Type of massager: Shiatsu chair cover | Speeds and functions: 3 speed settings, 4 massage zones, 4 massage types | Heat option: Yes You can then choose between multiple settings to get just the right intensity of massage for that area. You can set its eight Shiatsu massage nodes to massage at three different speeds, with optional vibration and heat for additional pain relief. If you have trouble dropping off to sleep, use this massager to massage your legs while applying gentle heat, then let it automatically switch off after 15 minutes. According to our tester, it’s a pleasure to use from the get-go thanks to its ergonomic design. It’s lightweight (no aching arms here) and the buttons are perfectly placed for easy access mid-pummel. Performance-wise, our massage experience was extremely smooth, with no painful jogging or juddering when it was moved over our joints. Pregnancy massage, including vibrating massage from a device, is usually safe for most people after the first trimester.

Despite its compact size, it has everything its bulkier counterparts offer, including five different massage heads, with each one designed to target a different muscle group. It also scored top marks for ease of use – there’s just one button for speed control and a handy manual that explains what each head is for and how to use it. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Shiatsu massagers mimic the traditional Japanese massage therapy which delivers a deep, kneading massage with circular motions. These massagers contain ‘nodes’ that move around and apply pressure, like the fingers and palms of a massage therapist. Shiatsu is great for loosening painful knots, releasing chronic tension and improving circulation, and is a wonderful stress-reliever. 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. Treat the area with heat and cold by alternating 15 minutes of ice with 15 minutes of moist or dry heat. We know you're tense at the moment. We're tense too. Everyone is tense. It’s just the way of the modern world. A fact that’s sure to make you feel, well, tense. It wasn’t the most powerful massager on test – the first speed in particular was extremely gentle – so it’s not one for serious gym-goers, but it’s still great for releasing tension. It moved seamlessly over the skin with no painful snagging, and it scored top marks for noise level, allowing you to treat sore muscles on the go without attracting attention.

Dedicated athletes, look no further. Though a considerable investment, the new iteration of the Theragun PRO comes with a host of clever upgrades, including a brushless motor for reduced noise, two new attachments, USB-C charging and a high-resolution OLED screen for following pre-set routines – a feature that earned high praise from our tester. There are four routines to choose from on the device, but they recommend connecting to the user-friendly Therabody app for myriad personalised options that target specific aches and pains. 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. The truth is, we could all benefit from a professional massage — preferably somewhere picturesque by someone who really knows what they're doing with their hands. Probably with lots of candles, some atmospheric music, and maybe a few essentials oils in the air. Lovely. Crawford C, et al. (2016). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations — a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: part 1, patients experiencing pain in the general population. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.0

Your might experience a boost in your general mood, too. The pressure point relief that massage provides has been linked to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), an increase in endorphins (which is altogether more feel-good), plus a lower heart rate. Are there different types of electric massager? Type of massager: Scarf-style Shiatsu massager | Speeds and functions: 3 speed settings, circular kneading nodes that change direction automatically | Heat option: Yes Type of massager: Percussive massage gun | Speeds and functions: 5 speed settings, 7 massage heads | Heat: No heat option