February 21, 2024
Explaining Massage Chair Track Types
The first massage chair, designed in 1954 by Nobuo Fujimoto in Osaka, Japan.
From the beginning
Massage chairs have come a long way since their invention. They have evolved in design and functionality, providing users with a more tailored, functional, and therapeutic experience. The journey of these innovative devices can be traced by studying various massage track designs. The beauty of variety; each offers unique benefits.
The first mass produced automatic massage track, the Fujiiryoki (1954) automatic massage chair, was a straightforward straight track mechanism attached to the back of a chair. The massage mechanism relied on a spring action to conform to the natural curvature of the human body. This chair marked the beginning of a revolutionary concept.
Different Track Types
S TRACK
The introduction of the 'S' track brought a significant improvement. This design incorporated a non-flat track that matched the natural curvature of the human spine. The track extended from the head to the lower back/upper hip. When combined with a hinge that allowed the articulation of the chair back with respect to the rigid seat, users could achieve a 'lay flat' posture. This posture was very natural for the application of a massage and also provided enhanced stretching capabilities.
L or SL TRACK
The 'L' track and 'SL' track, essentially interchangeable terms, extends beyond the reach of a ‘S’ track. An ‘SL’ track reaches beyond the lower back/upper hip into the glutes/upper quads of the legs. The extra reach provides an enormous area of massage. Additionally, due to the angle of the extended portion of the track the legs are lifted as the chair reclines positioning the knees near the same level as the heart. This is the 'zero gravity' posture, known for being naturally comfortable.
J TRACK
The 'J' track’s geometry is between a ‘S’ track and a ‘SL’ track. A “J’ track has an extension beyond the hip similar to a ‘SL’ track, but the “J’ differs due to a more open angle for the extension. An improved massage coverage is achieved reaching the glutes, but the track does not lift the knees as much as the ‘SL’ track. The resulting posture is more of a ‘lay flat type that allows for a better massage coverage and an enhanced stretch experience.
Hinge Track
The Hinge track combines the 'S' track with a 'SL' track. Conceptually, The Hinge track is a ‘S’ track chair frame with the track extending into the seat portion of the chair frame. This design allows for a greater massage coverage while allowing a ‘lay flat’ posture for a ‘S’ track type of stretch experience.
Dual Track
The Dual track introduced two dedicated tracks with multiple massage mechanisms. This novel approach does not appear to be a definitive design type at this time. As the design is refined the nomenclature will have to change.
MAX Track
The Max track combines the advantages of the 'S' track and the 'SL' track in the same chair similar to a ‘Split’ track, but with extras. The Max Track transcends the ‘J’ track with seat articulation. The Max track is able to achieve an enormous variety of body postures. Extensive range of motion enables the Max track to achieve both the 'lay flat' and 'zero gravity' postures.
OHCO M8 LE with Max Track
Conclusion
The evolution of massage chair tracks has led to a diverse range of options, catering to various preferences and needs. Whether you seek targeted relief or total relaxation, there's a massage chair track designed to provide the perfect experience for you.
Come see us in person. We highly encourage a personal experience when possible. At Healing Touch Massage Chair, we have multiple global brands and models with various track types. We will help you find the perfect chair that meets your unique needs. It could be the change needed for a better life.
