When looking at massage chairs, what is on the inside really matters. If you have been researching which chair is right for you, you have likely come across several terms used to describe the different massage technologies operating beneath the surface.
One of the questions we are asked most often is about the differences between S-Track and L-Track designs. When selecting a massage chair, it is important to understand which roller track will provide the best results for your needs.
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What Are Roller Tracks?
Inside every massage chair, you will find rollers in two places: on a long track in the back and short tracks in the footrests. In this discussion, we will focus on the back rollers, as this is where the majority of the massage work takes place.
Massage chairs usually have long roller tracks that start at the head and move down to the lower back. There are some models that have rollers that go down to the buttocks and the hamstrings. In massage chairs that operate mechanically, these rollers do most of the massaging work. This massage is focused primarily on the spinal areas of the body. The rollers move both vertically and laterally along the track to mimic the touch of a human massage therapist, allowing for tapping and kneading techniques. There are two main track shapes: S-track and L-track.
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Massage chairs typically offer a variety of massage techniques, such as kneading, shiatsu, tapping, and knocking, all performed by the rollers. The scope and area that the rollers travel down your back is determined by the type of track in the massage chair, and the intensity and movement is determined by the technology.
S-Track Massage Chair
Today, many massage chairs are S-track chairs that simply follow the shape of the spine. Based on the S-track's sinusoidal shape, the rollers move up and down along the back and follow the natural curvature of the spine. The roller begins at the top of the neck in a forward position, and once it reaches the mid back it retracts a bit and then moves forward again. The result is a very natural massage sensation for the chair user. Roller tracks are not designed in a straight line because the spine itself has curves; if the rollers moved in a straight line, the neck and back could become strained instead of relaxed. Early massage chair models used straight-line rollers rather than curved ones, which often resulted in a less effective massage.
What Is S -Track?
The “S” in S track refers to the actual shape of the roller track, and the rollers travel up and down this track to provide massage. The slight S curve mimics the natural shape of the spine, allowing the rollers to follow your spinal contour more precisely than a straight track would.
S-Track chairs run from the back of the head, neck, and shoulders and move all the way down to the tailbone. The track stops there, and then the rollers travel back up to the top of the track. This type of massage chair is ideal for those who enjoy a deep stretch, as most S-track chairs allow you to recline and gently lengthen the spine.
What Does a Good Massage Chair Cost?
Why are massage chairs so expensive?
L-Track Massage Chair
L-Track massage chairs are relatively new on the market and have only been around for several years. The first prototype of the L-track roller was on display in Las Vegas where it had rollers that went under the seat. While the prototype was not initially called an L-track roller, the name soon emerged from the path the rollers followed. Later, the first commercial model formally known as an L-track chair was released.
The L-track roller may also be referred to as the extended roller track. It is an extension of S-track rollers with an additional path that goes below the lower back and extends down to the buttocks and hamstrings. The L-track continuously moves down from the head to the hamstrings, which creates the sensation of a full body massage. Additionally, many massage chair models have areas for a foot massage and feature heat. If you experience soreness in the lower back, buttocks, or hamstrings, an L-track massage chair can be a highly beneficial addition to your living room. These chairs are also ideal for individuals with sciatica near the pelvic area or conditions such as piriformis syndrome.
What is L-Track?
It may be obvious, but L track chairs have a track that is shaped like an "L". These types of massage chairs are great because they offer more coverage using the roller for a massage from the back of the head, neck, and shoulders all the way under the seat for additional massage. L-track chairs are especially beneficial for those with lower back or sciatic pain, as they help stretch the muscles that connect the spine to the hips, legs, and feet.
L Track massage chairs work similarly to S-tracks, but they extend further down the body. An S-track massage chair only goes as far down as your lower back, but an L Track can travel down to your glutes or hamstrings.
Which Track is better? (S-track or L-track?)
The L-track massage chair is essentially an extension of the S-track, offering massage coverage for more areas of the body. Massage chairs with S-track designs may be a bit lower in price, but they do not give you as much coverage. If you are looking for a massage chair to help your lower back, hamstrings or glutes, you will want to go with an L-track.
Experience the difference for yourself. Explore Zarifa USA’s S-track and L-track massage chairs today and find the perfect fit for your body and lifestyle.
