women can struggle with this in particular. However, it does not need to remain the same. You have to motivate and then your have to work, and not lollygag around. The main problem is simply giving up, like a new years resolution. Women face more pressure then men to maintain a nice figure.

Fitness over 40 requires determination, a healthy diet is paramount. Too much high calorie intake only adds to the mid-life tire. Dont contribute to the bulge by eating the wrong foods. Balance your diet and eat meals consisting of more fruits and vegetables and just a little of everything else.

Fitness over 40 is achieved by eating several small meals a day that consistent of fruits and vegetables and protein. Protein should come in the form of nuts, lean meats, fish, and so on. You should stay away from saturated fats if at all possible.

How about going for a walk? Walk around the block for 30 minutes. Take the dog and the kids. It can be a good time and healthy for everyone. Try to do this type of light exercise 4 to 5 times per week.

Exercise, exercise, exercise, and exercise. At least 4 times a week. You can do light exercises like going for a walk. Walking can raise your heart rate and help increase your lung capacity. You breathe better after periodic exercise.

The third member of the triad of vitality over 40 is massage therapy. Food is the energy and exercise processes the energy. Massage helps recuperation of the body and muscles. This is the great circle of vitality.

The glue to the triad is massage chair therapy. Massage chairs add the convenience of availability. In other words, they are easy to add to your routine. Just take a quick 10 minute recuperation break and feel your vitality improve.

Massage chair therapy offers a practical way to integrate massage into your daily exercise routine. Start with a brisk warm up massage. Get the blood flowing with some morning shiatsu. Invigorate your muscles with the chopping massage. This has an excellent loosen effect. Limber up before a round of golf.

Arm yourself with the right tools. Set up a routine that you can follow. You can warm up in your massage chair, do some light stretching and then go for a walk. Talk a 5 minute warm down massage and you are as good as new. Integrate some real positive into your routine and watch it flourish with results.

In addition to the above recommendations both men and women of all ages, but especially over the age of 40 should exercise approximately 4 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes at a time to keep their bodies fit and their weight optimal. By combining a healthy diet, conscious fitness and massage chair therapy your body will serve you for a long time.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Omega OM 510

Massage Chair Review Of The Omega Model OM-510 Massage Recliner

by Justin Spada

I want to share a massage chair with you that is perhaps the best in its class. It has a striking design with beautifully varnished wood armrest. It's one of the few massage chairs that actually looks good in a room. It also looks comfortable and relaxing to sit in. This is the OM 510 Prestigio massage chair. The OM 510 Prestigio massage chair is manufactured by Omega massage.

The first thing you notice about the procedure massage chair is its elegant design. The OM 510 comes with beautifully varnished wood armrest. A designer side table is thrown into match the wood armrest. This complements the decor of many rooms.

The greatest strength of the Prestigio massage chair is its automatic programs. The sequence of massage techniques and location provides a unique and invigorating therapy. These massage programs will soothe and relieve your aches and pains.

What we really noticed about the Prestigio massage chair compared to almost any other chair on the market today is its lower reach in the back. The lower back is often referred to as the lumbar. The OM 510 provides a penetrating massage to the lumbar and penetrates much lower than anything available.

You will find that OM 510 comes with four massage techniques. These massage techniques are different movements of the massage rollers. You can select the type of massage technique that best fits your need. These four massage techniques consist of rolling, kneading, tapping and combination.

Another great feature of the Prestigio massage chair is that it comes with different areas of coverage for your back. You can select a manual massage technique and have it concentrated on the lower back. This is a great way to work through a tight area. There are four different areas to choose from.

Ever need a good foot massage? The Prestigio massage chairs got one. It has a reflexology foot massage feature. Just insert your tired feet into the foot wells and a firm compression massage will be given. This is great to relieve tired and aching feet.

The air massage may also be switched to manual mode. In manual mode, you can select to focus the air massage on a given area. For instance, you can select to just have your feet massage. The massage chair will then provide a soothing and relieving compression massage for the feet.

There is also another subtle feature and the Prestigio massage chair which is its knee stretch. During the course of the automatic massages, eight gentle knee stretch will be performed. It is integrated into the master program and provides for a slight stretching of the knee joint.

The Prestigio massage chair has an old-school function which I hope makes a comeback in other chairs. Massage chairs got their start with vibration massage. The Prestigio mounts the vibration on the rocker roller arms. A soothing vibration massage can be activated while the rollers are kneading or tapping. This provides additional stimulation be on the massage motion.

The OM 510 massage chair has power recline and leg rest. Just hold the recline button and the chair back will recline while the leg rest comes up. You can push automatic reset at any time during the automatic massages.

The Omega Prestigio massage chair is quite an impressive machine. Its beautiful exterior complements the decor of most households. It has a striking design, but underneath the Prestigio as it where it counts. The massage programs are great for relieving tight muscles. It has deeply penetrating massage techniques which will provide rejuvenation. The OM 510 massage chair will provide years of invigorating and thoroughly relaxing massage therapy.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Human Touch HT-1650 Massage Chair

Product Review Of Human Touch HT-1650 Massage Chair

by Justin Kruger

The Luxury massage chair recliner model HT-1650 is the subject of this product review. The HT 1650 is made by Human Touch. The HT1650 is unique in that it looks like a normal recliner, but has many massage therapy capabilities. Let us take a look at this unique massage chair, the HT-1650 by Human Touch.

We are first going to look at warranty coverage. We emphasize this because we have seen our share of customer horror stories of going with a small massage chair importer. They then run into problems and get stuck with a chair that doesn't work, no parts are available and no one can fix it. We always recommend going with a recognized brand with higher quality standards and longevity.

Let us take a look at the warranty coverage provided by Human Touch for the HT 1650. With this model, you get 5 years on the structure of the chair. They also give you 3 years of parts. Labor is 1 year and field service or in home technician service is provided for 90 Days. This is a luxury level massage recliner and the warranty coverage is pretty good. This warranty is more on par with the top manufacturers in the industry.

Human Touch provides an arsenal of automatic programs in the HT-1650 such as full body sore muscle relief, sports and back therapy, leg- foot-hip therapy, neck-shoulders relief, after work stretch, morning wake up, night time soothing, and massage demonstration. There are also 4 manual massage treatments with the following: rolling, compression, kneading and percussion. You can pinpoint certain regions of you back to hit those trouble areas as well.

Before selecting a manual massage function, you can select the acupoint detection. The acupoint detection system performs a scan of your body. The chair will detect your individual acupoints. These are trigger points located throughout your back of which there are almost 100. The computer then records these points and will then stimulate them when performing certain massage techniques like shiatsu. To perform the scan you manually have to set the shoulder height and lower the massage intensity.

The HT-1650 comes with a hidden calf and foot massager. The calf and foot massage doubles as a regular leg rest when not being used for massage. This calf and foot massager is hidden in the front of the chair. The massager can be flipped to reveal the calf and foot massager. This is a great feature in that the calf and foot massager can be hidden from view when not in use.

The calf and foot massager is used for providing a compression massage to either the feet or calves. The compression massage utilizes a squeeze, hold and release technique favored by massage therapists around the world. The calf and foot massage uses a compressor to deliver pressurized air to the airbags which perform the compression massage. This massage is very invigorating and relieving for tight calves and for loosening up the feet after a long day.

The massage remote control is thin and has controls on two sides. The main controls are on the front of the remote and the massage comfort, heat and roller position are located on the side. The remote fits into an upholstered pocket on the side panel of the recliner. There is no remote stand which is nice. The concept of the HT 1650 is to have a massage chair hidden inside a normal upholstered recliner. We think Human Touch has very effectively accomplished this goal. Overall, this is a very effective massage recliner with some therapeutic massage therapies in the luxury class of massage chairs.

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