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Review: Panasonic EP30004TU Massage Chair Recliner

September 29th, 2009 No comments

This review will take a look at one of the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra series of massage chairs. The Real Pro Ultra is the current massage recliner series rolled out by Panasonic. We will look at the EP 30004 model. This chair will be reviewed in 5 key categories. Each category can earn up to 20 points for a total possible score of 100 points. We will evaluate the recliner in each of the following categories: Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. Let us see how this massage chair rates..

Warranty & Customer Service: With any electronic equipment or big ticket item, warranty protection is critical. Although, most massage chairs are built well, there are occasional problems. In this case, you want to make sure you have adequate protection. The EP 30004 comes with a 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty from the manufacturer. We find this as fairly short and recommend you consider purchasing an extended warranty if it is offered. Customer service is dependent on the retailer the chair is purchased and is thus highly variable. Panasonic earns a 15 in this category.

Comfort & Ergonomics: To provide relaxation, a massage chair needs to be comfortable to sit in. Also, the design of the chair must be ergonomic, so you do not have to struggle to make adjustments with the chair. The Real Pro Ultra has soft padded armrests. The head pillow can be adjusted for each user and is also detachable. The chair back and seat are plush when seated. The leg ottoman can be adjusted up to 5 inches of additional extension. The controls are located in easy and accessible areas. The EP-30004 is well designed for comfort and ergonomics. We rate this recliner an 18 in this category.

Ease of Use: We are seeing an increasing amount to features being built into massage chairs. This is a very positive and beneficial development. The other side of this is being able to keep the control simple and easy to use. Panasonic has a good understanding of this dilemma and includes a voice guidance system built into the remote. If you need help with running a certain aspect of the chair, then the voice guidance is there to walk you through the steps. Otherwise, the controller comes with one touch automatic programs. It has an LCD showing what massage functions are running in the chair. There are a myriad of manual programming options which are fairly simple to use. We like this controller and its layout. We rate this chair a 19 for ease of use.

Key Features: The important features of the Panasonic EP-30004 are the Junetsu massage and the shoulder/arm stretch. Panasonic has developed the Junetsu style massage in the Real Pro Ultra. The Junetsu is an ultra fine kneading massage. This uses small circular motions that penetrate deeply through the muscles for a soothing massage therapy. Panasonic has developed a novel shoulder stretch in the EP 30004. The arm rest has padded covers that lift up, where the hands and arms can be placed inside. The airbags then activate to which hold the arms. The chair back then reclines slightly to extend the arms and shoulders. This slow, gradual stretch helps to elongate the muscles of the arms and shoulders. This stretch helps to remove tension from the muscles and increase the range of motion. Overall Rating for the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra for features is 19.

Massage Therapy: The massage functions built into the Panasonic EP-30004 include both automatic and manual programs. There are four 15-minute Pre-Programs, One 5-minute Quick Program and One 15-minute Self Program. There are 4 full body automatic courses and 5 different massage speed settings. The automatic massage functions include the following: Shiatsu, Gentle, Deep and Refresh. Panasonic has developed its exclusive Junetsu or ultra fine kneading massage system in the Real Pro Ultra. This chair provides high quality and realistically replicated massage therapies. There are two stretching functions. There is a lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. The lower body is covered with 22 airbags including the hands, arms, buttocks, calves and feet. This chair also provides both Swedish and shiatsu style massages for excellent massage coverage. Overall Rating for the Panasonic EP 30004 massage recliner for massage therapy is 19.

We score the overall rating of the EP 30004 as a 90/100. This Real Pro Ultra series lounger is a solid and well built massage recliner. It has some new and innovative features such as the shoulder stretch and the Junetsu massage. It provides comprehensive and thorough full body massage capability. We have to say we are still disappointed with Panasonic’s lack of design aesthetics. The chair just has a very industrial look which unfortunately continues to be their trademark look. The warranty is a bit light and an extended warranty should be considered for adequate protection. This is definitely one of the best massage chairs in its class and if you are looking for one, then check this one out.

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5 Best Massage Therapies Integrated in Advanced Massage Chairs

September 10th, 2009 No comments

People have been getting massage therapy for centuries. Many civilizations developed massage techniques to help relieve tired muscles, induce relaxation and improve general health. These massage therapy secrets were passed on from generation to generation. They have developed different massage therapy schools with different approaches and benefits when performing massage. Massage chairs have integrated many of these techniques to deliver effective massage therapy. Let us take a look at the 5 best massage therapies offered in today’s best massage chairs.

Tapping Massage: Tapping is also known as the chopping massage. This is a very basic, but very effective massage technique. Soft repetitive blows are delivered in rapid successions. This action penetrates through the muscles with an invigorating rhythm. The tapping technique can consist of up to 500 taps per minute. This rapid tapping action dissipates stiffness with rhythmic precision. Your muscle tensions soon begin to evaporate.

Finger Press Massage: The finger press or rolling massage is and up and down movement. The finger press targets the spine. The massage rollers move up and down the spine. As it moves, it relieves the built up pressure on the cervical disks. The cervical disks can compress. The finger press massage applies firm pressure which releases the pressure as it is gently stretched. Different widths can be set depending on your body type with the rolling massage.

Pregnancy Massage: Massage during pregnancy can be very beneficial. The body is increasing capacity to support a new life. There are many stresses being placed during a tremendous transition in the body. Prenatal massage helps to reduce the discomforts associated with this transition. It helps to alleviate muscle tightness, tension, cramping and stiffness. Blood circulation is also enhanced which reduces stress on the heart. Massage therapy can help to relax and calm the fetus inside the womb.

Deep Connective Tissue Massage: Deep connective tissue massage is aimed at the connective tissues. This massage technique restores the flexibility and the length to the tissue that surrounds the muscles. This is a combination which borrows from Swedish massage. Since it is a deep massage, the pressure is much firmer than with the traditional massage. Because this massage is aimed at the deep connective tissue, you may experience some discomfort with the deep penetration.

Sports Massage: Sports massage is a combination of the use of long flowing strokes like the Swedish massage technique and the acupressure points of the Shiatsu massage technique. Sports massage is designed for athletes who perform vigorous exercise. Many massage chairs already have the technology to perform sports massage and simply developed software programs to deliver them. The sports massage helps to reduce soreness and increase healing of muscles.

Here are the top 5 health therapies to help relieve your ailments. Many of these techniques have been honed through time, while others are derivatives of the main ones. The key is targeting your areas for relief and finding the right health therapies. The massage therapy needs to be performed to relieve discomfort and bring relaxation. Many massage therapies are effectively performed in the best massage chair recliner brands.

Get massage treatments at the touch of a button from the Best Massage Chairs for massage therapy. These recliners deliver excellent massage therapy for your well being and to relieve your aches and pains. Check out our library of Massage Chair Reviews for your perusal.