Posts Tagged ‘panasonic 30007 massage chair’

Shoulder Massage – What Really Is It and What Massage Chairs Have It?

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Massage Chair Shoulder Airbags

Shoulder massage in a massage chair means different things to different people. The same kind of confusion occurs when someone says “hip” massage. It could mean the thighs, the low back, the pelvis, the buttocks, etc.

With shoulder massage, to some people it could mean the shoulder blades, the trapezius muscles, the upper back, the outside of the shoulders, etc. So, you see it can be very confusing.

For the sake of this article, I will break down each definition of shoulder and then discuss which massage chairs can cater to what a “shoulder” is according to those definitions.

1. Trapezius muscles (the “traps”)

These muscles are located at the top of your shoulders and constitute those muscles that get really tight when you are working at a desk, particularly at a computer. They are the muscles you grab when your “shoulders” feel sore and tight. When you look at the muscle-man they are the muscles that can get so big that they make the man look like he has no neck. They are the muscles that go from the base of the neck to your shoulder joint.

There are really one two massage chairs that can come close to addressing this area. First of all is the Inada  Sogno Dreamwave massage chair. It has a head piece that Inada calls the Cervical Traction Device. At the bottom of this head piece, there are two massage airbags, one on either side of the user’s neck, that will inflate and direct pressure downward onto those trap muscles. It is a very intense airbag massage and feels delightful. This is the only massage chair that has this direct airbag compression feature on the traps. The intensity of the airbag compression can be adjusted, but it truly feels like the elbows of a trained massage therapist digging down into those “shoulder” muscles.

The Panasonic 30007 massage chair does not have airbag compression onto those muscles, but it has a roller system that tries to hit that spot. Like all massage chairs, the 30007 has rollers that go up and down your spine. Unlike other massage chairs, when the rollers hit the shoulder area (the trap area), the track of those rollers allows the rollers to roll for forward over top of the trap muscles. It is not a significant roll forward but enough to make it feel like the user is getting the trap muscles addressed to some degree.

The Inada Sogno is definitely better than the 30007 in terms of hitting that area of the shoulder, but both chairs make the effort.

2. Shoulder blades/Mid Back

Of course, these are located in the back and are very common areas of soreness. Virtually every manufacturer addresses this area with their own proprietary roller system in their massage chairs.

No massage chair actually massages the whole shoulder blade, but they all hit the edges of the shoulder blades that are closest to the spine. The principle muscles at that area are called rhomboids and they tend to get sore with lots of sitting and a slumping posture. Most folks don’t even realize that they have a problem there until they sit in a massage chair and the rollers hit that spot.

Massage chairs are great at massaging this area. This area between the shoulder blades is a common point of soreness for many people with poor posture. Not only will the rollers of the massage chair work over the muscles in that area and give the user some relief, they will also push the spine forward and give the user the feeling that they are standing taller and straighter after a session.

So, if you have a slumping posture, prepare to feel taller and straighter after a session on virtually any massage chair with a roller

Inada Doctors Choice Massage Chair

Inada Doctors Choice Massage Chair

system.

Inada has a massage chair called the Doctor’s Choice massage chair, which has a neat posture correction feature. It actually has airbags that compress the front of either shoulder while the rollers go up and down the mid/upper back and shoulder blade areas. It pins the shoulders back while the rollers are hitting this area, thus accentuating the proper posture position and working that area even more intensely than any other massage chair model.

3. Outside part of the shoulders

This area is where the deltoid muscles are located. The recent onslaught of Inada Sogno look-a-likes out of China have an airbag that

Osaki 6000 Massage Chair Shoulder Airbags

Osaki 6000 Massage Chair Shoulder Airbags

inflates and pushes on the outside of the shouder where the deltoid muscle is, but their effectiveness are limited. A good sample of a chair with this feature would be the Osaki 6000 massage chair or the Omega Montage Pro massage chair. The Inada Sogno has a full arm massage feature which is very unique. The airbags that the Sogno employs get close to those muscles and do somewhat compress them, but it is not a full on deltoid massage.

This review of shoulder massage should assist in identifying what is meant by “shoulder” pain and what massage chair will cater to that issue.

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

 

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Great Questions From A Massage Chair Shopper!

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

I received an email from Joe in the Netherlands. Though he is not buying a chair from me, he felt comfortable contacting me with some questions about the Panasonic 30007 massage chair and Sanyo 7700 massage chair. I thought this would assist all my readers to share his email and my response with you:

The Questions:

Hi Dr. Weidner,

Since I live in the Netherlands, I’m not likely to be able to purchase a chair from you. However, I hope you might be willing to answer a couple of questions I have concerning the purchase of a chair.
First, I am considering either the Sanyo 8700 or the Panasonic EP30007, the top models of each brand.

Is the Sensor system in the Sanyo reliable? Worth the extra cost?

Are the hip massage and outer shoulder massage airbags features of the Panasonic effective?

Does one really use these machines daily, or do they become a once-a-week or once-in-a-while accessory?

Are there people for whom these machines are not helpful? How could I tell based on one trial in a showroom? In other words, what are the most important signals when trying one out that would indicate I should or should not consider regular use of such a machine?

I would appreciate any time you could spare to help me with answers to the above. I find it a confusing market and a confusing choice.

I look forward to hearing from you, and I remain

Most sincerely yours,
Joe L.
Netherlands

The  Answers:

Hi, Joe
Thanks for your email. I appreciate your inquiry. It is so hard to evaluate the sensor system in the Sanyo because the technology and application is something that none of us fully understand. The chair remote just puts up red circles around the blue dots that represent your body parts. The red circles mean “problem area”. When we used to take the Sanyo to trade shows and people would use the sensors, many times the client would say “That is exactly where I am hurting!” when they saw the red circles on the remote after their spine was scanned. Is it worth the extra cost?…probably not.

The outer shoulder airbag of the Panasonic 30007 massage chair is a waste of airbag in my opinion. If anything the airbags should push the shoulders back, not forward (check out the Doctor’s Choice 3A chair by Inada www.inada-3a-massage-chair.

com…that is how it really should work, not from the back like with the Panasonic chairs).

The hip massage airbags in the Panasonic 30007 are not really designed to massage your hips…they are more for “pinning” your hips to the chair so that when the rollers go over your back, they get some traction while rolling because the hip airbags pin you in so that your body doesn’t move forward too much when the rollers go over the spine. I hope that makes sense (harder to describe in writing than in person!).

Yes, you can and WILL use it everyday. Massage chairs are fantastic…not like a treadmill, where you buy it and use it for a few days and then it becomes a clothing rack. The only person who won’t want a massage chair is someone who is hurt by massage. Most folks are a little sore when using a massage chair for the first time, but if pain persists or if there is a history of pain following massage, it might not be the best idea. But, I can say with absolute certainty that 99% of the folks who use a massage chair love them, even if there is a little pain the first few sessions.

I hope this helps, Joe. Feel free to contact me with any other inquiries. Best of luck in your massage chair shopping experience!

Dr. Alan Weidner

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Human Touch HT-5005 Massage Chair Almost Finished!

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

I just heard from Human Touch that their HT-5005 massage chair is being phased out and the only color they have left is ivory. The black and espresso colors are sold out and will not be replenished. So, if you don’t like ivory, I’d look at another model altogether. If you are looking for something in a similar price range, i.e. between $1000-$2000, I might suggest the Human Touch HT-5040 or the HT-3300. Great chairs at very reasonable prices. Of course, they are not as feature-rich as more expensive chairs, but they are perfect for that price range. Human Touch also has a great customer service department should anything go wrong with your chair. These chairs have a 1 year comprehensive/5 year chasis warranty.

FYI, we just bumped up the price of our Panasonic 30007 massage chair from $3999 to $4299 to accommodate the price increase at our end from Panasonic. These chairs are backordered, but when they come in they will sell for more than they have in the past…so buyer beware!

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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Follow Up To My Panasonic Experience

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

I wrote a blog post a couple of weeks ago that talked about my experience with Panasonic after one of my clients experienced some trouble with a damaged Panasonic 30007 massage chair delivery (www.massage-chair-relief.com/blog/general/changes-at-panasonic-thank-goodness-i-hope/ ).  I am happy to announce that Panasonic has stepped up to the plate and offered to pay for delivery of a new chair and pick up of the damaged massage chair.  I don’t know if my blog post or the letters from  my client made any difference, but I am just happy that my client has a chair that is working for them now!

On another Panasonic note…I just heard yesterday that Panasonic is raising the price of their 30007 model by $450. I have been told by inside sources that the reason for the price increase is NOT because of an increase in the cost of production, but because Panasonic does not like it’s retailers/dealers selling the chair for so low. Remember in that same blog post I wrote a week ago what I thought about the lack of integrity in Panasonic’s terrible pricing policies (or lack thereof)? Well, who knew that this would be their answer!!

So, rather than police their retailers to maintain price and product integrity, Panasonic decides to raise it’s price by almost $500 to get retailers to charge more for the massage chair. Oh my…it’s a wonder that so many retailers, including myself,  put up with this for their clients and for themselves.  I have no idea if the price of the their other models will go up as well, but I am sure I will find on Monday morning price increases across the board.

For  now, I will keep my 30007 price at $3999 to see how things work out. But, I will also tell you, for sure, that I will not be doing any low price matches on Monday until the new pricing has filtered through to all the retailers. As it was, I was doing price matches that left me with such a minimal profit margin, that if the credit card that was used by the buyer was an American Express  card (which charges me 3.5% on a purchase) and if shipping was to the furthest corner of the country away from California (which is where the chairs ship from) I came extremely close to losing money on the transaction (in one or two situations, I actually DID lose money).

But I asked for that now, didn’t I, with my 110% low price match guarantee. So, I have to sleep in the same bed I make.

Well, there you have it folks. On Monday morning, the Inada massage chairs AND the Panasonic chairs are all going up in price. “Just another manic Monday…”! It will be so interesting to see how you, the consumer, reacts to all of this. By the way, if you are planning to beat the price woes, you had better give us a call this weekend to place your order. Call 888-259-5380 or call Steffanie, my showroom manager, at 801-680-4229.

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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Panasonic 30006 vs. Panasonic 30007 Massage Chairs

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

We get calls all the time asking about the difference between the Panasonic 30006 and 30007 massage chair models. They both come from the same 30000 series that Panasonic began a year or so ago withPanasonic 30007 massage chair the 30003. The design is the same, but there are a few subtle differences amongst all the 30000 series chairs…mostly with the number or airbags. Now, the differences between the 30006 and 30007 are as follows:

1.  same number of airbags; same appearance.

2. price difference. We sell the 30007 at $4499 and the 30006 at $3400. We do not have the 30006 on our website, but we do sell it.

3. the 30007 massage chair has wooden armrests; the 30006 has the faux leather material armrests.

4. the 30006 is manufactured in China; the 30007 is manufactured in Japan.

So, basically, what I am telling you is that the two models are pretty much exactly the same except for the material on the armrests and the fact that one is manufactured in China and one in Japan. Of course, there is a price difference. Some folks really appreciate the Japanese quality and will pay extra for it.

I hope this helps!

Dr. Alan Weidner
President
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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Question About Panasonic 30007 Vs. Sogno PLUS Massage Chairs

Monday, April 13th, 2009

 Although the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are quite close between the Panasonic 30007 massage chair and the Inada Sogno PLUS massage chair, there are few similarities. I just had a client question me about the difference. Below is the question and my response. I hope this helps any of you working through making that decision right now. There are some insights we have that can’t be described in a bullet point feature section…but insights that we have gained through day-to-day experience with the chairs.

Question:

“i have been wanting a good quality massage chair for about a year now. Im tired of wasting money on those throw Inada Sogno Dreamwave Plus massage chairover the chair walmart style massage units. and it is so true about these shady companies online trying to just get your money and send you no name brands,and takes forever to even respond to an email request. now if im going to go for a massage chair i want the best their is. And i am falling in love with the inada sogno plus. I havnt tried it but from the features ive read and that it massages nearly every part of you is fantastic. My only concern is that the inada sogno plus only does a shiatsu style massage, unlike the panasonic 30007 which has different style massages. i could be wrong im still researching to this day, and perhaps you guys can help me out on this. One thing is for sure from what ive seen on your website and on youtube, you seem like an honest retailer, and i feel confident to invest in a chair with you, and feel im getting a great deal and hope to solve this problem as soon as possible so i can start enjoying my new chair.”Panasonic 30007 massage chair

Answer:

“Hi, Don
Thank you so much for your inquiry. I don’t blame you for wanting something better than the small vibratory chair massagers. A massage chair is fantastic and no comparison, really. I agree with you on the Inada Sogno PLUS. It is an incredible massage chair and it DOES have more than just a shiatsu massage program on it. We just happen to have the Inada Sogno PLUS and the Panasonic 30007 in our showroom and it is no comparison, considering the similar pricing, although the 30007 is a very nice chair.

Here are the main differences as we see them:
1. the Sogno PLUS has the cervical traction unit, which allows for air bag massage of the top of the shoulders. This is a very innovative feature that no other chair has. It really feels like a massage therapist is using her/his elbows to massage your trapezius muscles. The Panasonic 30007 has a roller that also works on the shoulders but not as much as the Sogno. The Panasonic determines the whereabouts of your shoulders from the scan (which all good chairs now do) and then, from that scan finding, it rolls over your shoulders when it comes to them before working up your neck or down your back. It doesn’t roll very far forward to cover as much as the Sogno cervical traction unit does, but it still does more than virtually every other chair, with the exception of the Sogno of course.

2. the Sogno caters to taller people better than the Panasonic. If you are over 6 feet, you may find it a little confining on the Panasonic as the ottoman only extends about 6 inches and, unless you extend your feet completely out so that the foot massager is actually massaging your ankles, you will find your knees coming up toward your chest…not as easy to completely relax. The Sogno doesn’t have that problem.

3. the Sogno is a bigger chair and takes up more space than the Panasonic. So, if you are really confined with space, the Panasonic takes up less space.

4. the Panasonic 30007 massages about 400 sq. inches of your body, the Sogno over 1200 sq. in.

5. the Sogno PLUS has the amazing dream wave technology in the chair seat. It moves and undulates in a figure 8 pattern and up and down which to me, as a chiropractor, is a truly innovative and needed feature for low back pain sufferers, especially disc patients. You will love that feature.

6. full arm massage for the Sogno; hand, wrist and forearm massage on the Panasonic 30007.

7. Sogno PLUS is our top selling chair of ALL our chairs. We don’t sell many of the Panasonic 30007 chairs.

8. The intensity of the massage rollers is greater on the Sogno when the cervical traction unit and attached pad is lifted over the top of the chair. When the cervical traction unit and the pad are in place, the intensity of the massage may not feel as great as the Panasonic 30007. But, with the cervical traction unit and attached pad are out of the way, it is far more intense than the Panasonic 30007. 

You can probably tell that we are big Sogno PLUS fans. It is the favorite chair of all the staff at our company. Having said that, the Panasonic 30007 is a great chair. We love it too, but for the money, the Inada Sogno is the best.
Pricing on the Inada Sogno PLUS massage chair is $6499, but you will notice on our website that we give a $300 Visa Gift Card along with the purchase of a massage chair over $4000 (by the way, our 110% low price guarantee will match and beat any competitors price!)

With that price, you receive free shipping, free white glove delivery (set up and assembly and removal of all packaging material), and our famous unconditional, no-questions-asked 90 day money back guarantee.

Well, Don, I probably talked your ear off here. I hope you don’t mind all the info. I want you to have the best shopping experience and education will contribute to that for you. Please call me if you have any other questions or if you would like to place your order with us. My personal cell number is 801-651-2026 and I am available all day every day!

Thanks, so much, for giving me the chance to tell you about these chairs. I am at your disposal…

Dr. Alan Weidner
President
www.massage-chair-relief.com“

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Massage Chair Relief TV Commercials!

Friday, November 28th, 2008

I am excited to announce that we have had a television commercial created for local broadcast here in Utah for our showroom, Massage Chair Relief. The commercials began airing on Wednesday on ABC and NBC local affiliates.  Below 60 second version of the commercial for your enjoyment:

Massage Chair Commercial

If you are a football fan, you’ll know who Reno Mahe is, who played for 5 years with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL.  Obviously he is a fan of our massage chairs. His favorite is the HT-1650 massage chair.

We also have a 15″ and 30″ versions of the same commercial. I will post them all  on youtube.com so that they are available for everyone’s perusal.

Other than that, I must tell you that we had to raise our price on the Panasonic 30007 massage chair to $5999. I had kept it at $5499 for as long as I could, but Panasonic wants pricing to be the same across the board…so to $5999 it goes.

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

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