You’ve decided to bring home a massage chair. First off—good call. Whether you're chasing relief after a long day or just want that spa-level comfort in your living room, a massage chair can seriously upgrade your chill time. But once it arrives, a big question hits: Do you need a pro to set it up?

Short answer: Not always. But depending on the chair, your space and how handy you are, it might not hurt to get a little help.

Some Chairs Are Plug-and-Relax Simple

Not every massage chair is a giant, complicated spaceship of comfort. In fact, a lot of the ones made for average families are designed to be pretty straightforward. Brands know you're probably setting this thing up in your living room—not a massage parlor—so many models are semi-assembled right out of the box.

Take something like a home massage chair that focuses on essential features. You might just need to:

(1) Snap on a leg rest

(2) Attach a side panel or two

(3) Plug it in

(4) Sit back and say, “Oh, yeah... this is the stuff.”

The instruction manuals are usually user-friendly, and you’ll probably get a little tool kit included. Some brands even have video guides you can follow step by step.

If you're used to putting together IKEA furniture, you’ll be fine.

How to set up Real Relax favor 03 massage chair

But Some Chairs Are… A Whole Situation

Then there’s the other kind of massage chair - the kind that weighs more than your fridge, shows up in three boxes, and has more buttons than your TV remote. These are the big boys: zero gravity massage chairs, full-body models, or massage chairs with heat, rollers, airbags, Bluetooth and everything in between.

Setting these up can be a workout. You might have to:

(1) Connect electrical wires (yep, actual wires)

(2) Position air hoses correctly

(3) Align the frame

(4) Deal with parts that need two people to lift

If you're dealing with stairs or tight corners, that’s a whole extra challenge. Some of these chairs are over 200 pounds, and even moving the boxes can feel like an Olympic sport.

Should You Hire a Pro?

Here’s the deal—you don’t have to, but in some cases, it’s definitely worth considering.

A professional setup might be the way to go if:

(1) You’re not into tools, wires, or reading 12-page manuals

(2) You live alone or don’t have anyone to help lift heavy parts

(3) Your home has stairs, narrow doors, or awkward hallways

(4) You want it done fast and stress-free

(5) You don’t want to risk damaging the chair (or your back)

Many brands offer white-glove delivery, which means someone brings it inside, sets it up, tests it and takes the packaging with them. It’s more expensive, sure, but it might save you a whole lot of frustration.

What About Real Relax Massage Chairs?

Great question. If you’re looking at a Real Relax massage chair, the setup process tends to be beginner-friendly. Most models come about 80% assembled, with clear directions.

You usually just need to:

(1) Attach the side panels

(2) Plug in a few cables

(3) Connect the remote

(4) And you’re good to go

They’re designed with home users in mind - people who want quality without turning their living room into a construction site.

Plus, Real Relax has support videos and manuals online if you ever get stuck.

For Real Relax massage chairs manuals: https://realrelaxmall.com/pages/real-relax%C2%AE-manual-collection

Tips for Setting Up a Massage Chair Yourself

If you decide to DIY it, here are some quick tips to make it smoother:

(1) Read the Manual First

Don’t wing it. Seriously. Even if it looks obvious, take a minute to read the guide.

(2) Clear the Space

Give yourself room to work. You’ll need space on all sides of the chair during setup.

(3) Ask for Help

Some parts are awkward to move solo. Grab a friend or bribe a family member with pizza.

(4) Check All the Parts

Before starting, make sure nothing’s missing or damaged. Better to know early.

(5) Plug it In Safely

Use a proper outlet. Don’t overload your power strip with this kind of equipment.

(6) Test Everything Before Final Positioning

Try all the functions before you push the chair into that perfect corner. That way, if something’s off, it’s easier to fix.

How to set up Real Relax SS01 massage chair?

So massage chairs don't always require professional setup. If you go with a model that’s made for everyday home use - especially from brands like Real Relax—you’ll probably be fine doing it yourself with a little patience and some basic tools.

But if your chair looks like it belongs in a spaceship, or you just want to skip the hassle, hiring a pro might be the smart move.

Either way, once it's set up, you’re in for a treat. The hardest part might just be getting up from the chair when it feels that good.