So You’re Buying A Massage Chair
You’ve been doing your research. Maybe you understand the health benefits a massage chair can provide. Now buying a massage chair is your next step.
So actually buying a massage chair should be easy, right?
But maybe, in this process, you have found that there are many different features and terms that you may not fully understand.
Confusing, right?
Well in this two-part article, we will try to help you understand these terms and review some of the lesser-known aspects of massage chairs.
The goal is that when you decide on that final purchase, you will feel comfortable buying that massage chair you’ve always wanted.
And more importantly, you will know it was a well-informed purchase.
Massage Chair Tracks
This is the most basic part of any massage chair that utilizes a roller system.
The massage track extends from the head down to the lower back, and in some models, the hamstrings and buttocks.
They are similar to train tracks that guide the wheels of the train along a path. But in this case, it is the rollers that they are guiding.
There are three types of roller tracks that you need to understand.
The S-Track
S-Track
One of the more common tracks is the S-Track, which gets its name from the S-shape of the human spine.
This track follows the natural curvature of your spine.
The roller track extends from the neck to the lumbar, or lower part, of the back.
Because an S-Track chair can lay flat, it allows for a better stretch massage.
Most S-tracks range from 27 to 33 inches in length.
The L-Track
L-Track
The L-Track extends the S-track beyond the lumbar area.
Some manufacturers will call this an SL-Track. It has an L-shape which allows it to include the hamstrings and buttocks.
The advantage to the L-track is the extended coverage it provides.
However, the chair is not able to lay “flat” due to the stiff metal track making, So these chairs will either use a modified stretch program or don’t provide this as an option.
L-tracks can reach up to 49 inches in length.
The J-Track
J-Track
Relatively new in the world of track configurations, the J-Track brings together the best of the S-Track and L-Track
The design has the advantage of the S-Track by allowing a greater recline.
This gives the chair the ability to provide some greater stretch to the back.
In addition, the rollers in the lower part of the back are still able to massage the glutes and hamstrings.
So sit back and let’s dive in and clear up any confusion you may have.
Massage Chair Rollers
Massage rollers are what make the massage experience possible.
They are what mimic the therapist’s two hands giving you the massage.
The rollers are attached to roller arms that have either balls or wheels attached to them. These move up and down the roller track to perform the massage.
When looking at massage chairs there are two different terms used to describe the roller system. The first is based on the number of balls or wheels.
The second term used to describe the massage rollers relate to the way they move. This is referred to as the dimensions.
Number of Rollers
Number of Rollers
Dual Rollers
Quad Rollers
In the dual rollers, as the name suggests, there is one ball or wheel on each roller arm.
These tend to give a more intense massage, as the forces are focused on only two points.
With the quad rollers, the forces are spread out among four points, so there is less intensity.
However, with 3D rollers, adjustments can be made to compensate for this.
Roller Dimensions
Roller Dimensions
2D Massage Roller
3D Massage Roller
In a two-dimensional massage roller, or 2D for short, the rollers can only move in 2 directions.
First, they can move up and down the spine along the roller track.
In addition, they can move left to right. There is no depth penetration.
With the 3D massage roller, a third dimension is now added.
The roller balls or wheels can now move in and out. This allows for a deeper, more intense massage.
The intensity, or how deep the rollers penetrate, can be adjusted.
4D Massage Roller
This term is a little bit of a misnomer, as the roller balls or wheels do not really “move” in a fourth dimension.
What this relates to is the speed at which the rollers move. In a 4D chair, the speed is variable and changes depending on the massage program.
This variability of speed allows for an even greater ability to mimic the massage therapist.
Massage Chair Airbags
When buying your first massage chair, you will notice that most will come with airbags.
Massage rollers are very effective in giving you a nice massage. They can closely mimic the human masseuse experience, with techniques like kneading, tapping, Swedish, or shiatsu.
But the massage rollers can only reach where the track allows.
Yes, they have the ability to move left and right, thereby covering a greater width of the back. But some areas are just hard to reach.
This is where the airbags come into play. Airbag massage, sometimes called compression massage, uses the Swedish massage technique.
Located throughout the chair, they can reach areas like the arms, legs, shoulders, and hips.
Using variable pressure that is controlled by various programs, they inflate and deflate to stimulate your muscles and connective tissues.
This is also very effective at promoting better circulation
Some may also be used to rotate the back. This is done by pushing the back forward with one airbag, then rotating one side of your hips by inflating a second. This can help to stretch and decompress the spine.
Body Scan Technology
For the massage chair to give you a proper massage it needs to know where to place the rollers.
Using the massage rollers or other methods the chair will analyze and map the neck, shoulders, and back of each individual using the massage chair.
By detecting your body’s position in the chair, it can deliver a more accurate and customized personal massage.
The roller mechanism that performs other functions of massage, like kneading, tapping, etc, also has a sensor to detect pressure.
It rolls up and down the back and stops when it reaches the crest of the shoulders. This will determine the proper height.
This assures the rollers travel the full length of your spine.
Some massage chairs have the capability to store this information. This will save the scanning step the next time you use the chair. You can also have multiple users and they save their settings as well.
Leg Scanning
Many massage chairs today come with some sort of leg massage that incorporates the calves and feet into the massage.
In order for this to function properly, the ottoman needs to know how long your legs are. There are three basic ways that this is accomplished:
- Motorized – a button on the remote will extend or retract the ottoman allowing you to set the proper length.
- Spring – you push the ottoman with your feet to extend it to the proper length. The amount of pressure may vary, but most extend easily.
- Mechanical – the ottoman will automatically extend or retract until it senses pressure from the feet and then stops. There are manual adjustments if you need it to be a little more or less.
So far we have covered some of the basic terms that you need to know when buying a massage chair.
In the next section we will discuss some other features that you have to decide on with your purchase.
Some will be how the feature is presented in different chairs. Others will be features that will not come on every chair. You may think of these as optional features.
Getting Your First Massage
You finally bought your massage chair. Excellent!
It is all assembled. The hard part is done!
You may have glanced at the manual.
But the whole point of this new chair was to have a massage. And there are too many choices.
- Where do I begin?
- What options do I have?
- Which one do I choose?
But don’t worry. This is the function of the programs. They will get you started fast. These tell the massage chair what to do.
And every massage chair will come with two types of programs.
Auto Programs
Automatic, or auto programs, will get you started quickly with your new chair.
You don’t need to read a manual or study a lot of different settings to have your first massage.
Auto programs are ready to go, preset programs that come with the massage chair.
They provide a specific type of massage usually focused on one massage technique or category. And with a touch of a button, you will quickly be on your way to that first massage.
With the automatic programs, there are many different types. Some will focus on specific health benefits, such as relaxation, pain relief, energize, or sports refresh.
Others may focus on different areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulder, back and lumbar, or calves and feet.
And there are some that place their concentration on a segment of the population, such as men’s fitness, elderly health, or traveler.
Most auto programs are customizable using manual adjustments on the remote if you need to tweak the settings provided.
Manual Programs
Once you start using your chair, you may want to set up your own massage program.
This is where the manual programs come into play. Manual programs will allow you to experiment with your own personal customization.
Here are some different types of manual programs you may find:
Clapping is a type of Swedish massage style.
Massage rollers mimic a cupped hand with rhythmic, quick strikes of pressure to the body. Effective at improving respiration, relieving tension, and increasing blood circulation.
With kneading, the rollers compress and stretch tissues in a circular motion to help relieve tension and soreness in the muscles.
Also promotes blood and lymph circulation
Swedish massage is a common, gentle type of massage involving long, firm strokes combined with light, rhythmic tapping to warm the muscles, release tension, and break up knots.
It also helps to improve circulation, increase joint comfort and ease the pain.
Shiatsu is a term meaning “finger pressure”.
Based on traditional Chinese medicine, techniques include massage with fingers, thumbs, feet, and palms, assisted stretching and joint manipulation and mobilization
Tapping is a light movement that mimics fingers tapping on the back and shoulder muscles.
Helpful in reducing stiffness, promoting blood circulation, and breaking up scar tissue.
Vibration a massage method using a gentle, shaking movement used to help reduce soreness and help improve circulation.
Massage chairs use vibration motors that have weighted wheels or gears that create a vibration when they spin, similar to what you find in your smartphone.
Stretching is a set of movements, used to stretch and relax muscles.
It makes muscles more flexible, strengthens the tendons, and increases mobility of the joints, resulting in better coordination.
Stretching also relieves your neck of stiffness and pain
Bluetooth Technology
Utilizing Bluetooth technology, you can connect your Bluetooth-enabled device to the massage chair so you can listen to your favorite music wirelessly.
Speakers are usually placed in the head region of the chair, but some have additional speakers below as well for an enhanced surround sound experience.
Chromotherapy
Chromotherapy is also known as color therapy,
This is one of the newer features you will find when buying a massage chair.
It is a type of treatment using light as a means of affecting mood and emotions.
Different colors affect the brain in different ways. Some newer massage chairs have incorporated this feature to enhance relaxation.
When used in massage chairs LED lights are placed on the sides of the chair, usually a cool blue or warm yellow color. The best effects are achieved when used in a dimly lit room.
Benefits of Chromotherapy
- Less swelling and inflammation
- Speed healing
- Provide pain relief
- Increased flexibility
- Reduce muscle stress
- Increase circulation
- Improved Sleep patterns
Heat Therapy
One very important feature to look for when buying a massage chair is whether it uses heat.
Not all massage chairs come with a heat function, but heat therapy has become a very popular feature today. Heating is considered by many one of the most enjoyable features of a massage chair.
It is not only pleasurable but increases the effectiveness of the massage.
Most frequently located in the back, they increase circulation and help the muscles to warm up and loosen up.
Some also include heating elements in the footrest. These target the calves and soles of the feet.
Massage chairs provide heat in three ways:
Heating Pad
Heating Pad
Many massage chairs use heating elements placed in the pads of the chair. There are two different types.
The first uses heating pads that warm up gradually and radiate heat. The heat can penetrate 2-3mm into the skin. These pads will feel warm to the touch.
The second, less common, is infrared heat (IR). Infrared waves travel through the air and when they touch a surface, heat energy is released.
This is similar to sun rays. If you touch the IR pad, it will feel cool to the touch.
Heated Roller
Heated Roller
When using traditional heating pads, the heat stays in the location of the pads themselves.
A few chairs on the market today are using heated rollers instead.
When the roller is heated, the heat transfer occurs along the entire length of the roller track.
This has been described as similar to a hot stone massage.
Infrared heat
Infrared heat
Some massage chairs will utilize a technology called infrared heat. Infrared heat can be used with a pad or in the rollers.
Infrared heat is an invisible light that emits warmth.
The sun’s warmth is provided with infrared heat.
The sun’s light rays are what provide the heat. When you are in the shade you will feel cooler than when the sun’s rays can hit your skin.
Infrared light’s main advantage as it relates to massage therapy is its ability to penetrate the deeper layers of skin.
This enhances the benefits of the addition of heat to the massage.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a massage style that applies pressure to specific areas of the foot to improve relaxation and relieve tension in the muscles. It is based on Chinese medicine that claims different body parts are connected by different pressure points.
Massage chairs mimic the hands of a therapist by using special rollers in the ottoman to massage the bottom of your feet. By stimulating these pressure points you can relieve tension and help with healing.
Space Saving/Wall Hugging
When buying a massage chair, you need to keep in mind the size of the room it will be used in.
Massage chairs can take up a lot of room because they need to recline. This means you need to keep the chair far away from the wall, usually between 13-16”, to allow for this.
Many chairs today come with a feature that allows the chair to slide forward on the base of the chair and then recline.
This allows the chair to be placed much closer to the wall. You will hear 2 different terms for this feature.
A wall hugger design is a chair that would typically require about 1” or less of clearance from the wall and is still able to recline.
A space-saver usually will need anywhere from about 2-5” clearance to have room to recline.
So as you can see, both terms indicated they can be placed much closer to the wall. However, a wall hugger is still a space saver, but a space saver is not necessarily a wall hugger.
Zero Gravity Position
In the zero gravity position the massage chair is positioned so the legs are extended and elevated above the heart, allowing the spine to decompress.
In this position, the chair back is tilted up at a 30-degree angle and the chair back articulates with the seat at 120 degrees.
This position is the most therapeutically beneficial position as it is the most comfortable and least weight bearing on the spine.
Some chairs have multiple “zero gravity” positions that tilt the chair further back to increase circulation, but there is only one “true” zero gravity position.
In this article, I hope I was able to help clear up some of the confusion surrounding the purchase of your massage chair.
Armed with this knowledge your shopping experience should be less stressful.
If this is your first time buying a massage chair, this should help in your decision making process.
If you have already bought a massage chair, I hope this helps you become familiar with the features.