Massage Chair Glossary Definitions

Similar Models
Many manufacturers offer the same massage technology branded under different model names.

3D Depth Technology
3D Depth Technology is an advanced feature that allows as the rollers to push forward into your back as they roll, knead and tap.

Actual Rolling stroke
Actual Rolling stroke is the measurement in inches from the top of the rollers at the highest pint of the massage to the bottom of the rollers from the lowest point of massage.

Advertised Rolling stroke
Advertised Rolling stroke is the distance in inches that the massage chair companies claim that their chairs massage up and down your back.

Auto Programs
Automatic programs allow you to press a single button that sends the massage chair into a pre programmed routine.

Body Scanning
Body scanning is an advanced feature that allows the massage chair to scan and take measurements of the users back.

Combination: Kneading, Tapping, & Rolling
Combination kneading, tapping and rolling allows the chair to deliver all three of these massage techniques simultaneously versus just one or two at a time.

Heat
High end massage chairs often add heating elements to the back rests of their chairs to add to the comfort of the massage chair as well as to help loosen the back muscles.

Intensity Adjustments
Intensity adjustments allow you to change the strength of the massage with a click of a button.

Manual Courses
Manual courses allow you to intimately control the movements of the massage rollers to customize the massage to your needs.

Manual Rated Time
This is the maximum time that the massage chair manufacturer recommends that you use the chair. The massage chair will automatically turn of at the end of the manual rated time.

Multi-Directional Kneading
Advanced massage chairs offer multi-directional kneading so that the user can change the circular direction of the massage. Changing the kneading direction allows you to receive either an upward or downward stroking massage that changes the effects of the massage on your muscles.

Quiet Rating, rated 1-10
This is the chairs operating noise level rating.

Rolling, Kneading, Taping
Rolling, kneading and tapping are the different massage movements that chairs perform. Each massage chair will perform these movements with various degrees of efficiency one at a time or in the case of advanced chairs two or three motions at a time.

Seat Massage
Seat massages are offered in certain models. The massage can be administered either by air bags or mechanical vibration to work your glutes and hamstrings.

Shoulder And Neck Massage
All massage chairs deliver different shoulder and neck massages. Chairs with stroke lengths under 25 inches typically will not reach high enough to deliver a comprehensive neck massage. Also look for chairs that offer neck cut outs which allow the chair to better focus on your neck and shoulder regions.

Strength of massage, rated 1-10
This measures the strength of the massage rollers. Stronger massage chairs more closely resemble the work of massage therapists. The strength can be softened through intensity adjustments and added back pads.

Two Directional Kneading
Advanced massage chairs offer multi-directional kneading so that the user can change the circular direction of the massage. Changing the kneading direction allows you to receive and upward or downward stroking massage that changes the effects of the massage on your muscles.

Vibration
Vibrating motors add vibration to massage chairs to offer improved massage and better relaxation. This function should not be confused with tapping.

Width adjustment
The width of the massage rollers can be adjusted to change the feel of the massage and to provide a customizable fit.
Leg and Foot Massage Features

Extendable Footrest
This allows the leg massage to rise for added comfort and leg support.

Foot Massage
Foot massages can be delivered either by inflatable air bags or from kneading mechanical rollers and paddles. Chairs that use mechanical massage are more effective and offer more therapeutic benefits than chairs that use air bags.

Leg Massage
Leg massages can be delivered either by inflatable air bags or from kneading mechanical rollers and paddles. Chairs that use mechanical massage are more effective and offer more therapeutic benefits than chairs that use air bags.

Other Footrest Features
Width adjustments, length adjustments, intensity adjustments, speed adjustments, padding adjustments. Adjustments allow the user to customize the fit and massage to the individual user.

Construction

2 Motor Recline
This allows the leg and back rest of the chair to recline independently of each other.

Arm Material
Wood, leatherette, leather or plastic.

Dimensions W x D x H
Width x Depth x Height in inches

Frame Type
Different frames offer different levels of stability. Steel square frames are the best followed by standard square frames and then pedestal designs. Weaker frames cause the chair to shake and squeak during massage.

Manual Recline
This means that the chair does not recline automatically and reclines with using manual levers.

Matching Chair - Back Cover
Matching back covers offer a more traditional appearance to the chair.

Material
High end massage recliners are covered in high quality stretchable synthetic leather. This allows the chair to maintain its new appearance much longer despite stress from the massage rollers, heating elements and daily ware and tear. Other materials such as leather and cloth are also used but show wear sooner.

Number of Massage Rollers
This is the number of rollers that massage your back. Massage chairs typically use a four roller system although low end models use two. Be weary of chairs that offer more than four rollers as this means the rollers are most likely fixed in position and can not travel up and down your spine.

Number of Motors total
The amount of motors effects the strength and durability of a massage chair. The more motors the better.

One Touch Recline
One touch recline allows the chair to move to its fully reclined position automatically with a click of a button.

One-Touch Return
One touch return allows the chair to move to its full upright position automatically with a touch of a button.

Reclining Angle
Reclining angle measures the fully reclined position of the massage chair (180 degrees is flat)

Removable Arms
Removable arms make the chair easier to transport around the house through narrow doorways and around tight corners.

Removable Back Pad
Removable back pads offer the user a choice over the amount of padding that rests between the massage rollers and the user. More padding softens the massage and less padding strengthens the massage.

Single Motor Recline
Single motor recline means that the leg rest and back rest automatically recline together versus independently.

Weight
Weight of massage chair measured in pounds.

Price
Price quoted in U.S. dollars (may vary slightly from current selling price)

Return Policy
Each massage chair brand and retailer has a different return policy. Always consult your retailer on specific models of interest.

Warranty
Warranties are offered through the chair manufacturers. Additional warranties can often be purchased at extra costs. Warranties vary in their coverage over parts, labor, shipping and time.