Best Geriatric Massage Chairs

Updated: Jul 17, 2022

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While some may think a geriatric massage chair falls into the luxury category, that certainly doesn’t need to be the case. No matter how fit you are, age has a way of creeping in through sore muscles, aches and pains, and stiff joints. So whether you have a medical condition or experience chronic pain, a geriatric massage chair offers a number of health benefits.

How We Found the Best Geriatric Massage Chairs

8 Reviewers
25 Products Considered
12 Hours of Research
7 Products Reviewed
3 Top Picks

Best Overall

Zero Gravity Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner with Built-in Heat Foot Roller Air Massage System

$799.99

Features and Specifications

  • ●SMART MASSAGE EXPERIENCE – The Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair is equipped with body scan technology that scans your body to customize an individualized massage experience. The built-in sensor measures the length of spine, directing the chair…
  • ●ZERO GRAVITY MASSAGE – Our zero gravity massage chairs elevate your feet to the same level as your heart, minimizing the strain of gravity on your vertebrae. You will feel virtually weightless, as the elevation relieves the discomfort of back pain. The…
  • ●HEATED MASSAGE THERAPY – The chair is built with 32 total airbags, strategically located in the arms, hips, shoulders, thighs, calves, and feet. The chair uses heat therapy to increase blood circulation in the muscles and joints, while multiple airbags…
  • ●DESIGNED TO UNWIND – Choose your experience from six different massage modes, including kneading, knocking, tapping, shiatsu, air pressure, and heating. The chair’s five preset auto massage programs use different massage methods, including special…
  • ●HUMANITY IN DESIGN – The chair’s rollers glide from the upper back all the way down under the seat, providing a full-body massage, while the LSS Track muffles noise to give you a quiet, spa-like massage experience. Control the music and ambience with…

Pros

  • You can play your favorite music with its Bluetooth-enabled speaker for the ultimate in luxury

  • It is very comfortable

  • It has a foot roller massage to help with swelling and arthritic joints

  • It reclines so that you can stretch out if you’d like

  • It’s well-made

Cons

  • It is costly

  • Its design may turn off some people

  • Can be claustrophobic

The BestMassage Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Massage Chair has a surreal, space-age quality about it, which may put some seniors off, but that design helps conserve on space which is often a limiting factor with these purchases. It does come with rolling wheels which is helpful for maneuvering into place.

It uses air pressure to deliver a gentle massage that can target your neck, back, feet, arms, and even hips. You have your choice of three levels along with a heat control for your back. The fact that the chair reclines is ideal for those suffering with insomnia in addition to chronic pain.

Relaxation is the overriding theme with this product from its curved lines to built-in speaker, and multiple massage points. You can manage all the settings with remote control and can zero in on the areas where you need relief most which we appreciated.

Our Verdict

Despite its space-age design, it performs well with plenty of options.

Best For Back Pain

Osaki OS4000B Model OS-4000 Zero Gravity Executive Fully Body Massage Chair, Brown

Price not available

Features and Specifications

  • Designed with a set S-track movable intelligent massage robot, special focus on the neck, shoulder and lumbar massage according to body curve
  • Automatically detect the whole body curve as well as make micro adjustments, which brings more humanistic and scientific massage enjoyment
  • Designed with six unique auto-programs: Healthcare, Relax,Therapy, Smart, Circulation and Demo
  • Six Massage styles – rolling, kneading, clapping, shiatsu, Swedish and combo With five levels of speed & intensity
  • Air pressure massage for back (two airbags), with five intensity options

Pros

  • It has a larger control panel, making it easier to take advantage of its features

  • The timer helps manage its energy usage

  • It has zero-gravity positioning for optimal comfort

  • It is versatile with lots of options for massages and intensity levels

  • The distribution of airbags optimizes the pressure and weight

Cons

  • Expensive

  • It feels a bit restrictive when sitting in it

The Osaki OS4000 Executive Zero Gravity Massage Chair focuses on an area of particular concern among adults over 65. This age group accounted for 40 percent of health care spending in this category in 2013. This model is massive which limits its practicality, but it does come with a variety of features that help justify its high cost. It has five intensity levels, a timer, and back-targeted heat.

There are eight pre-set programs to take the guesswork out of getting a massage and six massage styles including Swedish and shiatsu. We like the easy-to-use LCD for controlling the options of which there are plenty.

Our Verdict

Though expensive, it offers plenty of massage options.

Best For Arthritis

Real Relax 2023 Massage Chair of Dual-core S Track, Full Body Massage Recliner of Zero Gravity with APP Control, Black

Price not available

Features and Specifications

  • Dual-core S track neck back robots hands rollers up and down, generate a more effective massage to neck stress and back pain, than 8 points fixed back rollers.
  • One button zero gravity, feel ultimate relaxation when the chair is fully reclined.
  • Full body airbags compression on shoulders, arms, foot and hips, relive whole body pain and tense.
  • Altered remote control with a bigger LCD screen and clearer buttons, easier to use and more accessible.
  • More Effective neck massage: Suitable neck massage position can be chosen to fit your height, 3 levels of adjustable massage intensity to meet various needs.

Pros

  • There is heat control to your midsection, feet, and backside

  • It has four massage programs

  • It comes with a three-year warranty

  • It has caster wheels which makes it easier to move

  • It has plenty of options for targeting specific areas where you have pain

Cons

  • Some individuals may find the chair too deep to get out of easily

  • Assembly is more involved than some may prefer

  • No head massage rollers

The Real Relax Massage Chair is just the thing for the more than 54 million American adults who suffer from chronic pain. This model feels less restrictive than comparable ones and also has the zero-gravity feature that we love. You can target the painful joints in your hands and forearms with the armrest linkage system. You can also direct a massage to your hips too.

The chair comes with a remote control which you can configure. For example you can opt to leave the leg airbags off while the heat and massage are working your back.

Its style is modern which may conflict with some decors, but it has a sleek profile. The product ships in two boxes with some involved assembly required. However, it includes detailed instructions with a YouTube video to walk you through the process.

Our Verdict

It’s ideal for targeting specific painful spots.

Best For Legs

Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair Recliner with Built-in Heat Therapy Air Massage System Stretch Vibrating Body scan PS4,Black

$798.99

Features and Specifications

  • ★【ADJUSTABLE MASSAGE CHAIR】: You can adjust the angle of the massage chair according to your needs. Speed control, width control, intensity control have 3 levels.Air massage pressure have 4 levels.Four massage points work together with other areas…
  • ★【AIR MASSAGE SYSTEM with HEAT THERAPY】: There are total 21 air bags which are strategically located in the arms, hips, shoulder, thighs, calves, and feet. Combined with heat therapy system(back and foot), your muscles and joints will recover faster…
  • ★【COMPUTERIZED BODY SCANNING】:Smart body scan technology scans your body to detect your body size for individual custom fit massage.Built-in sensor automatically measure the length of spine and knows where to massage. 11 signal tset switch and holt…
  • ★【FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY】:7 Massage Modes: kneading, tapping, stretching ,shiatsu, combo,air pressure,heating .9 preset auto massage programs have different massage methods to give you the best massage experience.Including special stretching programs…
  • ★【What You Will Got】We guarantee that you will like this massage chair. If you are not satisfied with this massage chair, please contact us.If you have any questions for massage chari, please feel free to ask!

Pros

  • It has an easy-to-read LCD for controlling it

  • It’s a decent value for the money for this class of products

Cons

  • It’s quite heavy and without rollers to make it easier

  • Massage pressure may be too deep for some

The BestMassage Electric Full Body Shiatsu Massage Chair resembles a standard recliner more than the other models we reviewed. It delivers four kinds of massage including shiatsu. It has heat to both your back and feet which we liked. While you can adjust the intensity levels, it is quite intense at the higher settings. And while not zero gravity, it does recline and comes with a sleeping mode.

For seniors dealing with chronic pain the chair approaches the massage medically by moving pressure from the feet up, allowing the fluids that older people have problems with to slowly move towards the heart.

We were impressed with the action directed at the calves and arms which we enjoyed. It uses air pressure with airbags well distributed throughout the chair.

Our Verdict

It’s a more affordable offering in this product category.

Features & Specs

  • It weighs 140 pounds
  • It measures 46 inches tall by 29.5 inches wide by 46 inches deep
  • It comes in black, brown, or cherry

Pros

  • It comes with a three-year warranty and a one-year in-home service plan

  • It is lightweight

  • It is less obtrusive than comparable products

  • It offers a decent selection of options

Cons

  • It is expensive for a product that is not zero gravity

The Osaki OS-1000 Deluxe Massage Chair is a well-made model with plenty of support throughout its design. It has six pre-set programs which we always like to see in these products. It looks more like a conventional recliner and will fit in with most decors. The control resembles a TV remote and attaches to the armrest.

While not zero gravity, it is comfortable and conforms well to the contours of your body. It does an excellent job of targeting your shoulders which we appreciated. We especially like the fact that you can get free in-home service for one year with the option to extend it to two or three years if you prefer.

Our Verdict

The chair does an excellent job of targeting your upper body.

Best Zero Gravity

Real Relax 2021 Updated Massage Chair, Full Body Zero Gravity Shiatsu Robots Hands S Track

$1,410.74

Features and Specifications

  • The dual-core S track robots hands rollers generate a more effective massage to neck stress and back pain, than 8 points fixed back rollers
  • More effective neck massage: First , press the button to find the suitable neck massage points, then choose suitable massage intensity(3 levels), finally enjoy neck roller move up and down
  • 6 preset auto programs and manual programs, 3 levels of massage intensity, you can choose the most one fit you.
  • One -button zero gravity design, make you feel ultimate relaxation when the chair is fully reclined
  • Airbags compression on shoulders, arms, foot and hips, relive full body pain and stress by inflating and deflating

Pros

  • It has built-in Bluetooth speakers

  • It has a three-year warranty

  • It is well-designed

  • It has body scan technology

  • It offers outstanding comfort

Cons

  • It’s expensive

  • It only comes in blue

  • Remote doesn’t remember settings from one session to the next

The 3D Robotic SL-Track Real Relax Massage Chair is another offering that has that modernist feel about it that you’ll either love or hate. It has body scan technology to adjust the rollers to fit your shape for optimal performance. You can go from sitting to zero gravity with just a push of a button for instant comfort. It has six massage types along with a sleep mode which we loved.

The hip and foot massages are quite relaxing and there is one heat source directed at the lower back. It also has a wrapped-arm design to target the arm areas if you have arthritis. Overall, it delivers beyond our expectations even if it’s on the costly side.

Our Verdict

This chair has an appropriate name given the comfort it provides.

Best For Travel

Zyllion Neck and Back Massager for Chair – Shiatsu Kneading Massage Seat Cushion Pad

Price not available

Features and Specifications

  • 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗭𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗙: Adjust the position of the massage rollers to focus on your target area, or allow the massage nodes to travel up and down your back for total…
  • 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞: The chair massager features an extra set of shiatsu massage nodes for the neck area with a soothing heating function that can be turned on and off separately; Also includes 3…
  • 𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧: Use our massage cushion to make any chair the best seat in the house; Use the ZMA14 in recliners, sofa seats, office chairs, even dining chairs; elastic strap secures the massager to your…
  • 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦𝗘: Features an automatic 15-minute shut off feature that protects the device from damage and conserves energy in case you forget to turn off the machine; The ZMA14 also comes with an overheat protection feature that…
  • 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: Your 100% satisfaction means the world to us. That is why we provide lifetime support to all of our customers. Zyllion products are also covered by a 1 year warranty (extendable to 2 years…

Pros

  • It includes both a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty

  • It has some extra safety options

  • It has an excellent selection of massage modes

  • It will fit most chairs

  • It has a compact design

Cons

  • Massage pressure may be too deep for some

  • Can be noisy

  • Bulky for travel

The Zyllion ZMA14 Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Cushion is an excellent value for the price and gives you the comfort of a massage while on the go but not breaking the bank in the process. It has many of the features you’ll see in more expensive models at a fraction of the cost. There are four shiatsu massage levels for targeting either your neck or back regions. There is vibration for your backside too.

It has some safety features including an automatic shutoff and overheating protection. There are three levels of control with heat throughout the cushion and it has an adjustable strap to attach it in place wherever you’d like to use it.

We like this option for seniors who have family and friends scattered over the country and/or do a fair amount of traveling. The Zyllion Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Cushion allows them to take some comfort (and relief) with them while they travel.

Our Verdict

It gives you an excellent massage, making it a decent value for the price.

Things to Look for in a Geriatric Massage Chair

Now that we’ve covered the range of products let’s move on to discussing the subtler points of buying a massage chair. The features we’ll discuss include:

  • Type
  • Heat
  • Size and Dimensions
  • Cost

We’ll consider each factor along with some tips about what to look for and avoid.

Type

The kind of massage chair plays a significant role in the other things we’ll go over. The latest technology offers a zero gravity design which gives you the sensation of floating. The advantage is that it takes all the stress off of your joints and muscles to provide some welcome relief.
You’ll also see models with air pressure which provides a more gentle experience and counters some of the issues with the roughness that some have with roller designs.

You’ll see products that target different parts of the body with contoured features and sleeves. They offer a massage that covers the entire area.

Heat

Heat is often a standard feature of these products since it’ll increase circulation and relax your muscles. That can make a massage more enjoyable and useful. Pay attention to the type of control you have over the temperature. Some can become quite warm, increasing the risk of burns. Also, check the distribution of the heat, noting if it’s just on your back or all through the chair.

Size And Dimensions

As you’ve seen, massage chairs come in a wide variety of sizes from portable to unwieldy. The larger ones are usually bigger than recliners because of the added mechanical features. They’re also heavy. Once you put it somewhere, it can be an ordeal to move it someplace else.
As with any piece of furniture, it pays to take some measurements before you buy to save you the hassle of a return. Make sure to allow for plenty of room around it, especially if the footrest extends away from it.

Another thing to consider is how easily you’ll be able to get out of it. Some models are quite deep which can make standing up more difficult. We’d suggest reviewing the return policy on the product along with any costs associated with it, just in case, it doesn’t work for you.

Cost

The price ranges of the best massage chair are all across the board. It tends to follow the familiar mantra of getting what you’ve paid for typically. The expensive ones will prove comfortable. However, the more bells and whistles you add, the higher your cost. The products sell themselves, so we recommend setting a budget before you start looking—and trying—them.

Pros And Cons Of Massage

You might find the idea of getting a massage whenever you want it attractive. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages of this practice for which to be aware before you buy. We’ll review both sides to give you a better perspective.

Pros

There’s no denying that a massage is relaxing and sure to relieve stress. And the fact that you can get one without leaving your home is a plus. And if you have trouble sleeping at night, it can offer an excellent way to ease you into the proper state of mind. It’s not uncommon for these issues to occur in seniors, making it a wise investment.

And if you’re taking a beta blocker to treat your hypertension or glaucoma, using a chair that provides heat is an effective way to counter the coldness you may feel in your hands and feet, a common side effect of these drugs.

Cons

However, there are several cons that you’ll need to consider too. Most evident of these points is the cost, especially when looking at deluxe models. Of course, you’ll likely find the best massage chair at the high-end of the spectrum. Undoubtedly, you encountered sticker shock when viewing these types of products.

From a medical standpoint, you should not use one if you’re taking a blood thinner because it can affect your circulation and interfere with the efficacy of your treatment. Also, it is not a safe choice for individuals with osteoporosis because of other health risks.
We strongly urge you to discuss this purchase with your doctor if you are on any prescription medications or have a pre-existing medical condition.

Summary

We know the aches and pains that accompany aging, much less aging in place. Not to mention possible medical conditions or diagnoses. The best massage chair will target sore spots on your body and deliver welcome relief from the pain and anxiety they cause. As you’ve seen, there is a wide range of products and price points. If your health permits it, you may find buying one a wise choice.

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