Massager buying guide

Which Massager is right for you?

Massagers come in all shapes and sizes, with many focusing on a particular body part. Certain areas of the body are often more tense than others due to working on computers, lifting heavy items, driving long distances, or extended periods of walking and standing. The five main massagers focus on the following areas: feet, leg, neck, shoulder, and back. There are also numerous handheld devices that offer a whole-body massage experience. The following are some popular types of Massagers:

Massage Gun

A Massage Gun can offer a deeper massage via intensity settings to create an at-home deep tissue massage for any area needed. Massage guns come with multiple different head options so that you can direct the massage exactly where it needs to go. Current massage guns on the market are battery-powered so you don’t have to worry about cables and offer an ergonomically designed handle for comfort when holding and operating.

Massage Chair

Massage chairs are super convenient if you’re looking to have a close-to-full body massage, as they can target the shoulder, back, and legs all at once. However, if space is one of your concerns, massage chairs are also sold as cushions or covers which can be placed over a standard chair to give you a massage experience at home. Massage chairs also have heat option features which can be super helpful in further relieving any muscle tension in your shoulders, back, or legs.

Modular Compression Massager

Designed to cater to your body's needs, Modular Compression Massagers minimize muscle tension and provide effective pain relief. Featuring the latest tech and an ergonomic design, the result is benefits in improving circulation, soothing sore muscles, and more. Modular compression massagers come in both a compact and portable design—ideal for on-the-go relief—as well as larger devices for sessions at home that are better for a more diverse range.

Handheld Massager

With a handheld massager you can ensure that you are reaching the exact area of your body for targeted pain relief. Handheld massagers come in a range of sizes and have convenient handles to make sure your massage experience is relaxing.

Foot Massager

Foot Massagers allow you to sit back and relax as they provide a deep kneading massage to the soles of the feet and heels. Foot massagers come in a range of sizes, from pads which you rest your feet on top of, to enclosed massagers which can provide further massage benefits such as compression and shiatsu massage. Foot massagers are the perfect way to treat your feet after a long day of work.

More tips for choosing a Massager

How do personal Massagers work?

Personal massagers are designed to be as intuitive as possible for you to use, so you will not have to develop any particular expertise or skills. Massagers use various technologies to achieve results, including:

Heating elements - relaxes muscles by warming them

Vibration - the percussive motion reduces muscle tension

Rollers - surface rollers create the sensation of a shiatsu massage

Acupressure - some massagers have soft points on the surface to stimulate areas on the skin

When buying a personal massager, you will also have to decide how you would like it to operate. Some massagers require no electrical power, making them ideal for people who are on the move, while others are battery operated. Massagers that use heat will often need to be plugged into electrical sockets, meaning they are best used at home.

Massager products

There are several common massager products available, with several designed for specific purposes and locations.

• Car-seat massager: Attach over the car seat for use while driving. They plug into the car’s charging device and often provide heat functions.

• Massage chair: Sit back and relax in a comfortable massage chair. These devices can recline and tend to have multiple settings for different areas of the body.

• Handheld roller: These massagers stimulate pressure points when they are rolled over the skin. They are made from various materials, including wood, plastic and rubber.

• Neck massager: Designed to either wrap around the neck or act as a cushion. Some work on pressure points.

• Foot massager: These can be purchased as electric, mechanical or water-based models. The latter use water jets or a vibrating base to relieve tension in the feet.

• Calf and leg massager: Users can benefit from an acupressure or shiatsu massage, with rollers and compression working on the thighs and calves.

• Shower massager: Often a shower sprayer that has massage functions. These are often handheld.

“Heating elements, vibration, plus cordless and compact designs are top of the list for many customers shopping for a personal massager, and you can find all of these features in highly affordable models.” - Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances.