The focus of this review is the Panasonic EP 30003 which is part of the Real Pro Ultra series of massage chairs. We will review some of the more relevant areas of the purchase of this product. The Real Pro Ultra series is replacing the Real Pro Elite which was the prior series of model from Panasonic. The Panasonic Real Pro Ultra EP 30003 is a mid range model in the $2,000 to $3,000 range.

First, we take a look at the post-sale protection for the consumer. This includes both the warranty and customer service in the event that you require service on the chair. The warranty covers certain aspects such as labor and parts covered by the manufacturer. The warranty coverage protects the consumer and takes some risk out of the purchase. Not all warranties are the same. Panasonic provides you with 3 years on the parts on the major components. Items like upholstery are excluded from the warranty. You also get 1 year labor and 1 year shipping of parts covered by the factory. This coverage is good on the parts, but is rather short on the labor. Panasonic is now offering in-home technician service to bring it up to the level of the best chair manufacturers. Most retailers will offer extended warranty coverage to match the better companies, but at additional cost. Customer service is provided by the retail establishment where the chair is purchased, so service levels are highly variable.

We are currently seeing an explosion of new technologies and features being poured into massage chairs by their manufacturers. The price of the features is dropping to integrate, so features are being added without significant price increases. The next challenge for manufacturers is to keep the controls simple enough to use without having a PHD. Panasonic has tremendous experience with electronics, so we expect their controllers to reflect that knowledge. We are not disappointed. The remote control is simple and easy to use. Panasonic has one touch automatic programs which operate massages based on themes. Also, they have included a voice guidance system to help walk users through using the controls.

There are two important features of the EP30003 that we would like to point out. Of course, there are many more, but we won’t cover everything in this review. One of the more relavant features for Americans is the leg rest extension. The leg rest can be adjusted out to better position the areas on the legs. Also, this helps individuals that are taller to better fit in the massage recliner. The other innovative feature is a new massage technique. Panasonic has developed the Junetsu massage. Junetsu means ultra fine kneading in Japanese. This Junetsu technique uses small circular motions. These small circular motions are used in conjunction with firm pressure to penetrate through the muscles and to the surface of the bone. This is a great addition to the shiatsu and Swedish massages already offered in this chair.

You will want to make sure that your massage recliner is comfortable to sit in, since it can also be used as a recliner as well. Some are quite frankly, not very comfortable when not being used for massage. The Panasonic Real Pro Ultra comes with nice padded armrest covers. The upholstered chair back is plush and the synthetic leather is very soft to the touch. The chair comes with a detachable, contoured head support pillow. Panasonic has added an extendable leg rest which can be extended an additional 5 inches. This is a big improvement over their prior series without this feature. The chair is well designed and ergonomic.

The EP 30003 comes with a vast array of massage therapies to choose from. The manual massage techniques include: Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, Knead, Stretch, Tap and Full Roll. There are one touch automatic programs. Just select from four 15-minute Pre-Programs, One 5-minute Quick Program. The automatic programs include Shiatsu, Swedish, Deep, Stretch and Quick. Each of these automatic massages targets specific results ranging from relieving tight muscles to increased blood circulation to stretching. There is an air massage system also included. This covers just the calves and feet only. There is no thigh or seat massage included in this chair.

The EP30003 comes with the new massage technique called Junetsu or ultra fine kneading. This is great if you are looking for deep tissue penetration for your back. It provides sensational invigorating relief. The other massage therapies are also solid and relieving. We feel the only drawback with this chair is aesthetically. Panasonic needs to move out of the industrial age and get some real first class designers. Otherwise, this is a nice chair. It is at a great price for the range of capabilities that are built into this massage chair recliner.

If you suffer from constant, dull pain, muscle tension or chronic pain, then many regular massage techniques are just not effective for these conditions. In these situations a deep tissue massage may be just what the doctor ordered. A deep tissue massage penetrates beyond the superficial layers of the muscles to get to the root of the pain or discomfort. Muscles have long flexible tendons, but can breakdown and become shorter and less flexible causing pain and discomfort. A deep tissue massage seeks to elongate these tendons to restore their inherent flexibility.

After performing exercise, you may notice your muscles become stiffer. Exercise breaks down the muscle tissue making the tendons shorter and more fibrous. That is why it is good to stretch muscles before and after exercise. While stretching elongates the whole muscle, massage targets smaller regions for restoration. A deep tissue massage seeks to elongate and stretch the tendons to increase their elasticity and flexibility.

Professional athletes receive deep tissue massages on a regular basis to restore their muscles, breakdown scar tissue and increase their mobility. This is especially critical after hard training and exercise. Professional athletes have regular access to obtain deep tissue massage therapy and thus can get the full benefit of the treatment. Those of us who are not professional athletes are at a significant disadvantage, since we may not have a massage therapist at our continuous disposal.

More studies have been performed on massage therapy and its benefits. What is common to all the studies is the need to obtain massages on a regular frequency. Your muscles are being worked out on a continuous basis, therefore, the relief of such activity must be on a continuous basis. Restoring flexibility and the elasticity of your muscles requires frequent deep tissue massage. This just makes sense. The challenge is how to get deep tissue massages frequently. Fortunately, massage chairs provide daily pain relief in the comfort and privacy of home.

If you are interested in massage chairs that provide deep tissue massages. Two of the best massage chair recliners come from Panasonic and Omega Massage. These leaders integrate excellent technology to provide deep tissue relief. Not only can you get deep tissue massage, but it can be complimented with lower body stretches, full body heat and even synchronized music and massage functions. The technology available is outstanding and the effectiveness of relief is there to boot.

Most people are surprised to learn how much a massage chair can actually do. The impression is a massage chair is for your back. The reality is massage chairs provide full body therapy. In addition to deep tissue massage, the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra massage chair will stretch your legs. Your arms can be massaged with gentle or firm air pressure as well as your lower body. Omega Massage incorporates heat therapy to enhance blood circulation and promote healing.

Deep tissue massage is not for everyone. Since this massage specifically targets getting to the deep layers of the muscle, most people may feel sore the next day. This is normal as the massage has penetrated to the deeper layers to relieve tension. If this is a concern, then it is always advisable to ask your doctor if this type of massage is appropriate for you. Many health professionals are optimistic that with more studies being performed, that deep tissue massage will be shown to provide more significant benefits for chronic pain sufferers.

To get the full benefit of any massage treatment, it must be performed at a regular, sustained interval. If you exercise regularly, then you should receive massage regularly. Each action like exercise, requires an equal an opposite counteraction like massage therapy. Life is about balance. We know the balance is always changing, so too must the counter balances. Obtaining pain relief is a counter balance to the source of the pain. The healing process is a natural reversal of the damaging process. Look to integrate massage therapy into your routine with a massage chair recliner. They are actually very cost effective in the long run.

I don’t know about you, but with the state of the economy and the state of my economy, I just can’t do all the things I used to do. I really enjoy getting a masseuse to work out my knots, tensions and aches. I am just not finding the time nor have the disposable income as before. I really want to get some massage treatments periodically and I love the calming music, comfort and relaxation that come with the whole experience. But like everything, we have to find practical means to get what we want. One effective alternative is a massage chair recliner.

Just as science has advanced, so has the massage recliners produced today. Electronics companies like Panasonic produce massage chairs with tremendous capability. These chairs can massage you from your head to your toes. These massage therapies are very effective. Many of the technologies are designed at replicating hand movements. The Real Pro Ultra uses its Swede-Atsu technology to provide realistic feeling massages.

What if you could have a massage any time you wanted? Would that be great? It certainly is convenient. You could just take a 5 minute break and loosen up. Maybe you want to warm up prior to exercise or after. Do your feet ache after a long day at work? Take the load off and have a seat while your feet are gently squeezed, heat applied and the tension relieved.

The Montage Premier which is made by Omega comes with a foot massage. They use reflexology points in your feet to help your entire body to relax. The massage works over your feet with firm air pressure to loosen your muscles and help you relax. The bottom of your feet are stimulated with gentle air pressure which helps to flex your feet both at the heel and the arch. The Montage Premier delivers with its foot reflexology massage.

One of the nice elements of a day spa is the atmosphere. When you get a massage, the lights are low, there is soft music playing in the background. It is a very relaxing environment and then of course, there is the massage. 50 minutes of having the kinks, knots and soreness worked out of your body. Interestingly, massage chairs have made strides in this area as well. Some massage chairs come with an MP3 music player where you can load in your relaxing music. You can put on the headphones, activate the music-massage synchronization button and the chair will massage you to the rhythm of the music. It is so easy to drift off and let the massage chair melt away your worries.

Now, I am not trying to convince you to give up your day spa visits. If you have the time, this is a perfect venue for meeting your massage and relaxation needs. However, if you do not have enough time and still want to get massage therapy, then massage chairs have really become a viable alternative. They seem expensive when compared to getting one treatment at a day spa, but the reality, is you are buying tremendous convenience at a fraction of what continuous trips to the day spa will run you. Check out some of the best massage chair brands like Panasonic, Sanyo or Omega and see for yourself.

After a long day at work, you may be tired, under a little pressure or feeling some anxiety. A great option, once you finally make it home, might be a massage. That would relieve some tension and anxiety. Then I realize my house did not include a masseuse service. But wait, there is another option: How about a shiatsu massage chair! No appointment necessary. Just sit down, lean back, raise the footrest up and hit the start button. Oh, ah, oh, ah, now that is hitting the spot!

Massage chairs have come a long way over the years. The advance of electronics and mechanical systems has combined with massage techniques into the massage chair of today. You can find a robotic chair that is capable of massaging almost all parts of your body. These chairs can reach your neck, shoulders, back, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet and even your arms and hands. The best massage chairs have great technology to simulate many of the most beneficial massage techniques. Massage techniques such as a Shiatsu massage, Swedish massage or a Deep Tissue massage. These massage techniques have specific applications for your overall health and wellness.

For a truly techological marvel, the Montage Elite massage chair by Omega Massage, Inc. is an amazing machine. The Montage Elite brings sophisticated luxury with advanced technology giving you the healing benefits of a full body massage. The Montage Elite is equipped with full body heat. One can individually control the heat for the chair back, the seat and the footrest. Music is a great way to relax and the Montage has an MP3 player and headphones. There is a massage sychronization button that synchronizes the massage movements to the tempo of your music. Need a great foot massage? Look no further, the Montage Elite has a reflexology foot massage built into the footrest. Need to get stretched out a bit? Omega even included a lower body traction function that will stretch and elongate your lower body from the hips down.

The massage chair industry and has electronics companies such as Panasonic and Sanyo. Sanyo has the HEC-DR7700K which has lie detector technology which is used to find your stress points in your back. The HEC-DR7700K has a new roller concept introduced by Sanyo called GK roller system. The GK roller system extends out and around your shoulders and neck. It is like they reach out from the chair back. The GK roller system provides an invigorating neck and shoulder massage. The Sanyo shiatsu massage chair certainly delivers a thorough massage therapy.

Panasonic has the EP-3222 with their Swede-Atsu massage which combines aspects of Swedish and Shiatsu therapies. The rollers of the EP-3222 give a very realistic massage by replicating the motions of a master masseuse. This chair also has a full lower body air compression massage system. This Panasonic shiatsu lounger can memorize settings for 3 different users. Nice to have a chair that can learn what you like!

These shiatsu massage chairs gets more realistic with each technology advance to simulating a human masseuse. The best massage chairs have integrated multiple capabilities to satisfy your most demanding needs. These chairs come with advanced remote controls which allow you to manually control almost all aspects of the massage functions. You can concentrate in a given area or let it give you a full body massage.

With all the technology in massage chairs, it is wise to educate yourself. Find out what massage techniques can benefit you the most. There is certainly a tremendous variety of choices. Be careful to choose find a massage chair that provides the type of massage you want. Make sure that the massage recliner is comfortable to sit in. The best way is to try out different massage chairs from different manufacturers. This way, see what fits you comfortably, what features do you value and then make an educated decision. Take a little time upfront to find the right shiatsu massage chair for your needs. It is an investment in your health and well being. That way, the next time you need to relax, just sit back and push the start button and have a massage in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Not too hard to guess the trend that everyone wants to look young. This has started what is now becoming known as anti-aging. Anti aging treatments are as old as time itself. Women have known how to keep their skin nice and soft and have applied various topical treatments. These treatments have been revved up with the application of science. We have seen an avalanche of skin creams and other miracle wrinkle removers. Most of the products have really targeted the superficial layers of our skin. However, the problem tends to run a little bit deeper. The muscles are also involved and need treatment of their own. Now massage chairs are employing advanced capabilities to help reduce whole body aging.

Two major factors which can cause the body to age rapidly is the lack of exercise and stress. Exercise helps to keep the body in top condition. The muscles stay more flexible and strength and endurance are enhanced. Without exercise, the muscles atrophy. They breakdown and they cannot support activity for long. Stress is another key ingredient to aging. Stress can cause toxins to build up in the body. These substances cause muscle stiffness and can deprive the body of precious oxygen. If left unchecked, stress will start to show up by accelerating the aging process. Both of the elements cause unnecessary and premature aging of the body and skin.

The modern world comes at a high price. This price is stress. Everyone is under more stress. There is greater competition for everything and we have to deal with it. What happens when the body is put under stress? Our natural instinct is the fight or flight reaction. Our metabolism increases as the hands and feet are mobilized for action. Our major organs are put in a supporting role to help protect the body and get it ready for action. However, most stress we encounter is not from seeing a lion, but instead is mental pressure. This mental pressure causes the same reaction, but does not have the same release, since no real physical action is taken. This type of stress builds up toxic chemicals in the body without a way to release them out.

OK, we get to the meeting, we save the day and all is good and right in the world. Well, almost. What about the accumulated stress in our bodies? That really didn’t go anywhere did it? No it is still in our bodies. How do we get that out? Massage therapy is an effective technique to help flush out toxins. But massage therapy also helps reduce stress. Massage therapies such as shiatsu, Swedish and others have been shown to reduce stress, increase awareness and induce relaxation. These treatments are all available in the best massage chair brands today. I certainly age slower when I am relaxed then when I am stressed!

There are specific massage therapies that exactly target the stress reaction. The body is an interconnected system of relations. Certain reactions are essentially hardwired in us. Stress mobilizes the body with the fight or flight reaction. This exact process can be reversed with Reflexology massage therapy. Reflexology massage makes use of trigger points located in the hands or feet. When these points are stimulated, they have a corresponding major organ that is relaxed. Reflexology basically sends signals back to the major organ that the stress has passed and it can return to its normal operating mode. This massage technique calms the major organs and induces your entire body to relax.

When we look at the factors of the aging process, understand that they are constant. They just do not stop. Stress is not something that can be turned off. It comes when it comes. Therefore, a real anti aging treatment must be continuous to counteract these factors. Obtaining massage therapy on a regular basis is the type of treatment that helps offset these things. Many of the best massage chairs have very effective massage therapy treatments. These are some of your best tools to slow down the aging process before it hits the skin. Get your anti-aging arsenal working well before it starts to show on the surface.

If you ask most people about their health being a priority, then will definitely say yes. However, if you observe their behavior, then you notice that their actions do not always match up to their words. It is kind of like New Year’s resolutions. We make them and break them in a few days within the New Year. I think we like to think that we are in control, but then we must somehow lack the discipline to sustain the necessary action. We know that we are under more stress, yet we are not finding ways to relieve this stress. One very effective means is getting massage therapy from your own massage chair.

The stress we encounter at home or at work causes a build up of chemical reactions in our body and we need a consistent method to counteract this affect. Massage therapy in general is very effective and massage chair specifically can give you consistent access to this health treatment.

If you have not tried a massage chair or not tried on in a while, you may be pleasantly surprised. Current massage chairs provide full body relief. They have incredible technologies that effectively apply massage therapy to relieve soreness and tightness in muscles.

Many studies are showing the positive benefits of receiving regular massage treatments. There is a misperception that massage is somehow a luxury item. Sure there are spas that offer some tremendous and expensive treatments, but massage therapy is becoming a more mainstream treatment. It can help to increase the circulation of blood and lymph; reduce your stress levels; relax the muscles, improve your flexibility and range of motion. However, the studies also clearly point out that these benefits are achieved from regular massage treatment. Just like your diet. You cannot expect to lose weight by changing one meal.

Massage chairs bring you unprecedented convenience and time savings. For massage therapy to be effectively, you must get massages on some regular basis. People simply do not take the time, even though they should. A massage chair provide in home convenience and 24/7 access. It also massages the body in parallel which saves you time. You can receive a whole body massage in a matter of minutes rather then a full hour with a masseuse.

If you are able to go to the spa on a regular basis and obtain a massage from a masseuse, then you are taking care of your stress by giving it an effective release. On the other hand, if you are not doing this, then a massage chair can be an effective alternative.

A massage chair is an excellent time saver. You get a massage in parallel with a massage chair. A masseuse works your body over one part at a time. The massage chair can massage your back while it massages your legs, buttocks, feet and calves. All the parts of the chair are working and the total time is significantly reduced.

Another important way a massage chair can help is by saving you money. A massage chair can be as little as $3 per hour of massage therapy. Compare this to a masseuse who typically runs $50 per hour plus tip. Massage chairs have a clear economic advantage. This is the typical tradeoff between human labor versus machine labor.

So is our health a priority? Do not just pay it lip service. It is your life. Are you just making another New Year’s resolution that lasts for a few days or are you going to take care of yourself. Take a first step and get a routine of massage therapy going. How hard could it be to come home, take a seat and get a nice, soothing massage? You are probably already to start to relax just thinking about it. Take the next step and check out some massage chair recliners and start to counterbalance your stress.

One great venue to actually try massage chairs our various events. You can find home shows, county fairs and other types of shows where massage chairs will be displayed. This is a great opportunity to try out some of the latest massage chairs. Although, this is a great venue, you do need to be careful of some vendors. Based on our customers who have purchased at shows and our own first hand look, We offer the following 5 tips on how to avoid key problem areas to find the best massage chair for you.

1. Massage Chair PC Boards are Important: Massage chairs use computer software and pc boards to run the massage chair. The pc board or motherboard is the key board that runs the major functions of the chair. The sub boards are important as well. Ask where the pc boards are from. You want them from either Japan or Singapore. These have advanced chip foundries to make top quality boards. Shoddy electronics will make parts of the chair to malfunction or not work at all. This requires expensive service calls to have replaced down the road.

2. Look for These Warranty Points: You want to get adequate warranty protection when buying a massage chair at a home show or county fair. You can sometimes even negotiate longer terms, since many times you are dealing directly with the manufacturer. You should at least get 3 years parts, 3 years labor and make sure they have in home technician service. You want at least 90 days as part of your deal. Check to see if it is nationally available. If its only available where you are buying the chair, then they obviously do the service from one location.

3. Our Massage Chair is From Sanyo’s Factory: One of the more interesting sales claims we came across with surprising frequency is that their chair is from a major brand’s factory. The salesperson says they get their massage chair from them. I guess we are supposed to think that Sanyo is going to private label their chair to a guy who sells at a home show? The interesting thing is his price. Why is it so low compared to the real Sanyo. It doesn’t make sense to us and shouldn’t make sense to you either!

4. Import Warehouse at Your Service: We saw a few small time massage chair operators. Ones that import one chair and sell them at home shows or county fairs. We are not saying to not buy from them. Every entrepreneur started somewhere! It is just you need to be careful, that you are buying for the long term and they may be selling for the short term. They usually have an arsenal of electronic gadgets and a massage chair. Basically, whatever you can stick in a container! They will offer you a low price and lots of features, but you need to be careful of how long the chair will work and if they will be around to fix it later!

5. I Can’t Believe The Deal I Am Getting: Always remember, you get what you pay for. There were few peddlers that offered a $5,000 massage chair for $1,500 and came with a 5 year warranty. Wow! We couldn’t believe it. This chair is made in Panasonic’s factory! We tried to do the math. Free shipping, long warranty and cheap price. They can’t be making any money! How could we resist? Most likely we would have bought into a series of frustrating future problems and be left with a boat anchor in our living room.

You can really get good deals and find some of the major massage chair brands and top models at home shows and county fairs. We just want you to go with your eyes open, so you find the right massage chair for your requirements. It should last you years and provide you countless hours of soothing relaxation. Head our tips and you will be rewarded with the perfect massage chair. Happy shopping!