The massager can provide instant relief. And, daily use can reduce the symptoms to a great extent, which also means less trips to the chiropractor’s office. Given its ease of use, you can watch a TV show while getting a head massage done. Moreover, you can use this tool anywhere on your body. So, you can ditch the professional massager for good. Percussion. Massage guns utilize percussive massage; the massager head delivers a series of rapid taps or pulsing beats to loosen stiff muscles and reduce soreness and pressure. I think that massagers are not a bad idea as long as they are not pushed too strong and not overused,” says Dr. Kalika. Konrad A, et al. (2020). The acute effects of a percussive massage treatment with a Hypervolt device on plantar flexor muscles’ range of motion and performance.

The massager has positioning handles and arm loops so you can get comfortable and relax throughout the automatic 15-minute massage. If all of that wasn’t enough, it comes with a portable carrying bag and both a wall and car adapter for easy, on-the-go use.

Soothe your aching back and invigorate your muscles, with our pick of the the best back massagers you can buy

The battery will last for three hours and is rechargeable with the included charger. Unlike its corded brethren though, the power behind the nodes noticeably fades as the battery starts to die. Type of massager: Percussive massage gun | Speeds and functions: 5 speed settings, 7 massage heads | Heat: No heat option

We’ve explained how long you can use a massager in the short-term (anywhere from five to 60 minutes, max), but what about in the long-term? Research from 2017 indicates that massage, including self-massage, can provide short-term pain reduction and benefits such as stress relief. In addition, there’s evidence that the relaxation produced by massage therapy can help reduce pain. Multiple power and speed settings are important to get just the right comfort level for the condition you are treating," says Dr. Hayden. If you want a versatile option that can help with various aches and pains, choose one that has power and speed settings. But if you know you like a deep-tissue massage, then aim for a high-power model that goes deeper into your muscles.Electric muscle stimulation: With this type of therapy, a massager uses electrodes to send electrical impulses to the muscles, which causes them to contract. What the editors say:“While the Theragun Mini looks much smaller than its full-size massage gun counterparts, it’s actually just as powerful and capable when the time comes for a deep massage. Add in the included carrying pouch, and you’ll find every excuse to take this massager on the go.” Comfort: Speaking of comfort, there may be a slight adjustment period: “A lot of patients have to get used to a massage from a machine versus a person,” warns Dr. Rispoli. “There may need to be some personalized trial and error, with you being the judge of what feels good for you.” Settings: Cupping, tapping, scraping, Shiatsu, acupuncture, and relaxation, plus 15 levels of electric muscle stimulation (EMS)

If your massager is not specifically meant for this purpose, don’t sleep with it on. You can over-ice or overheat the area. What’s more, this massager offers a heating function, which Jessica Crow, licensed massage therapist and founder of CNTRD Wellness, recommends because “the heat will also soften the tight muscles and tissues so that the percussion, kneading or vibration is more effective and safer because you’ll be able to relax more deeply—your muscles won’t be ‘fighting’ against the massage pressure, which in some cases can cause more damage.” Of course, let’s not forget about the whole massager part of this pad—four different motors distributed throughout the pad provide three levels of vibration intensity for a soothing and relaxing massage with heat. According to Leia Rispoli, MD, an interventional pain management specialist and physiatrist, as long as you can choose the frequency and intensity of your massage, whether you prefer percussion to vibration or vibration to Shiatsu is just a matter of personal preference.Pregnancy massage, including vibrating massage from a device, is usually safe for most people after the first trimester. This massager stays quiet during work. Also, it changes directions to massage the muscles in different ways. Frankly put, you will feel like talking to the device because of its human-equivalent massaging abilities.