Kneading Massage in a Massage Chair: How Kneading Works

Kneading massage is the technique that most closely resembles a manual massage. It is found in virtually every massage chair and is the main component of most automatic programs.

What the mechanics do in this process

The massage heads don’t just move up and down, but also side to side at the same time. As they do so, they rise and fall, so that each head traces an elliptical path. Two heads move in opposite directions: one presses inward, while the other moves outward. It is precisely this opposing motion that creates the sensation of a fold of skin being rolled between two thumbs.

You can adjust the speed as well as the area. The kneading massage can cover the entire back, be limited to a specific section, or focus on a single spot.

How it feels

Slow kneading feels deep and penetrates the muscles. Fast kneading feels more superficial and warming. If you have tense spots in your upper back, you’ll feel exactly where they are during the first pass: that’s where the heads give way less.

What the Technology Is Good For

Kneading works deep into the muscles and is suitable for tight muscles, such as those that develop after prolonged sitting or physical labor. It stimulates blood circulation, and the tissues become more flexible.

Let’s be honest: In cases of acute inflammation, fresh injuries, or directly on the spine, massage has no place. That’s why the fingers don’t run along the spine, but two fingers’ widths to the side of it. If you’re unsure, check with your doctor before massaging daily.

Try it for yourself

It’s hard to tell which technique suits you best. Some people find tapping comfortable and kneading too intense, while for others it’s the other way around. At our showrooms, you can try out the programs one after another: Take a test seat and give them a try.

Related techniques: Kneading massage, Tapping massage, Rolling massage. For information on how the rollers move, see 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D; for information on their range of motion, see S-Track, L-Track, and iOpen.

Back to the overview: Massage Chair Technology Explained in Simple Terms