Frequently Asked Questions: Massage Chair Features

The massage chair ottoman is the leg and feet portion of the massage chair. It typically features several massage techniques, including kneading, tapping, rolling, air compression, and may also include heat therapy. The footrest/ottoman and calf massager are often adjustable, so you can customize the massage to your specific needs and preferences or turn it off entirely.

In Air Ionizer Massage Chairs, use ionization technology is to release negative ions into the air around the user. These ions can help to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. The negative ions are released through a built-in ionizer, which uses electrical charges to produce the negative ions. However, it should be noted that the therapeutic effects of negative ions are still being studied, and the use of ionization in massage chairs may not be suitable for everyone.

Almost all massage chairs today use roller balls as the form of massage on the back and/or the glutes. Some massage chairs with advanced roller ball massage include: the Daiwa Supreme Hybrid, the Titan Jupitar premium LE, and the Ogawa Master AI 2.0. These chairs are available to try in The Modern Back’s massage chair showroom in Sarasota, FL.

A body scan feature on a massage chair is designed to automatically detect the user's body shape and size, and then adjust the massage program to provide a personalized and customized massage experience. The massage chair will use a series of sensors to measure the user's body from the shape of their back, their height, the width of their shoulders, and the length of their legs. This information is then used to tailor the massage to the user's body, providing targeted pressure and kneading to specific areas of the body. The body scan feature can help to ensure that the massage is delivered with optimal pressure and intensity, and can help to avoid uncomfortable or ineffective pressure on certain areas of the body. This can help to provide a more effective and enjoyable massage experience.

Zero wall massage chairs are designed to be space-saving and placed close to the wall. This means that the chair can be fully reclined without hitting the wall behind it or taking up too much space. Some zero wall massage chairs are the Daiwa Supreme Hybrid or the Osaki OS-3D Belmont, both need 2.0” of space from the wall. Both chairs are available at The Modern Back.

Almost all massage chairs today use roller balls as the form of massage on the back and/or the glutes. Some massage chairs with advanced roller ball massage include: the Daiwa Supreme Hybrid, the Titan Jupitar premium LE, and the Ogawa Master AI 2.0. These chairs are all available to try in The Modern Back’s massage chair showroom in Sarasota, FL.

Massage chairs with independent roller features have multiple sets of rollers that can move in different directions and speeds which provides a more realistic and therapeutic massage experience. Additionally, independent roller mechanisms can target specific areas of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and glutes. Some massage chairs with independent dual roller tracks are the Daiwa Supreme Hybrid, the infinity Circadian Syner-D, and the Luraco iRobotics i9 Max massage chair. The first two chairs are available to try in person in The Modern Back’s massage chair showroom in Sarasota, FL.

Massage chairs with traction on the lower back are designed to gently stretch and decompress the spine, helping to relieve pressure and tension in the lower back muscles. Look for an S-Track massage chair if you want a great stretch; the massage ends at the base of the spine. An L-Track massage chair’s rollers will reach under the glutes and will usually give a more efficient lower back massage. It is important to pick a chair with 3D or 4D features so the rollers can push outwards to provide a deeper massage to be effective on your lower back. Visit The Modern Back to learn more about these features and to find which chair will be right for your needs.

Almost all full body massage chairs include massage rollers that target the neck and shoulder area, which can help to alleviate tension and improve circulation. Most massage chairs are unique so make sure to look at the specifications of the chair for your preferences.

Massage chairs are designed to provide a full-body massage experience, and the gluteal muscles (also known as the "butt" muscles) are an important part of the body that can benefit from massage therapy. The gluteal muscles are a group of three muscles that make up the buttocks, and they play an important role in posture, movement, and stability of the lower back. A glute massage in a massage chair can help relieve tension and pain in the buttocks and lower back, as well as improve circulation to the area. It can also help reduce stiffness and soreness in the muscles after prolonged sitting or physical activity.

Many massage chairs come with airbags that are designed to squeeze and release different parts of your body, including your legs. These airbags provide a compression massage, which can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and relieve pain and discomfort in the legs.

Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, is a feature that is occasionally included in massage chairs. Chromotherapy involves the use of colored lights to promote your overall well-being, relaxation, and other health benefits.

Some of the colors commonly used in chromotherapy include:

• Red: believed to increase energy, stimulate circulation, and promote vitality
• Orange: believed to promote joy, enthusiasm, and creativity
• Yellow: believed to promote happiness, mental clarity, and optimism
• Green: believed to promote balance, harmony, and relaxation
• Blue: believed to promote calm, tranquility, and a sense of serenity
• Purple: believed to promote spirituality, intuition, and inspiration

Different massage chair models may offer different types of leg massage, such as air compression massage, rolling massage, or reflexology massage. Air compression massage uses airbags to provide gentle compression and release to the legs, which can help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Rolling massage uses rollers to knead and massage the muscles of the legs, which can help relieve tension and stiffness. Reflexology massage targets specific pressure points in the feet, which can help promote relaxation and overall wellness.

While most massage chairs focus primarily on the back, neck, and legs, some models may have arm massage features that can provide massage therapy to your arms. Arm massage can help reduce tension and stiffness in the muscles of the arms, shoulders, and hands, and can improve circulation and promote relaxation. Different massage chair models may offer different types of arm massage, such as air compression massage, rolling massage, or kneading massage.

Yes, most massage chairs have shoulder massage features that can provide massage therapy to your shoulders. Shoulder massage with kneading rollers and air compression can help reduce tension and stiffness in the muscles of the shoulders and upper back, and can improve circulation and promote relaxation.

Yes, some massage chairs have hip massage features that can provide massage therapy to your hips. Make sure to research massage chair models with hip massage as not every chair has this feature. The Modern Back team is always happy to answer your questions about hip massage and is ready to help find the best massage chair for you.

Massage chairs can stimulate the lymphatic system to some extent, but the extent of the stimulation depends on the type of massage provided by the chair. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body, and massage can help to increase lymphatic flow and improve overall lymphatic function. Even massage chairs that are not specifically designed for lymphatic drainage can still provide some benefits for the lymphatic system. Massage in general can help to increase circulation and promote the movement of fluids throughout the body, including lymphatic fluid. This can help to improve overall lymphatic function and reduce the risk of lymphatic congestion.

The best Full-Body massage chair is the Infinity Circadian Syner-D Massage Chair! Whereas most massage chairs only have one roller track, the special Flex-Track in the Circadian provides the full-body coverage of an L-Track with the superior stretch capabilities of an S-Track. The six roller heads massage deeper and reach farther to cover as much area of the body as possible. With the Circadian’s Flex-Track able to give a superior decompression stretch, the rollers will go over your entire body with a feeling like no other. To make the experience all the better, the Truefit™ body scan will precisely measure the size and shape of the user to pinpoint exactly where to give the best massage.

One of the best Zero Gravity massage chairs is the Ador 3D Allure! Not only is the Allure a budget friendly massage chair, it has full-body air compression, a 3D roller SL-Track, body scanning, an enclosed foot ottoman for more massage coverage, smart voice control, a whopping amount of 21 auto programs, and 3 stages of Zero Gravity recline! Zero Gravity positions the knees slightly above the heart for improved circulation, spinal decompression, increased flexibility and range of motion, and pressure relief on the joints. The three Zero Gravity recline stages in the Ador 3D Allure Massage Chair are Initial Step, Comfort Step, and Deep Step. Each level will provide that weightless feeling during your massage for maximum relief and comfort.

The Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro LE 2.0 Massage Chair is the best deep tissue massage chair! The Maestro has large 4D roller heads that feel like palms as they knead into your back. As the rollers turn and twist, you with experience a deep tissue massage like no other with such a close human-like feel. This chair has up to 8 levels of 4D depth and you can select between 5 levels of strength, speed, and intensity making the 4D Maestro one of the strongest chairs on the market! The 4D Maestro has additional features such as calf kneading, reflexology foot roller massage, full-body air compression, heated 4D rollers, and Zero Gravity recline. There is no chair like the 4D Pro Maestro when it comes down to its strength, custom manual massages, heated rollers, and its deep massage styles.

The Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro LE Massage Chair gives the best Shiatsu massage! A typical Shiatsu masseuse uses their fingers to apply pressure to sore areas of the body. While in the Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro massage chair, you will experience the rollers slowly kneading areas of the back while incorporating tapping to loosen up muscles. The 4D Maestro is a strong massage chair with features such as calf kneading, reflexology foot roller massage, full-body air compression, heated 4D rollers, and Zero Gravity recline. There is no chair like the 4D Pro Maestro when it comes down to its strength, custom manual massages, heated rollers, and Shiatsu massage!

Melt away into a world of comfort. The Osaki OS-Highpointe 4D massage chair has the best heating capabilities on the market. The Highpointe’s full body heat therapy loosens tense muscles and increases circulation. The installed heating modules target the lumbar and calves, helping areas that are prone to tension and pain. A major highlight of the Highpointe is the calf heating in combination with calf massage rollers and deep calf kneading. In addition, the Highpointe comes equipped with a unique heating shawl that can be placed over top the chest and shoulders. With all of the included features of a high-end massage chair, there is no massage chair that can keep the body warm and cozy like the Osaki OS-Highpointe 4D.

Looking to give your knees the attention they deserve? The Infinity Circadian Syner-D is the best massage chair to help put those sore knees to rest. The Circadian in itself is an amazing full body massage chair with a variety of advanced features and massaging techniques. However, this massage chair’s knee massages are a fan favorite. The knee and calf areas are padded on both sides of the legs, allowing the rollers and air bags to target key points to a healthy recovery. A unique feature of the Circadian’s calf and knee massage is the Tuina technique. The Tuina technique (pronounced “twee nah”) is a therapeutic form of massage and has been used in China for more than 5,000 years. This technique in the calves and knees mimics the feel of human hands moving up and down while compressing the muscles to stimulate circulation and ease away tension and pain. There is no other massage chair out there that rejuvenates the knees like the Infinity Circadian Syner-D.

The Osaki OS-Highpointe 4D Massage Chair has one of the best foot massages! The Highpointe checks many boxes when it comes to heating and its 4D SL-Track rollers. However, its leg and foot massage up the game a little more! The Highpointe’s calf heating in combination with calf massage rollers and deep calf kneading provide excellent relief in the joints. When adding the full coverage foot massage in addition to the calf rolling massage, it could not get better than this.

The best neck and shoulder massage chair is the Titan Jupiter Premium LE! The Jupiter is a versatile chair with many unique features, one interesting part of the chair is its head temple air massage pillow. The pillow contains beads that align with the temples, as the pillow inflates it will gently massage your temples. The pillow can be unzipped to move to different heights for users of different sizes. With angled shoulder air bags, each user will feel a powerful shoulder massage with air from the sides, and wide rollers from behind to massage the neck, shoulders and back simultaneously.

So, you want the best lumbar supporting massage chair? Well, the Titan Pro Vigor 4D Massage Chair is exactly what you are looking for! Not many chairs always have the specific features you are looking for, however, the Vigor might just check all of your boxes. The Titan Pro Vigor has heated 4D rollers, a long L-Track roller mechanism, 12 unique auto programs, custom manual programs, two levels of Zero Gravity recline, deep calf kneading, and an enclosed massaging foot ottoman with memory foam padding! The Vigor also has full-body air compression on the shoulders, arms, hips, calves, and lower back. To get the best effect from the lumbar airbags, try using the Waist & Hip auto program, or customize a manual massage with airbags only on the waist and lower back for constant lumbar support during a massage!

The Daiwa Supreme Hybrid is one of the best high-end massage chairs with full inversion stretching. The separate S and L-tracks allow for the massage chair to lie flat and then bend slightly farther to give the best possible stretch. This feature in the Daiwa Supreme Hybrid uses its HybriFlex™ technology to allow the chair to stretch the way it does. Another massage chair with excellent stretch is the Titan Summit Flex SL-Track Massage Chair! The Summit has a special SL-Track with the flexibility capable of laying almost completely flat at 165°. This angle allows the 2D quad styled rollers to run along the back to stretch the user and reach places a normal S or L-Track massage chair cannot. The Summit Flex is also a very budget friendly high-tech massage chair for those wanting a good stretch on your back and not on your wallet.

The Infinity Luminary Syner-D Massage Chair gives one of the best human-like massages with 4D massage rollers. This chair immediately stands out with its 4D Syner-D® Dual Back Massaging Mechanism that gives the massage of your dreams with your upper body and glutes getting the attention they need at the same time. The Luminary has virtuously endless features such as intelligent voice control, a quick access control panel with a smart dial controller, SootheMe™ sound therapy, MyMassage™ memory programs, a wireless phone charging panel, chromotherapy lights, lumbar heating, Complete Calf™ kneading and oscillation, broad foot reflexology massage, Zero Gravity recline, and Air Ionization! It is hard to come by such a well massaging product like this, you will not even remember you are in a machine by the end of your massage. Yes! It really feels that good.

The Ogawa Master Drive AI 2.0 provides the best personalized experience you can get out of a massage chair. The advanced technological features of the Master Drive AI 2.0 make this massage chair smart, quick and easy-to-use, and completely customizable. With 27 automatic massage programs plus 500 customizable options, you can find the perfect way to relax your body. One of the most advanced features of the Master Drive is the use of an AI program called “Chair Doctor.” This AI can perform a body scan and prescribe a customized massage treatment based on your current aches and pains. It can also monitor heart rate and stress levels. Every feature and technique you have ever wanted to customized in a massage chair can be done with the Ogawa Master Drive AI 2.0!

Read our latest article to learn about the Best Massage Chairs for Seniors. The Ador AD-Infinix Massage Chair is a great option for seniors. Seniors may need to do a little extra research to find a massage chair for their specific needs, but there is no need to stress as The Modern Back has done the research for you! Seniors need low intensity massages with a little bit of Zero Gravity recline to relieve tension on joints and the spine and an easy-to-use massage. While Zero Gravity has many health benefits, seniors need to keep in mind that excessive use of Zero Gravity or Inversion recline may cause vertigo, imbalance, and increased blood pressure. However, using a massage chair in moderation is perfect for seniors who seek relaxation and pain relief. If you are a senior and have any concerns with using a massage chair, contact your doctor or healthcare provider for their suggestions and instructions. 2D Massage Chairs are also a great option for their therapeutic values.