Massage chairs come with many auto programs—anywhere from 5 or 6 up to 30 or 40—depending on the brand and model. One of the most popular programs is the stretch program. This function uses a combination of airbags, rollers, and chair positioning to create a spinal stretch.

Now, there are different types of stretch programs depending on the chair’s track type:

1. Full Body Extension Stretch

This type of stretch is found in S-track and split track chairs. The rollers follow the S-shape of your spine and extend underneath the seat in split-track chairs.

In this stretch:

• The chair reclines fully.

• The legs extend downward, putting you in a nearly flat position.

• Your arms are secured by arm airbags, and your feet and calves are held by foot and calf airbags.

• The rollers move up and down your back while your body is gently stretched from both ends.

Some chairs offer a more intense stretch than others. For example:

• In S-track chairs, the Infinity IT-8500 is one of the strongest.

• In split-track chairs, the D.Core Cirrus, Daiwa Supreme Hybrid, and Osaki Solus deliver powerful stretch programs—among the best in their class.

2. SL-Track “Hip Distraction” Stretch

SL-track chairs (a hybrid of S-track along the spine and L-track under the seat) cannot lie completely flat because the metal track prevents it. You remain in an L-shaped seated position throughout the session.

Here’s how the stretch works:

• The chair reclines and the airbags compress your arms, shoulders, legs, and feet.

• As your legs are pulled downward, your hips feel the primary stretch—hence the term “hip distraction stretch.”

While it’s still effective, it’s not as dramatic or complete as the full-body extension stretch found in split or S-track chairs.

3. Segmental Stretch

This is common in Japanese chairs, like Panasonic and Synca. These programs target specific regions of the body:

• Neck stretch: Airbags lift and stretch your head while rollers work up the neck.

• Back stretch: Rollers and airbags isolate the lower and mid-back areas.

• Hip stretch: Airbags lift and move the hips.

These are not full-body stretches, but they provide highly targeted relief, especially around the neck, shoulders, and hips.

Most chairs include some form of stretch program—though the quality and type vary. Personally, I think the full body extension stretch is outstanding, and the segmental stretches can also be incredibly effective—especially for the neck and shoulders. The SL-track stretch is decent but doesn’t offer the same depth or range of motion.

Just a little FYI to keep in mind when you’re researching chairs.

I hope you found this video helpful. I’m Dr. Alan Weidner from Massage Chair Relief, and I’ll see you in the next video. Bye-bye.