Massage has been used for a long time to help relieve aches and pains, muscle stiffness and some joint pain. Like many things, if it’s done properly it can work wonderfully, although you may have trouble massaging your own back, if it’s aching. Not everyone can afford to pay a professional. Professional masseurs may charge 40 and up and for many people it can be too expensive to have done regularly.

If you can’t afford regular massage, is there any solution to the problem? The benefits of regular massage can be extremely attractive. Well, there are a number of things you could do, but one of the easiest and most economical over the long term is to buy one of the many home massage chairs, such as the SBM-500H from Homedics.

The purpose of massage “chairs” is to give you varying levels of massage intensity and usually, to add heat to the massageas well. The different models ,of course have different features, but all the good ones have the concept of zones. There are usually at least a couple of zones of massage, which may be independently switchable and controllable so that you can enjoy the massage in the area where you need it most.

Quality models, like the shiatsu SBM 500H, or Homedics SBM500H, offer independently controlled back and shoulder massage. Once you’ve experienced the ability to select the area to be massaged, just by flicking a button you’ll be reluctant to revert to a basic model.

Models with heat output are quite lovely to sink into on a cold winter’s day. Relaxing on a chair that gently warms your back and shoulders combining it with a gentle de-stressing massage, is a great way to relax and unwind, after the tension of a long day.

You should consult your doctor if you have any health issues, joint, back or heart problems. Massage may not be suitable for everyone.