Massage Power: After the massage technique, the strength of massage is the second most important consideration for therapy. In a pre-owned massage chair, the strength depends on the number of motors within the chair. There are three different styles of rollers:
- 2D Massage Rollers: These simple rollers operate on the X and Y axes and can only move up, down, left or right.
- 3D Massage Rollers: More complex rollers that operate on the X, Y and Z (diagonal) axes to push further into your body.
- 4D Massage Rollers: While it operates on the same axes as 3D massage, this technology incorporates a greater variation of massage styles, pressure and speed.
Some massage chairs also offer removable padding, which can provide additional customization for the strength of your massage.
Massage Tracks: The massage rollers are part of a track that rests along the back of a massage chair. How far the track goes and which areas of the back are massaged is determined by the type of track. There are three main categories of roller tracks: S-, L- and J-tracks.
- S-Track Massage Chair: The S-roller tracks are designed to follow the curve of the spine, from the neck down through the lumbar region. S-tracks will usually end at the lumbar region, which allows the chair to pivot into a reclined position to create stretching opportunities.
- L-Track Massage Chairs: L-track rollers extend further down the body, past the lumbar region to reach the glutes or hamstrings, to provide a more full-body massage.
- J-Track Massage Chairs: J-track rollers, also sometimes referred to as an SL-track, combines the range of the L-track with the stretching capabilities of the S-track to combine superior stretching capabilities with maximum massage coverage.
Some models may also offer customizations on height as well as the width of the rollers.
Massage Chair Certification: Pre-owned doesn’t necessarily mean used, as some purchased massage chairs may have stayed in storage or were used for display. When purchasing a pre-owned massage chair, ensure that it’s gone through a thorough inspection and certification process. This will guarantee that it is fully operational, has received any necessary repairs, has been professionally cleaned and then re-packaged to be like-new.
Massage Programs: Most premium pre-owned massage chairs offer auto or pre-programmed massages. These programs vary in massage techniques, intensities and chair movements. Higher-end pre-owned massage chairs will also have body-mapping technology, which measures the dimensions of your body and tests its reactions to provide a fully customized massage.
Massage Positions: Aside from the roller track, pre-owned massage chairs can have functions that massage different areas of your body. Depending on the model of the pre-owned massage chair, you may have the option of leg, foot, arm and wrist massages. Massage airbags also offer alternate relief by delivering pressurized air to small pouches along your back, legs or sides to help compress muscles.
Heated Massage: Heated elements within a pre-owned massage chair add more relaxation to your muscles and help to improve circulation. Most premium models come with the option of a heated region for the back, lumbar area, legs or feet.
Recline Function: High-end pre-owned massage chairs feature a variety of recline options, some of which include Zero Gravity and inversion therapy. These reclining options place your body in a gravity neutral position, which provides a deeper massage experience while also lowering your heart rate, reducing tension and boosting healthy circulation.
Chair Upholstery: Faux leather is a popular choice for pre-owned massage chairs and most high-end and technologically advanced chairs will have synthetic materials. Synthetic fabrics are engineered to withstand wear and tear, ensuring the longevity of your massage chair while remaining low maintenance.
For more on these or other massage chair features, please visit our glossary page.
