Panasonic MA73
Customer Question #1:
Hi, incredible website with so much great information! I am thinking of ordering either the new Osaki Summit or the Panasonic EP-MA73. I was leaning towards the Osaki Summit because of the L-track but am wondering which one offers a stronger massage as I like a really deep massage, and which one offers a better neck/shoulder massage?
My Response #1:
Hi, Jeff
Thanks for your email. Great questions. Tough to answer actually. The Summit is awesome because of the L-track, which the MA73 can’t even touch. Even though the Summit has a good neck massage, I’d have to give the nod to the MA73 for the neck massage. The MA73 definitely gives a better shoulder massage (top of the shoulder – traps). Both give a great massage between the shoulder blades.
I really love the extended roller track (L-track) so I might be a little partial to the Summit.
Customer Question #2:
hi alan
need to get new chair soon
the panasonic MA-73 looks interesting to us (dad and i) – mostly because how you describe it as being used for a regular chair also (to sit and watch TV – etc)
this is why we LOVED the sanyo 8700 — as it is a nice chair to simply sit in by itself off — or when using its super smooth slow massage (with no big intruding shoulder bags or arm bags – etc,)
and this is why I kind of hate the pro-dreamer I use – as the shoulder bags interfere – and the arm bags are too big to allow normal arm placement on top when just sitting
few concerns I have about MA-73 —
1 – its not zero gravity – right? I realize you can get that effect somewhat – but never its quite the same? having the seat incline as it should is a big deal to me – as my lower back is bad
2 – I like arm bags – but when not using them can one place arms “comfortably” on top without feeling they’re being forced up too highly (for simply sitting and watching TV)
3 – would you say this has one of the best neck massages ? and for somebody 6’2” ?
4 – are the calf/ottoman bag area big enough to truly do a good wrap-around massage on calf area. I find that many of the folding type ottomans lack the bigness or surface area to do calfs well
conclusion — the chair really does seem to be an ideal chair for us – except the zero gravity which I’ll never understand panasonic decision there
Kim 
My Response #2:
Hi, Kim
Thanks for your emails. Great to hear from you again! Here are my answers to your queries:
1. The MA73 does not have the zero gravity feature. It stays static throughout the recline and during each program.
2. Yes, the arm rests are optimal for use without the airbags. You will sit quite comfortably, including your arms, when using the chair as a recliner.
3. Yes, it has a great neck massage…especially on the top of the shoulders. Plus you can adjust the 3D rollers to make the massage even deeper.
4. The calf airbags do not wrap around the calves as you are hoping. They are pretty shallow.
Customer Question #3:
Hello Dr. Alan!
I loved the free report. Found it very informative and helpful. My husband and I are looking to purchase a massage chair. Ever since my first pregnancy I have had sciatica, and we just happened to have the occasion to sit in a Panasonic EP-MA10 and a Human Touch 5.0 this weekend while shopping for furniture for our new home.
So that’s what got me scouring the internet trying to figure out what chair we should invest in, since I am now expecting our 3rd, and the sciatica and pelvic pain are 3 times as bad, 3 times earlier along in my pregnancy than before.
I’m not sure I know yet what chair is the right one for us yet. I lean toward Panasonic at the moment. My husband is 6 ft 2, and I’m 5 ft 3. It is quite the investment, and I want to make sure we can both benefit fully. I have been watching your videos on Youtube and reading as much as I can to make the best possible investment decision.
Thanks for reaching out.
Kind regards,
Juli-Anne
My Response #3:
Hi, Juli-Anne
Thanks so much for downloading my report and emailing me. Congratulations on your pregnancy! I’ve got 6 and it never got old!! I love just being a dad and a grandpa.
I might suggest taking a look at the chairs with the extended roller tracks (also called L-Tracks). They extend down the back and under the seat to give a roller massage to the gluts, piriformis muscles, and the top of the hamstrings. For someone who suffers from sciatica, I think this technology is an absolute revelation. You will be a butt massage like no other and it just may help your sciatica symptoms more than you’d expect.
Take a look at the Human Touch Novo XT, which is currently our best selling chair. It has the extended roller track, foot rollers, great neck and upper back massage, along with tons of other airbags and programs.
The uKnead Lavita is another L-Track chair that does a fantastic lower back and butt massage, as well as having a strong neck massage. Great foot rollers and arm airbags, as well as calf rollers!
Panasonics are fabulous chairs, but they don’t have the extended roller track. Take a look at the MA73, which has a roller track that goes down to the tailbone area and gives a fantastic roller massage. Great neck and shoulder massage (its roller actually massage the top of the shoulders, too. That is unique to the Panasonic MA73).
Check these models out and let me know what you think. When you are ready to buy, I’ll tell you what sales we have going on for each model.
Ask any other questions. I am always at your disposal.
Dr. Alan Weidner
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President of Massage Chair Relief, Dr. Weidner is a leading expert in the massage chair industry. His articles, videos, interviews, website, and industry updates have become the resources of choice for those researching which massage chair is best for them.
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