Ryan Bader, MMA Bellator Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, shares his experience with the Novo XT2 Massage Chair from Human Touch. Learn how he uses his Novo XT2 as part of his training and recovery routine, and why he says it will help "take his career to the next level."

 

Lets start out with the chair: it is very solidly built and easy to use. It takes up about the same space as my old recliner. The automatic adjustment (with manual controls too) for shoulder height makes the chair fit my 5' tall wife and my 6'3" height too. In the automatic modes the chair self-adjusts for height (in manual mode you set height yourself). We both use the chair for 20 minutes in the morning and evening.

Why did we get the chair? My wife has sciatica. I have had chronic pain for over 20 years. Initially just hand pain, but in the last 7 years in all joints (osteoarthritis, most noticeable in my ankles, knees, hips, hands, and back). In the past year or so I have also developed some numbness in my feet. My doctors had me take Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs for years, which helped but, I ended up with a bleeding ulcer 4 years ago. Since then I've been taking prescription pain relievers to keep pain levels low enough to allow me to work, and to be able to sleep. I kept up exercise, but over time that too suffered.

Last month my wife and I basically just stumbled on a demo of the [Novo] XT2 at Costco . After a short demo my back pain was reduced, and her sciatica noticeably better. So we ordered it. We figured if all it did was help her sciatica that would be well worth it. The chair arrived (white glove service is great) and we set about understanding how to use it for our best results.

It took about 10 days to figure out what worked best for us, and then things just started getting better. My wife's sciatica pain is largely gone. The pain in my ankles, hips, and back are much better, also almost gone. I am now pain medication free for the first time in years. In fact yesterday I was able to mow my yards for the first time in years without suffering hours of pain.

I think the proper ending for my review is to say ... thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU Human Touch.

- Charles W.

We were pleased to recently receive this customer feedback about one of our Costco Roadshow representatives, and wanted to share his story with you here. Our Costco reps are truly an amazing group of individuals, and an asset to our team here at Human Touch! To learn more about our Costco events, please click here.

To Whom It May Concern,

I have been off work for both my mental and physical health since Jan 23, 2019.  I have lived with Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety for twenty years. A recent traumatic experience at work exacerbated both conditions and caused me to seek treatment in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) starting in late February.  Concurrently, I have been focused on caring for my physical health by participating in three physical therapy sessions and two separate sessions with a personal trainer each week. My work related injuries are associated with my right glute, lower and middle back, shoulders, neck and left bicep.

I began physical therapy in February and the initial assessment caused the pain to spread.  I had several episodes of bursting into tears during therapy and even forbid the physical therapist from touching me on one day for fear he would cause more pain.  My workers comp rep assigned a nurse to work with me to find a new place for treatment.

I was not in a good place mentally or physically when I walked into Costco last Friday.  On my walk to the register, I saw the display with your chairs. The salesperson greeted me warmly and set me up in a chair. I didn’t tell her about any of my problems because I was scared she wouldn’t let me try the chair.  After the five minute program, she allowed me to try another sequence. I thanked her, grabbed my other purchases and headed for the register. She called after me to let me know that the display would be here all week and I could come back any time.

I went back to Costco six of the next eight days.  Angela was there every day and she always seemed excited to see me.  I opened up to her about my mental health issues first. She shared that several people in her life had dealt with mental health struggles.  That disclosure made me feel like less of a freak and allowed me to trust her. She programmed a thirty minute session for me that day and every day after.

Since the chairs were located next to an area that was under construction, not many people stopped by.  This led to Angela being able to provide a listening ear during most of my time spent in your chairs. I shared about my struggles in the PHP and PT programs.

I spent time in all your chairs. My favorite was the one Angela refers to as "The Lexus." I found my experience to be restorative on so many levels.  The zero gravity eased my back pain. The foot/calf massage left me feeling fully relaxed. Angela ensured my glutes, shoulders and biceps received treatment daily as well.

I was so touched by Angela’s willingness to help me any way she could. When I told her I performed direct care for the disabled and was making even less now because I was receiving workers comp, she continued to treat me like her best customer.  

The sessions in the chair helped my body heal enough to approach physical therapy with a new physical therapist.  Christine was very gentle with me and we developed a bond as well. I saw her three times a week for six weeks. At the same time, the YMCA provided a personal trainer, Tanner, for me two times a week.  She made me work so hard.

Last week I received medical clearance to return to work on Monday, April 22, 2019. I’m so excited and I hope you can find out how to get in touch with Angela and let her know.  I had to return to work by the end of April or I would have been let go from the organization. I just want to thank her because I know she would be proud of how hard I worked to get back to the job I love.

I needed the support of "The Lexus" and your employee to return to work.  Thank you providing me with both.

Sincerely,

Dave S.

I have Osteoarthritis in my spine, hips, knees, and ankles. I have had a spinal fusion (ACDF) of C3-C7 in my cervical spine. I am in constant pain in my neck, upper and lower back. I also have pain and muscle spasms in my shoulders and between my shoulder blades. Also, pain in my knees and ankles from the degeneration from osteoarthritis. Very few things decrease that pain. Norco and muscle relaxers help when it’s at its worst, but I don’t take either regularly. I just choose to deal with chronic pain.

I bought an $11,000 adjustable Tempur-Pedic bed and pillow. This bed took 50% of my pain away when laying in it, which is the best I’ve had since the chronic pain started.

Until...I decided to take the plunge and buy the Perfect Chair PC-LiVE. This chair is now my go-to for pain relief! It takes 75% of my pain away, more than even the medication! When I’m sitting in the chair, my pain melts away. As soon as I get up, it returns, but anyone with chronic pain will know that getting relief for even a temporary period of time, IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!

With my old recliner I had a neck pillow, lumbar support pillow, a sciatic pillow to sit on, and a heating pad and I was still in pain. With the Perfect Chair, the neck support pillow takes the place of my other neck pillow, the lumbar support works better than the half dome pillow I had, the fluid-filled seat doesn’t need a sciatic pillow, and the jade heat stones work better than the heating pad. Also, the memory foam seating is like sitting on a cloud. It really is a chair that covers EVERY pain issue!

The zero gravity position is awesome. I can fall asleep in that position with no medication, which says a lot. The other great thing about this chair is that the position I sit in to watch TV or read is just as comfortable. I honestly wonder if it’s magic.

I have no complaints about this chair. Not even the price. The leather is premium and in my opinion, nothing is better than sitting in a chair with that amazing smell of high quality leather surrounding you. It is very easy to use, and I appreciate the 5-year full-coverage warranty! Is it an expensive chair? Yes. Is it worth it and more? YES!

I honestly thought that my Tempur-Pedic bed was the best out there to help with my pain, and it is awesome and worth the money, but this chair exceeds it. If I had to choose one, I would pick this chair. I’m blessed to have the best of both worlds with the dream bed and the dream chair. I foresee a lot less pain medication in my future!

If I could kiss the creator of this chair, I would. 

-Sheri Zwaanstra

Anyone familiar with the world of Harry Potter knows that each of the characters play a special role, and they hold a place in the hearts of the entire world. We were all alarmed when we found out that Jim Tavare, the actor who played Tom the Innkeeper in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, had been in a horrific car accident in March. This head-on collision left him in an Intensive Care Unit in Los Angeles, suffering with a broken neck, a punctured lung, 15 broken ribs, fractures in both breastbones and multiple breaks in his right leg.

While in ICU, Jim had multiple blood transfusions and surgeries, but kept in good spirits as he shared his progress with his fans on social media. His wife, Laura, typed out his updates and shared images of him giving thumbs up signs, despite being rigged up to multiple machines and donning a neck brace. She also reached out to us at Human Touch, having heard of our Perfect Chair recliners and all that they could do for someone recovering from neck and back injuries like Jim’s.

After spending 15 days in intensive care, as well as time in the recovery area of the hospital, Jim was released to his home, where we had coordinated with Laura to provide a PC-610 Omni Motion Classic recliner with several upgrades including Jade Heat and Memory Foam PLUS. Using the PC-610, Jim will be able to alleviate much of the pressure and pain that would otherwise be on his neck and spine, which will help him to relax and to recover faster.

We were so impressed with Jim and Laura’s hospitality while we delivered the chair and were equally movedas Jim announced that the experience of receiving such a gift was “quite an emotional moment.” His dog Mr. Kippy, sat with Jim and also enjoyed the comfort of the recliner. Mr. Kippy’s story is also a miraculous one, as he was with Jim in the car during the crash, and needed the vehicle to be cut open in order to be saved. This image shows them both enjoying the Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni Motion Classic.

Laura and Jim have graciously invited us to join them as we follow along on Jim’s progress and recovery. We’ve already received so many kind words from not only the Tavares, but even their extended family and friends. We are in awe of the support system that Jim has to help him through this journey, and feel very humbled that we’ve been invited to join in with such a gracious group.  

Follow along here on our blog, for regular updates on Jim and his recovery. And feel free to post your own words of encouragement to Jim’s Facebook page here.

Technologically-advanced devices can be hard to figure out if tech isn’t your thing. And, unfortunately, that fear of being overwhelmed by technology can steer you away from using tools that would make your life infinitely better. Some people see anything with an LCD remote and think, “Not for me. I remember last year’s ‘Surround Sound Incident’ all too well…”

Rather than having tech-anxiety, it’s important to understand that there are two types of device users: Tech-Intuitive and Research-Savvy.

Tech-Intuitive

Tech-Intuitive Users tend to integrate ever-evolving technology into their daily lives. They can easily navigate and operate most devices, because they’re engaged with the process of tech evolution. It should come as no surprise that these types of users can use any Human Touch massage chair with ease. They easily navigate through auto-massage programs, like “Energize” or “Relax,” or create their own massage program and save it for future use. More likely than not, they find it enjoyable to explore the different capabilities of each massage chair and may even try a different massage each time they sit in one.

Research Savvy

Research-Savvy Users are folks who generally read through owner’s manuals or quick guides to navigate technology. As Gretchen Rubin, New York Times #1 best-selling author of The Happiness Project, says about instruction manuals, “Why should I expect to operate something without learning anything about it?”

Some people seem to think that reading the directions is discrediting, but we all learn how to do things differently. Human Touch user manuals are easy to understand, come in multiple languages, and get you from the Power Button to a Zero-Gravity Massage in a few easy steps.

In order to demonstrate a new user experience, we had a tester try out a few different massage chairs using their owner’s manuals to help navigate the various functions. Here is what he said:

iJOY® Active 2.0 Massage Chair

“This chair seemed pretty straight forward. I was easily able to recline back and get started in an auto-massage program that I liked, since there were minimal buttons to navigate through. I didn’t really feel the need to use the owner’s manual, but it was nice that I could flip through the massage benefits it listed while I relaxed in the chair.” 

Bali Massage Chair

“The Quick Start options were easy to navigate through on the remote, and once I was more confident with the other options, I moved into Auto Immersion section on the remote control. These options ended up being pretty user friendly because they had descriptions of each different technique right there for me to read. I wasn’t sure how to adjust the calf width, but it showed an easy-to-understand diagram in the owner’s manual. I really liked that the owner’s manual also listed out intensity levels for the different Auto Immersion Programs, and descriptions of each of the Targeted Techniques. This made it easy to figure out which massage selection was best for me.”

ZeroG® 5.0 Massage Chair

“At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the remote control, since it has a lot of buttons and even has buttons on the side of it. However, this ended up being a really user-friendly remote due to the BodyMap PRO feature. It had a diagram of the human body, and I simply pressed a button wherever I wanted to feel relief. Everything else was really self-explanatory and I was able to select the massage intensity, recline position, and leg extension just by pressing one or two buttons. I actually enjoyed reading the manual because it talked about massage benefits, and it also clearly explained every button on the remote.”

NOVO Massage Chair

“I started this one in Demo mode just to get the feel of it, and really loved how it cradles you like a rocking chair while you’re getting massaged. The remote was really simple to navigate, and I tried a few different auto-massage programs until I found one that I liked the best. The great thing about all of these chairs is that I can try out one style of massage and if I don’t like it, I can switch to something else right then and there. Once my massage was finished, the chair put itself right back into a regular seated position and turned itself off. It was great.”

We’re all at different expertise levels when it comes to technology, but there’s no reason to be intimidated by it. The great thing about Human Touch massage chairs is that you can navigate technology through the way it makes you feel, and try out the different settings to fit your own unique needs. If you still struggle to understand something, you can always call the Customer Experience department to answer your questions and get you on the right track.

So, whether you’re Tech-Intuitive or Research Savvy, it’s easy to Feel Your Best. For more information on our Human Touch massage chairs, call our Customer Experience team at (800) 355-2762, or go to https://www.humantouch.com/.

I’ve owned 3 Human Touch massage chairs over the past 30 years, and I believe that these chairs have saved my life.

I’ve worked as a contractor for my entire life, which has led me to a variety of back problems. In the early 1980’s I was diagnosed with Asbestosis, which is a lung disease that results from the inhalation of asbestos particles. In 1982 I had surgery to remove one of my lungs. This surgery left me with only 60% usage of my other lung because of the growing scar tissue over the asbestos, which means that I have a limited oxygen flow throughout my body. My doctors gave me 2-4 years to live.

After visiting the chiropractor for years, and finding comfort in both the adjustments as well as the accompanying massage therapy, my wife and I decided to purchase a massage chair for our home. We wanted something that would not only be physically effective, but also would look good in our family room. We did not want a big, bulky chair that would look like a spaceship!

We researched Human Touch and found that the reviews were really great, so we bought a chair from a local furniture store. In the mid-80’s, $5,000 was a lot of money to spend on a chair. People thought we were crazy for spending that kind of money, but once we compared what we COULD have spent on chiropractic massage care and related medical costs, we knew it was worth the investment.

We had our first Human Touch massage chair for 20 years, during which it was used several times per day, before it finally gave out. We bought a new chair at Relax the Back, and had that until the very end of its warranty, which was when the airbags stopped working properly. Human Touch sent a technician out to our house, and we were told that they would take the chair back to headquarters to repair it. Within one week, they decided to just go ahead and replace the whole chair with a brand new (and improved model) massage chair. We were thrilled.

Recently, we reached out to Human Touch to see if we could get another massage chair replacement. After sending them an email, we received a call from their Operations Manager, Mr. Brian McAneny, who called on his way home from work. He invited us to come out to the headquarters the following day to try out some massage chairs, which I felt was very accommodating as it allowed us to experience and peruse the chairs that would meet my requirements. After trying out a few of their massage chairs, we decided to get the AcuTouch 9500x model, which is the updated version of the chair I’d been using for the past 20 years. My wife also really liked the Reflex6 Foot and Calf massager, and we purchased one of those as well. We were so grateful for all the time that Mr. McAneny gave to us during this whole experience.

I use my Human Touch massage chair 2-3 times per day, and it helps to ease the pain caused by the scar tissue in my back and rib cage. Since my diagnosis and surgery, I have been taking supplements and taking care of myself better by doing using my massage chair- and I believe that these actions have saved my life- enabling me to function at a much higher level and extend my life. Since my oxygen flow is limited, my blood flow is increasingly important as it distributes oxygen throughout my body. Using my massage chair increases my blood flow, and using the foot and calf massager in my massage chair has greatly improved the circulation in my calves and feet. My wife and I have shared this experience with our friends, as well as hospice nurses, over the years- and many of them have purchased their own massage chairs as a result of seeing how life-changing it has been for me.  We can’t thank you enough for everything that your massage chairs have done to improve our lives.

Thank you,

Ray Orlando
California

There isn’t any way to possibly say thank you properly to Human Touch so in lieu of that I would like to share my experience of what a difference this has made in my life. My story was heard by a member of their wonderful company and I was blessed with the most amazing gift of the Human Touch ZeroG to help me on my journey to remission.

I have Systemic Lupus Erythematous which is more commonly known as SLE and is the most serious form of Lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body because the immune system mistakes the body's own tissues as foreign invaders and attacks them. What this means is that by virtue it can affect the skin, mouth, brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, eyes, muscles……any body part you can think of, Lupus can attack.

I was diagnosed more than 20 years ago and after a few difficult years I lived for the most part free of Lupus, at least from the debilitating kind of symptoms and damage. About two years ago the disease went into a fully active status and took what had been a very active lifestyle and brought it to an abrupt halt. I currently take more than 50 pills daily, go for monthly infusions at the hospital, see multiple specialists, and holistic care is part of the regimen as well. The initial diagnosis was Lupus of the brain with neurological involvement. What this meant for me was extreme fatigue, fevers daily, rashes,  balance issues, and muscle cramping that feels like I have 100 “Charley Horses” all happening at once. There is no cure and at times it feels like I am most certainly living inside the impossible. 

Then I met my chair. This is where healing happens every day for me. The first time I saw it I was shopping for a new recliner with my family at a local furniture store and I sat in it just to wait for the salesperson. I immediately started crying, almost to the point of sobbing. The instant relief was something that words can’t describe. These tears were tears of joy!

It would be impossible to say that I have a favorite setting because it’s not uncommon for me to use several of them every single day. The foot and calf massager is a must with every session. And I always “Go To Zero” before I choose my massage. My typical day involves 3 visits to the chair.  One to get me going in the morning, one to keep me going mid-afternoon and one to calm before bed. I tend to tuck myself in when I’m in the chair.  I like to have a small pillow on each side and have a blanket over me so that I’m cocooned in it. The quest for wellness takes an emotional toll as well and I’m not stretching it to say that being in this chair feels like a mom’s hug. I love this chair! So much so that my extended family went on vacation together recently and the chair traveled with us!!

When I first began using it I thought of all the sick people I know that could benefit from it and what I found is there is no single person without an ailment whether it’s physical or emotional that this chair wouldn’t benefit. I was paying $80 every other week for a therapeutic massage. After I started using the chair I no longer needed to make the appointment because my chair can do so much more and it doesn’t get tired! I am a portrait photographer and I run my business out of my home. Because of this my clients often come and stay for quite a while. My favorite thing is to nestle them into it and watch them beg me to never go home!  

I am grateful to the entrepreneur that believed enough in the quality of life to see this to fruition and the team that supported the venture. This chair has quite literally saved my pride, doubled my daily potential both professionally and personally, and given me a quiet retreat when I'm unwell. It is my personal slice of heaven on earth. 

-Becky H., Michigan 

Earlier this year, Human Touch was able to help Jim Tavare to recover after a devastating car accident by offering him a Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic recliner. The actor, who played Tom the Innkeeper in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, had been in a head-on collision that left him in an Intensive Care Unit, suffering with a broken neck, a punctured lung, 15 broken ribs, fractures in both breastbones and multiple breaks in his right leg. You can read more about his accident, and how Human Touch got involved, by clicking here.

We recently checked in with Jim and his wife, Laura, who updated us on his progress. His physiotherapy has been going well, and he currently works with his therapist 4 times per week. After months of being immobile, he is now walking again and feeling much happier to be able to get around. Although he still suffers from residual pain, Laura shared that the PC-610 has been a huge help on his road to recovery. Here is a video message that Jim created, sharing more about how the PC-610 has impacted him over the past few months.

We posted earlier this month about our work with Jim Tavare, the star of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, who was in a horrific car accident this past March. The head-on collision was nothing short of a nightmare, leaving Jim with a broken neck, 15 broken ribs, multiple breaks in his right leg, a punctured lung, and fractures in both breastbones. He spent 15 days in Intensive Care at a hospital in Los Angeles, after which he was able to go home. However, he knew that his road to recovery had only just begun.

We worked closely with his wife, Laura Tavare, to provide a Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic recliner in order to alleviate some of the pain of Jim’s injuries and allow him to properly rest so that he can recover. The Manager of our Backcare Division, Mark Moritz, was able to personally deliver the PC-610 to Jim’s home, where he demonstrated how to use the chair and answered any questions.

In the month that Jim has been able to use his Perfect Chair, he and Laura shared that it’s been a huge aid in his recovery. While they’re still waiting for his surgeon’s permission to bear weight on his arms and leg, Jim has been immobile within his home. Sleeping in his bed was too uncomfortable for him, so he was relieved to find that his PC-610 has provided a sanctuary where he can get a good night’s rest. Because the chair can be relocated to any room in his house, he can also escape the confines of his bed to enjoy more public spaces of his home. According to Laura, “Jim can happily sit for hours in the Perfect Chair. Being able to recline into zero gravity brings him enormous relief.”

It has been so incredible to be a part of Jim’s journey to recovery. While our primary reward has been to help him along as he works so hard to get well, we have received a huge number of comments, messages, and emails from Jim’s friends and family as they share their thanks for our help. We look forward to Jim’s continued improvement, and will continue to update you with news of his progress.

Below are a few x-rays of Jim's "new hardware" that the Tavares were kind enough to share with us, so that our readers can better understand the gravity of Jim’s injuries, and the details of his recovery. As you can see, there has already been extensive surgical work done on his right leg and foot (shown here)