Today’s massage chair benefits may blow your mind. They’ve evolved well beyond the basic massage chairs of previous decades to give you a full body massage experience you won’t want to miss out on.
When you’re looking at how to choose the right massage chair for you it’s possible you may feel overwhelmed or unsure of what the differences between some massage chair features are. We’re here to help! We’re taking a look at what different massage chair features are available so you can choose the best massage chair to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Key Massage Chair Features
Before you choose a massage chair you want to be sure it is going to provide all the massage chair benefits you want, right? Knowing which massage chair features you need (and which you didn’t know you needed until now!) will help you get the most out of your experience and investment.
Which benefits of owning a massage chair do you need most for your lifestyle? Are you considering massage chair benefits for athletes? What about the benefits of heated massage chairs for back pain? And exactly what is a 3D massage chair?
We’ll help answer all these questions for you as we explore these massage chair features to consider:
- 3D and 4D massage chairs
- S and L massage chair tracks
- Heat therapy features
- Zero gravity massage chairs
- Knee and calf massage
- Chromotherapy light treatment
- Smart home integration
Massage Chair Features #1: 3D vs 4D Massage Chairs
First up in our exploration of different massage chair features available today is choosing between 3D and 4D massage chairs. So what’s a 3D massage chair? What is a 4D massage chair?
Older massage chair models used what’s known as 2D massage rollers. That’s to say they stayed on the track and simply went up and down along your body. Today’s luxury 3D massage chairs have evolved with 3D massage rollers that extend out from the track, giving you a better massage experience. These rollers have bridged the gap between using a massage chair vs human massage, allowing them to accurately mimic the movements of live massage therapists. This has also given massage chairs the ability to provide a larger variety of techniques and even resulted in massage chairs with custom massage program options.
If you opt for a 4D massage chair, you’ll find your options expand to adjust the speed and rhythm of the massage rollers, as well. This massage chair feature even more closely mimics the hand movements of human massage and can be beneficial for those who want total control over their massage chair experience.
Massage Chair Features #2: S-Track vs L-Track Massage Chairs
Not only do massage rollers change, but you’ll find options for S-track and L-track massage chair features, too. These refer to the actual track the massage rollers move along.
In an S-track massage chair, the massage rollers move along a track built to emulate the natural curvature of your spine. This keeps rollers in constant contact with your body from the neck area down to your lower back.
L-track massage chairs (also called SL-track massage chairs) extend the roller tracks further down your body to your glutes and hamstrings. This massage chair feature gives you a more full body massage chair experience and is often considered one of the prime massage chair benefits for athletes and those with more active lifestyles.
Massage Chair Features #3: Heated Massage Chairs
The benefits of heat therapy make it one of the must-have massage chair features for your home. While using a massage chair benefits health in a myriad of ways already, adding heat therapy can help keep muscles loose, reduce the risk of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in active individuals, and boost recovery time from injuries or muscle fatigue.
Massage Chair Features #4: Zero Gravity Reclining
Next up in our list of massage chair features available is zero gravity reclining capabilities (after this article you can check out our guide to the difference between massage chairs and zero gravity recliners!)
In the zero gravity position, the legs are elevated above the heart level, reducing pressure on the lower back and pelvic region and distributing weight evenly along the body. Zero gravity reclining massage chair features help enhance the benefits of owning a massage chair as it reduces pressure along the body and may help boost physical and mental health.
Massage Chair Features #5: Knee and Calf Massage Options
A massage chair with knee and calf massage features is important to help muscle strain and pain relief in your legs. It can also help improve flexibility and mobility with better range of motion and improved joint health, as well.
Pro Tip: Choosing a massage chair with knee and calf heat or foot and calf massager with heat therapy can boost these massage benefits, as well!
Massage Chair Features #6: Chromotherapy Lights
Chromotherapy massage chair features are a type of light therapy that may help with a variety of health boosts. How does light therapy work? The idea behind light therapy (specifically chromotherapy) is that exposure to certain hues may positively affect your body to boost metabolism, lower blood pressure, provide stress relief, fight against depression symptoms, or alleviate pain.
Choosing a massage chair with chromotherapy features could benefit people of all ages and lifestyles. Before starting any kind of light therapy treatment, however, consult a doctor. This is especially important for symptoms of depression as they may be indicative of a more serious health situation.
Massage Chair Features #7: Massage Chair Smart Home Integration
We couldn’t talk about what different massage chair features are available without mentioning smart home integration! Learning how to make your home a smart home can streamline your everyday activities and enhance your lifestyle. Who doesn’t love efficiency?
With the top massage chairs of today you may find they’re able to integrate with smart home devices such as Alexa to give you control of your massage chair using your voice. For the technology lovers out there, it’s easy to see how this can deepen your relaxation as it’s almost like talking to a live massage therapist from the comfort of your home!
Massage Chair Features #8: Body Scanning Technology
Last, but certainly not least on our list of what different massage chair features are available is body scanning technology.
So what’s a massage chair with body scanning technology and how does it improve your massage experience? It can revolutionize it! Massage chairs with body scanning technology are able to analyze your body and determine where you need the most focus for massage. This is another example of how today’s luxury massage chairs have bridged the gap between massage chairs vs human massage. You can sit back, relax, and know that your massage chair is actively taking care of your body the most efficient way you need at all times.
As you can see, lots of different massage chair features are available today that have completely changed the game. No longer is your massage chair just a comfortable chair to relax in, but it’ll become an integral part of your daily routine. We hope our guide to massage chair features helps you choose a massage chair that fits your needs. Now go and experience it for yourself!
Still on the fence about choosing a massage chair? Check out these resources to help you see how they’re indispensable and which is right for you:
