Portable massage chairs are an essential piece of business equipment for massage therapists offering onsite chair massage. In selecting a massage therapy chair, important features are ease of set-up and transport, client comfort, ease of use for the therapist, and durability.
Adjustability is an important factor for client comfort. While more adjustable parts let you more easily adapt the chair to fit any client comfortably, some therapists find too many knobs and levers can become confusing and distracting. Most chairs have an adjustable face cradle, chest pad, and arm rest, and some chairs also have an adjustable seat.
An alternate to a full massage chair is the TravelMate desktop unit, which is essentially the top half of a massage chair designed to sit on a desk, table, counter, or other convenient surface with the client seated in a regular chair. This unit works great for providing back massage to clients in wheelchairs.
Here are some other features to look for in a portable massage therapy chair:
Removable knee rests to accommodate clients who are unable to bend their knees and place them on the knee pads.
Standard sternum pads are flat. Optional sternum pads are shaped like a triangle and can be more comfortable for larger clients and women with large breasts.
A good warranty.
A durable covering - most manufacturers use a durable vinyl.
A massage chair carrying case to make the chair easier to carry and keep the chair cleaner.
Stronglite, Oakworks, and Earthlite Massage Chairs