{"id":2978,"date":"2024-06-20T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rlwoo.fogravis.work\/?p=2978"},"modified":"2026-09-17T14:40:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T12:40:25","slug":"l-shape-massage-chairs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/blog\/knowledge\/l-shape-massage-chairs\/","title":{"rendered":"Massage range in massage chairs &#8211; L-shape, SL-shape and iOpen technologies\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Massage by massage arms, which forms the foundation of a massage chair, is constantly refined and improved. To provide users with maximum comfort and massage efficiency, engineers are constantly working on optimizing the work of the massage mechanisms, but also on extending the massage range and making the mechanisms better adapt to the shape of the user\u2019s body. As a result, the massage arms are no longer limited to back massage but reach much further. In the following article, you can find out what massage range you can count on in different massage chair models and what is responsible for this.<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Massage range and types of guides in massage chairs<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"L-shape mechanism in massage chairs | Rest Lords Vlog\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1bjvKrz0l_o?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=https:\/\/restlords.com\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you already know, the massage arms, which mimic the movements of a masseur\u2019s hands, move along a specially constructed guide, located in the backrest and, increasingly, in the seat of the massage chair. <strong>The shape and length of<\/strong> this <strong>guide are responsible for the massage range of the massage mechanism.<\/strong> Models that only provide a back massage from the neck to the lumbar region have guides of a maximum length of 90 cm. However, it is worth remembering that this is not always a disadvantage and that it all depends on the individual user\u2019s preferences. Sometimes the most advanced models have the simplest slides, which in their case work perfectly well, as the arm massage is complemented by other advanced functions. As an example, we can mention the <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chair\/fujiiryoki-jp4000\/\">Fujiiryoki JP4000<\/a>, which has a massage arm range of less than 90 cm, and yet many people say it is second to none\u2026 and it has Japanese medical equipment certification!\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, it is far more common for massage chairs to be equipped with <strong>L-shape<\/strong> or <strong>SL-shape technology<\/strong>, which are responsible for increasing the massage range. The extended and contoured guides of the massage arms adapt to the shape of the user\u2019s body, allowing the massage to be carried out from the neck to the buttocks and even the thighs.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to remember that, in addition to the shape and length of the guide, the massage range in massage chairs also depends on the size of the chair and the dimensions of the user. For example, a shorter person may feel the massage on a longer section of the thighs than a taller user who has longer legs. The same applies to other parts of the body, so it is worth testing several different models before choosing the right chair.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">L-shape and SL-shape in massage chairs<\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/massage-chairs-rest-lords-sl-shape-l-shape-2-1280x720.webp\"><\/source><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/massage-chairs-rest-lords-sl-shape-l-shape-2-1280x720.jpg\" alt=\"L-Shape i SL-Shape in massage chairs\" class=\"wp-image-9907\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/massage-chairs-rest-lords-sl-shape-l-shape-2-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/massage-chairs-rest-lords-sl-shape-l-shape-2-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/massage-chairs-rest-lords-sl-shape-l-shape-2-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, 100vw\"><\/picture><\/figure><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <strong>L-shape<\/strong> technology, the guide along which the massage arms move is gently curved and <strong>shaped like the letter L<\/strong>. As a result, the massage range is larger and can reach <strong>up to 130 cm<\/strong> covering the entire length of the spine and buttocks. Interestingly, the L-shape was the starting point for the extremely popular <strong>SL-shape<\/strong> technology, in which the massage arms move along a guide <strong>in the shape of the combined letters S (on the upper part) and L (on the lower part)<\/strong>. The additional curvature of the upper part, in the thoracic area, is responsible for the massage arms <strong>adapting better to the natural shape of the spine<\/strong>. This arrangement ensures that the user receives the longest, yet <strong>perfectly adjusted massage from the neck to the thighs<\/strong>.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Interesting fact!<\/strong> The longest massage range by massage arms of any massage chair on the market boasts the iRest Maesthron (A801) \u2013 <strong>as much as 153 cm<\/strong>.<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Innovative iOpen function<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically in massage chairs with SL-shape technology, the backrest and seat are joined together to form a single structure. This is why when the chair reclines, the user\u2019s body remains in an unchanged position. Some seats, however, stand out from the rest in this respect thanks to the innovative <strong>divided guide bar \u2013 iOpen<\/strong>. You will encounter this function in the most advanced models from the iRest brand. They are all able to recline to the\u00a0Flat position, allowing you to <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/stretching-function-in-the-massage-chair\/\">stretch<\/a> your entire body more effectively while retaining all the benefits of the <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/zero-gravity-massage-chair\/\">Zero Gravity<\/a> position. When reclining, these seats tilt the backrest independently of the seat, which, combined with the appropriate operation of the footrest and the air cushions pressing the body against the backrest, <strong>increases the intensity of the stretch.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of SL-shape in massage chairs<\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SL-shape technology allows you to take care of your thighs and buttocks first and foremost. Although they are often underestimated, the muscles of the thighs and buttocks allow us to straighten up and stand on our feet every morning. Nevertheless, these are quite intimate places, so their massage can cause discomfort, especially if performed by a masseur. However, you don\u2019t have to worry about this when you have your own private \u201cmasseur\u201d at your fingertips at any time of the day or night. ;-) <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-of-the-buttocks-and-thighs-in-a-massage-chair\/\">Massage of the buttocks and thighs<\/a> and in a massage chair <strong>improves<\/strong> their <strong>blood circulation<\/strong>, <strong>has a positive effect on skin firmness<\/strong> <strong>and muscle roundness<\/strong>, and in addition, <strong>prevents stretch marks and cellulite<\/strong>. As we mentioned earlier, the contoured SL guide also allows the massage mechanism to more accurately adapt to the shape of the user\u2019s body, especially at chest level, resulting in a <strong>more intense sensation and a more precise massage<\/strong>, even in chairs with a 2D mechanism.<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We hope we have illuminated a little about the range of massage arms and how one of the most relaxing, yet surprising features of massage chairs works. If you have any further questions or need help choosing the perfect massage chair, please do not hesitate to contact us.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-divi-layout\">[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.17.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.17.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.17.4\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_toggle title=\u201dTranscription\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.18.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d897d99b7-cea5-42a6-91da-1a39f470ae75\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<p><strong>Paul, please can you explain what a massage chair is?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is not easy to explain in one short answer. How much time have you got? Many people think that a massage chair simply vibrates, but let me explain that it is a chair which uses a sophisticated, electronic mechanism to massage and relax your body. You can use it on your own, at home or in your office, whenever you want. If you\u2019ve had a hard day at work \u2013 you can turn it on and just chill out, if you have stiff muscles \u2013 let the massage chair release them, if you need more energy \u2013 select the right programme and the chair will wake you up.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can you tell me how it works?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are three main elements.<\/p>\n<p>Let me start from the back-rest, where there is a Mechanical massage system inside, which provides a gentle movement with adjustable speeds and in some models adjustable strengths. It has massaging arms which move up and down your spine from your neck to your hips, imitating human hand movements and massage techniques. Secondly, there is the air massage system, which uses air cushions to gently press your muscles and promote blood circulation. Depending on the specific models, there are usually airbags for the feet, legs, hands and arms. You can feel the result of this massage within 10 (to) 15 minutes. Your muscles should loosen, the heavy leg feeling should disappear and you will start to relax.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to these two massage systems, there are some extra features which offer a greater massage experience. In some models there are stretching programmes, heating in the back-rest or foot-rest and also rollers for the feet. There are also special settings like zero \u2013 gravity position, zero \u2013 wall function, L-shape tracking, advanced scanning systems and many, many more\u2026<\/p>\n<p><strong>So a massage chair can do lots of different things.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, they have many functions and the market is growing, with new features and techniques being developed all the time. Massage mechanisms are getting better and better. So, I have just given a simple explanation of what a massage chair is and how it works. The functions of a massage chair and all of these features need to be explained in more detail.<\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/div><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How far do the massaging arms reach? We explain how wide the massage range in massage chairs is and what it depends on.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":22082,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The back massage, which is the most prominent feature of massage in a massage chair, is being constantly refined and improved. Engineers are always looking for new features that would allow the massage to cover an even longer section and adapt even better to the shape of our body. Read on to find out about each model's massage range and reach and what technologies support it.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {\"url\":\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/1bjvKrz0l_o\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"responsive\":true,\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/1bjvKrz0l_o\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:embed -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Range of massage in massage chairs<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Massaging arms imitating the movements of a masseur's hands slide inside the chair along specially designed linear guides located in the backrest and more and more often inside the seat. In models where back massage is limited to the simple section running from the neck through the pectoral region to the lumbar area, the length of the frame does not exceed 90 cm. One example of a chair with this type of massage is the <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/fujiiryoki-jp2000\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"112\">Fujiiryoki JP2000<\/a>, where the massaging arms relieve the tension accumulated in the muscles along the entire length of the spine, which works wonders when it comes to this model.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>However, it's far more common for massage chairs to be equipped with <strong>L-shape technology<\/strong>, also known as L-track or L-frame, and which is responsible for <strong>extending the massage range<\/strong>, allowing it to be delivered over a longer distance.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>L-shape and SL-shape in massage chairs<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In L-shape technology, the guide along which the massaging arms travel is gently curved and shaped like the letter L. As a result, the massage range is extended and can reach up to 130 cm. In models equipped with this mechanism, the massage range covers the entire length of the spine, down to buttocks and upper thighs.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>SL-shape<\/strong> is a derivative of the L-shape function, with the massaging arms running along the S-shape guide with an additional curve in the upper section, near the chest. Thanks to this profiling, the massaging arms better align with the natural shape of the spine, delivering massage from the neck to the thighs.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can use the SL-shape function in the Massaggio <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/massaggio-stravagante-2\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"96\">Stravagante 2<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/massaggio-esclusivo-2\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"90\">Esclusivo 2<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/massaggio-eccellente-2-pro\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"43\">Eccellente 2 Pro<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/massaggio-eccellente-2\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"83\">Eccellente 2<\/a> as well as in the compact models: <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/massaggio-bello-2\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"76\">Bello 2<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/massaggio-ricco\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"71\">Ricco<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/massage-chairs\/massaggio-piccolo\/\" data-type=\"product\" data-id=\"68\">Piccolo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It's worth noting at this point that in massage chairs with the SL-shape function, the backrest and seat are coupled together and constitute a single structure. Therefore, when the chair reclines, the body remains in the same position. With newer models, however, the backrest and seat operate separately, which makes it possible to remain in a reclined position and still use the stretching function effectively.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Strengths of massage chairs with L-shape and SL-shape function<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>L-shape and SL-shape features are considered to be among <strong>the most pleasant functionalities of massage chairs<\/strong>, as well as the most surprising. First of all, they allow you to tend to your thighs and buttocks, which are quite an underestimated muscle, and we must remember that it's the muscles of the buttocks that allow us to straighten up and stand on our feet. Besides, massage of the buttocks in a massage chair improves blood circulation in them, influences the firmness and roundness as well as the height of the buttocks, prevents development of stretch marks and also has anti-cellulite effect.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Truth be told, the buttocks are a rather intimate area and sometimes massaging them can cause discomfort, which is why they are rarely made accessible to masseurs. This is when massage chairs offering buttocks massage can come in handy.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We hope that we have given you an overview of the massage range offered by massage chairs and how one of the most relaxing yet surprising features of massage chairs works. If you have any questions or need assistance with choosing the perfect model, feel free to <a href=\"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/contact\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"212\">contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html \/-->\n\n<!-- wp:shortcode -->\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"||0px||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"100%\" custom_padding=\"||0px||false|false\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_toggle title=\"Transcription\" _builder_version=\"4.18.0\" _module_preset=\"897d99b7-cea5-42a6-91da-1a39f470ae75\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]- Paul, please can you explain the range of movement of a massage mechanism?\n\nThe simplest way to explain it, is to imagine massage arms moving along a chair frame, but there is more to it <> than that. This is a well-developed feature in massage chairs. Manufacturers have worked hard to improve the length and shape of this frame.\n\nLet\u2019s start by looking at the length of the mechanism. Some models only give a massage on the back from the neck down to the lumbar region, sometimes as low as the coccyx. The maximum length of the frame in these models is about 90 cm.\n\n- Can the length of the frame be increased beyond 90 cm?\n\nYes, there is an L-shape form of frame which can be even as long as 130 [one hundred and th] cm. The frame is a curved design to allow the mechanism to massage the hips. I can recommend it, it\u2019s an enjoyable experience and a really worthwhile function to have. It helps to relax the hip muscles, which are important for our standing posture.\n\n- I\u2019ve also heard about SL-shape. What\u2019s that?\n\nThe SL-shape is an additional curving on a frame which resembles the natural \u2018S\u2019 shape of the spine. In the lumbar region the frame should slide deeper and at the chest level it should go the opposite way.\n\nI should also mention that models with the basic SL-shape function, have a frame where the seat and the back-rest are connected. As the chair reclines, your body stays in the same position. In newer models, the frame of the seat and the back-rest work independently. This allows the body to lay flat and enables the stretching programme to work more efficiently.[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n<!-- \/wp:shortcode -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowledge"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2978","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2978"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2978\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37248,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2978\/revisions\/37248"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22082"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2978"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2978"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2978"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}