A massive combo of back pain + needing some enforced relaxation in my life = treating myself to a shiatsu massage chair.
Actually it is not really a ‘chair’ in the strictest sense as it sits on a chair, and the massagee sits on it.
But whatever it is called, it is amazing.
Rider here – I think it is amazing. I find it comfortable just to sit on without using it for the massage. My husband thinks it is uncomfortable verging on a passive form of torture.
The chair has two main massage settings – shiatsu and rolling massages. Each of these have three options: full back, upper back, lower back. Added to these is a heat setting and a thigh massage.
For me, being proportionally short from the waist up, I love the extra option that you can stop the extent of the massage at any point. So, because if I let it run for the ‘full’ back it would massage the back of my head (not very comfortable) I press a button when it reaches my neck and it remembers this setting for the remainder of the session.
It is heavy so a bit of a faff to move, but it will hang on the back of a door when not in use.
I would thoroughly recommend the chair, but – be warned – it is not for everyone. Perhaps try one first if you can?
I was disappointed with my photos so I’ll take more and post later to give a better idea. If anyone has such a chair to recommend please let us know about it. I think they are great. It has made a big different to my back health and I make sure I use it each day.
marilyn unmasked 
Ooo this is the proper HoMedics one! I bought my parents a massage thingybobby like this a few years ago to put on the recliner chair. I can count the times it’s been used on both hands. Maybe one hand. Yet they both said how good it was (I don’t know that I can believe them, given the lack of use). Given the pain I’m in I wouldn’t mind trying it too. They always have this habit of tidying everything away all the bloody time. Doesn’t matter if you’re using it or it’s inconvenient, it’ll go back in the box and be put away. Meaning it’s obviously too much hassle to bother getting back out to use regularly. I’m therefore not sure why it doesn’t get used – could be that it’s not as good as the HoMedics one, could also be that my parents make it too annoying to actually use it! Thanks for the reminder though – I’ve not seen this in ages so it may have been packed away in the garage by now or on top of an unreachable wardrobe, who knows. I’ll hunt it down. I’m glad yours can work well, Maz – every little helps with aches and pains. xxxx
Hi I’m using it now and thoroughly recommend it. Got it from Argos as they had the best price. For me it is very relaxing and I can read, write, or text while using it. It hangs on an M&S jacket hanger on the back of the door. No way could I store it in the box 😡. I’ve seen a review by a chap who leaves his on the chair. Ask for one for Christmas and ma and pa might miraculously find one. 😉 Good hunting. Maz x
Amazing post