Getting a massage after a long, tedious day can be more satisfying than just taking a rest without it. It can improve physical and mental health in ways other therapeutic measures cannot. Getting from a commercial parlor is different from getting it at home. You can use self-massaging tools at home and still get the maximum healing effect you need from the activity.
Self-massaging began thousands of years ago and has improved with time. Now there are modern tools that have made art not only more effective but also more accessible and more enjoyable. Technology has intervened, bringing in more creativity and spicing the whole idea.
Remember the numerous health benefits that you can get from self-massaging. It saves you time if you cannot make it to the professionals. Among other benefits, you will relieve yourself from the stress that may be instigated by the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life, among other stressful situations. All you need is the right tools, and you will be sorted.
After a good massage, you can have a sounder sleep. Also, you will have better blood circulation. This comprehensive guide to self-massaging tools will help you understand more about these tools.
Self-massaging Tool Types
There are different types of massage tools that you need to know. You can choose the tool that works best for you from these tool types. You can pick various types if you like because that will only help you have a note comprehensive massage experience. It would help if you based your choice on your unique needs for massage.
Handheld Massagers
This is one of the most common self-massaging tools on the market. Unlike its large bulky counterparts that are difficult to move around, this tool is among the most portable. They are typically small and would fit inside a backpack so nicely. That means you can always easily carry it along if you have to. Their often small and compact designs make them even more accessible. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a self-massaging tool that they can use anywhere at any time. This also means that you can benefit abundantly from it.
Handheld massages have changeable massage heads so that you can put the right head for the job. Each head delivers a unique massage experience, meaning that you can get many massage types from this tool. Some heads are better at activating muscles, others at enhancing blood circulation.
You can also get a nice scrub on the skin when you put on a massage head that delivers just that. The various heads allow you to receive an all-inclusive massage experience. You get the chance to enjoy yourself in a lot of ways.
Massage Chairs
Try this. Massage chairs are the best and one of the most versatile self-massage tools. You can get so much relaxation from this tool if you use it well. So if you need a complete massage experience in a single package, this tool does well. It might be significant and space-consuming, but it would take care of every part of the body, from the neck to the toes. But how does it work? It uses predefined massage programs and is designed for your whole body.
The programs are customizable, allowing you to choose how the massage happens and which part of your body will get it. Any other massage accessory cannot replicate the kind of massage you can get from a good massage chair. Of course, there are many other decent tools, but massage chairs are more versatile.
You will get the chance to experience the zero gravity massage, which is famously offered by this accessory and is unique. The chair offers this kind of massage in a backward tilting position. You lie on the chair, and it tilts backward to recline your body upwards, then it aligns your head with your feet. That way, it ensures that most of your body weight is supported by the chair. In a position, only a little body weight will be left to be supported by the muscles and bones. In such a position, the massage will feel so magical. You will feel so good and relaxed throughout massaging and after.
Neck and Shoulder Massagers
This is another prevalent type of self-massager on the market. Just like the names suggest, these accessories are built to target the neck and shoulders. They look like larger versions of neck rests found in airplanes. Depending on the quality of the model you use, these tools typically deliver relief to the muscle and other sources of fatigue in the neck and shoulder region.
But how does it work exactly? Well, it is a simple but very effective mechanism. It uses several massage rollers to relieve stress and fatigue in your neck and shoulders. That is how it does magic to the muscles around that area. Some even use a heated massage feature to make the massage experience more relieving and relaxing.
Also, these massage tools come with hand straps that help by providing stability. To use the straps, you either hold them or put your arms through them, depending on the type that is there. One of the most notable strengths of these massagers is that they are portable. This makes them very easy to carry around whenever you are traveling or want to use them somewhere else.
A better part of their portability lies in that most of them have rechargeable batteries and can, therefore, be used while going about your daily chores at home. And despite what their names suggest, some can be used to massage other body parts too. So, they are versatile to a certain extent.
Massage Cushions or Pad
Consider these as the economic or portable version of massage chairs. They work like the latter, but unlike the chairs that stand independently, these massagers must be placed on chairs, sofas, or armchairs to be used. That way, they occupy very little space, unlike the chairs. So if you need more money to buy a massage chair or if it is the space you lack, a massage cushion can fill up the void even if not as well as a massage chair.
Its versatility level is unquestionable. The same applies to its portability and more significant support back massager. You can use it anywhere that has a chair or a sofa. You can carry these cushions to work or your vacation destination without the sweat. Amazingly, you can use them in your car or RV.
They are built to provide a comprehensive massage; if you have ever used them, you will agree that they do. Also, they work for most body parts, including the neck, back, buttocks, hips, and thighs. Besides the relaxation it delivers, these tools also remove muscle knots with the same degree of effectiveness. Most of them come with heated massage features that make them even more effective and enhance your massage experience.
Scalp Massagers
Scalp massagers are designed to provide a relaxing treat for you. You can lie comfortably on a sofa and enjoy the massage from this incredible tool. It massages the head and scalp muscles as you lie comfortably. That is double relaxation right there. It does more than massage your head and scalp muscles, though. Since it stimulates blood circulation, hair growth is subsequently stimulated. It also reduces hair loss.
More nutrients and oxygen reaching the hair follicles stimulate them to grow hair. When it stimulates blood circulation at the scalp, more blood gets to the blood vessels that lead to the muscles at the scalp. The increased blood flow results in more oxygen and nutrients being brought to the scalp, which is very beneficial to the hair follicles. Likewise, the follicles will be able to maintain your hair better, thereby protecting them from loss. If you have a hair loss problem, now you know that this could provide you with the solution you need.
Foot Massagers
The foot massagers are for the foot, just like the name suggests. It is the feet that carry us. They carry the whole load the whole time. That is one of the reasons why they can need a massage. A serious massage once in a while, for that matter. So if you want to relax or stimulate your foot muscles, this tool would solve your problem.
It is very effective and can deliver this in many soothing ways. It uses different techniques to deliver the most desired result. It has various intensity settings from which to choose the most appropriate one. That way, you can customize the activity. With this tool, you are in charge of the moment.
Like we have seen in the other massagers, this type also improves blood flow at the feet. Some settings available include oscillating, kneading, and vibrating massage techniques. Each week of these provides a unique feeling. You are as capable of making every foot massaging moment suitable for each specific unique massage need. You will have gotten precisely what massage you need. Used well, these massage tools can help give life back to your feet after a stressful day. With better blood circulation at the feet, you can sleep uninterrupted in readiness for the day ahead because you have to be on your feet.
Foot Spas
Have you tried the foot spas? Well, you should. The first you get a foot spa, you feel like it is the best thing your foot has ever received. Soaking your feet in a foot spa can deliver you from the agonies that may result from a long day at work. This also provides a variety of massaging experiences and would help you get yourself back after losing yourself to fatigue and stress do reasons best known to you. But what is an afoot spa, and how does it work? The spa is simply a trough of water in which you can put your feet and massage them, giving you a double effect.
It would help if you remembered that they come in various types too. Some use motorized foot rollers, while some use manual foot rollers. So it is upon you to select the one that you prefer or is most affordable to you. Foot spas can maintain the temperature of the water at the level you desire. Some can even heat the water for you if you set it to.
The spa uses several accessories to accomplish the task. Such convenience adds a great degree of satisfaction. You will need good massage oils and bath salts to use together with the spa. You will be to sit down, relax and enjoy the smooth, soothing moment. When the moment is done, your feet will feel relaxed, you will experience healthy blood circulation, and your skin will look better.
TENS Units
These are medical devices created to help in improving your muscles’ elasticity and flexibility. There is something special about this massage tool you will find out with the first use. You will even sense it just at first glance. This machine will restore your muscle tone like no other. It also helps speed up the recovery of any muscle injury. When the pain gets unbearable, this unit can help reduce that pain and eventually ease things for you.
Do you want to know how TENS Units work? The machine produces a small electrical current that enters your body through some sticky electrode pads. Now, the electrical current that enters your body occupies the exact receptors as your pain, so the brain is unaware of all the pain you feel. That is how you feel less pain from the injury than you would if the TENS did not come into play.
Common Self-Massaging Tools and Products on the Market
There are lots of self-massaging tools out there, giving you the options you need and making available everything that you may need to relieve yourself of stress and improve blood circulation. They include accessories that users have found to help. This guide takes you through some of the most common massage tools.
Exerscribe VYBE PERCUSSION Massage Gun
Key Features
- Easy to operate the push-button trigger
- 6-speed gradients
- Up to 2400 strokes per minute
- Three massage heads
This massage gun has all the right features to quickly transform tired and stressed muscles into a more relieved ones. You can customize the moment too, which is one of the qualities that make it even better and is one of the many reasons why many people have said so many good things about it. It needs you to push the trigger button, and the rest comes easy.
You push the button while keeping pressure off the fingers. You can also choose between speed gradients, which also happens so quickly. It can deliver up to 2400 strokes per minute, giving you a maximum effect, just like you need.
ZONGS Massage Ball Roller
Key Features
- Comfortable hand grip
- 2 massage roller heads
- 360 degrees rotation
- 1 carry bag for better portability
This is another fantastic massage tool with contemporary characteristics. It will transform your relaxed moment into something more magical. It has a bit of and circular shape, which allows you to wield it when using it for a better effect. It has a ball-like shape that offers a significant advantage in making it convenient to roll and apply pressure more effortlessly.
Another great thing about this tool is that you do not have to remove your clothes. You can use it on top of your clothes, and the effect will still be excellent. The hand grip has an ergonomic design that makes it very easy to use and also helps maximize the effect on your body so that you get the best result with each massage moment.
Trigger Point AcuCurve Massage Cane
Key Features
- Has a drop-tip massage head
- Lightweight and weighs just 0.6 pounds
- Double massage balls
- Curved ergonomic design
This one has a unique construction framework. It is built to intuitively match your physical framework to relieve pain, tension, and muscle knots. And what is even more amazing about it is that it does just that perfectly. This massage tool has won multiple heats and tells you how effective it has been and shows how positive its impact has been.
It has a distinctive feature that maximizes control and helps you tackle even the hard-to-reach parts of your body, such as the back, neck, and shoulders. You can also use this massage tool to massage the legs, feet, and calf areas.
Thera Cane Massage Tool
Key Features
- Eliminates painful muscle knots
- Boasts 6 treatment balls
- Easy to use
- Simple design
When you first look at this massage tool, you may not even think it is used for massage. It does not look like one of those standard tools. But surprisingly, this tool will help you in ways other massage tools may be unable to. This is an essential massaging tool you can bump into on the market. Its treatment balls are created to offer deep compression.
Just as simple as it looks, this tool can deliver much more than you would at first glance. On top of that, it helps to maximize the circulation of oxygenated blood in your body. You will be good to go with just some practice, even if it is your first time. You also need not worry if you have never used it before since you will find your way through.
Things to Consider When Choosing Self-Massaging Tools
Many excellent tools are out there, leaving you with the stress of weighing and analyzing them to pick the best one. When selecting the best from the wide variety, you need to know what to look for in a self-massaging tool. This guide can help you out in ways that will make things a lot simple for you. Here are some of the most common things to consider.
Price
Prices of these tools vary, and you need to buy them within your means. You can either afford it or not. But even if you can afford it, you need to determine whether you are getting a better deal. The pricier, the better the quality is likely to be, but that is only sometimes the case.
Brand
Of course, there are better brands. That is because some brands are reputable. After all, they have served the industry with quality over a long period. You can settle on common brands if you are still deciding what to go for.
User-friendly design
You need a tool to help you achieve the best results without making you go through trouble first before getting what you need. You better look for a self-massaging tool that is user-friendly. In other words, the more user-friendly it is, the better.
Final Verdict
I hope this Comprehensive Guide to Self-Massage Tools will help you get what you need. There are many unique products out there, and only a user doing the best analysis and research, trying to compare the best ones to pick the very best, will benefit greatly. You have to take your time to look for the right features in a massage tool. This guide contains almost everything you need to know to get started and to get the kind help that you need in making a sounder choice.