What Is An Electronic Massager?
The term electronic massager covers a broad spectrum of products, across a wide range of prices, each designed with a specific massage goal or massage goals in mind. Be it therapeutic massage, a massage to promote injury recovery, performance enhancement, or simple relaxation and stress reduction massage, there is a personal electronic massager for you.
By definition, an electronic massager is a device which is operated by a power source such as replaceable batteries, rechargeable batteries, an electrical cord, or a combination of all three. The electric massager does most of the work as opposed to a manual personal massager where the amount of pressure is applied by the person using the massage device.
The purpose of an electronic massager is to simulate the function of a massage therapist by re-creating a deep kneading Shiatsu-type massage, or Swedish-type massage which is most often associated with relaxation by using long surface strokes.
Some professional massage therapists do not believe in the use of these devices to replace the human touch, however, many now incorporate personal electronic massage devices into their practices, to enhance the massage experience for their patients.
Further, many individuals who have become accustomed to using electronic massagers, prefer them over conventional massage, and use their personal massager as their primary means of massage.
Types Of Electronic Massagers
Electronic massagers are capable of delivering a high-quality massage to virtually any region of the body including:
- Feet, toes, and ankles
- Calves, thighs, hamstrings, and buttocks
- Abdomen, lower back and upper back
- Neck and shoulders
- Head, scalp, and face
Although some electronic massagers are designed for specific parts of the body, many can accommodate numerous areas, and others are marketed to deliver a full body massage.
In addition, electronic massagers use a variety of different massage techniques, each providing unique massage experiences, depending on the area of the body, and specific massage goal. Again, some devices deliver only one technique, while others incorporate all.
The main massage techniques built into electronic massagers include:
- Shiatsu Massage Technique
Shiatsu massage originated centuries ago in Japan, and when performed by a massage therapist, uses fingers, thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet to release energy in pressure points which affect various parts of the body.
Modern day Shiatsu massage is commonly associated with release of tension, dissolving of knots and crystallization in the muscles, and overall relaxation.
Shiatsu based electronic massagers, use hard balls, referred to as rollers or nodes, which rotate clockwise, counter clockwise, or in both directions to simulate the action of a Shiatsu massage therapist. Shiatsu is great for the back, neck, shoulders, legs, and feet, but is not recommended for the head and face area.
After a long stressful day at work, or after strenuous physical activity, an electronic Shiatsu massager is the perfect fix to alleviate pain, soreness, or simply relax.
- Swedish Massage Technique
Swedish massage is meant to promote relaxation and is based on physiology and anatomy as opposed to energy, in the case of the Shiatsu massage. The primary technique used in Swedish massage are long smooth strokes which can be soft and gentle, or more vigorous, depending on the goal of the massage.
The Swedish massage function used in electronic massagers, are generally not referred to as Swedish massagers, however, they do a very good job of simulating a Swedish massage and have the same calming effect on the central nervous system and provide a tremendous sense of relaxation.
Typically, they are found in back and leg massagers, and consist of soft or medium rollers which move up and down the full length of the back or leg.
- Percussion Massage Technique
Percussion massage, as the name suggests, is a tapping, beating, or hammering action to penetrate deep into the muscles to relieve tension, stress, and knots. When performed by a massage therapist, the hands ae made into fist, and a pounding motion is used.
Electronic massagers mimic the same action using hard nodes covered by a rubberized material to soften the blow, so to speak. The intensity level and speed in most devices are adjustable allowing for a lighter, softer massage or a vigorous, aggressive massage.
Percussion electronic massagers are effective anywhere on the body excluding the head and scalp area.
- Vibration Massage Technique
Vibration massage when performed by a professional massage therapist, uses a shaking like action in the fingers, palms, and thumbs. It is generally done in short bursts, with intermittent pauses.
The vibration massage function on most electronic massagers are nodes which deliver a trembling type action, measured by pulses per minute. Some devices are adjustable while others are not, however, the pulse rates typically range from 1,500 pulses per minute to 5,000 pulses per minute.
Vibration can be used anywhere on the body, however, the intensity level should be scaled down on sensitive regions. Some of the positive effects of using a vibration massager include soothing nerve damage, breaking down scar tissue, increasing blood flow and circulation, overall relaxation.
- Compression Massage Technique
The primary purpose of compression massage therapy is for the treatment of ischemia, which in layman terms means a lack of blood supply. In fact, this type of massage therapy is often referred to as ischemic compression massage.
When performed by a massage therapist, it can be very painful, as the therapist stimulates blood flow by stretching a relaxed muscle until it reaches an 8 or 9 out of 10 pain level. This is necessary to remove blockages and get the blood flowing to the affected areas.
The compression massage technique is primarily used in electronic foot massagers, and electronic leg massagers. These devices use adjustable air compression to achieve the same effects with much less pain and discomfort.
- Heating Option
Although it is not considered a specific massage technique, a heating option is really a must, to fully heighten the massage experience. Not only does heat feel good, but it also prepares the muscle tissues, joints, and tendons for the electronic massage procedure by softening, soothing, and relaxing.
Some devices include one heat setting, while most include an adjustable variable setting. For safety purposes, it is also important to ensure that the electronic massager has an automatic shut off in the event of falling asleep or forgetting to turn off the unit.
Design and Style
Aside from the massage technique, electronic massagers come in a variety of different designs and styles based on the type of massage they are performing. They include:
- Cushion Massager
- Seat Massager
- Foot Massager
- Leg Wrap Massager
- Neck and Shoulder with Hand Straps
- Handheld Massager
- Massage Chair
Benefits Of An Electric Massager
If you are sitting on the fence as to whether you should invest in a personal electronic massager, the following information should help you make that decision. Here, we outline some of the general benefits of ownership, as well as the major health benefits.
General Benefits
- Cost Effectiveness
Today, the average massage price in the USA is approximately $60 – $100 per hour, and at higher end massage clinics or wellness spas, it is not uncommon to see that price reach $200 – $300 per hour.
Depending on the type of electronic massager you purchase, the unit can pay for itself in as few as 2-3 sessions. In addition, a personal electronic massager will reduce the number of times you visit a professional massage therapist, and even eliminate the need to go.
- Convenience
Some ailments and injuries require very frequent massage therapy treatments. In some cases, every day. Aside from the cost, it can be extremely time consuming. A personal electronic massager gives you access 24/7, in the comfort of your own home. No more booking appointments, driving, and rearranging your schedule to make an appointment.
- More Targeted Massage
We know our bodies better than anyone else, and when we have soreness, chronic pain, or any other ailment, we know exactly where it is and what it requires. Administering a self massage can often be more effective than having a professional perform it. Owning a personal electric massager allows this.
Health Benefits
Massage therapy has become accepted by the medical profession as a viable treatment for many medical conditions. Research has proven positive effects from massage, and most insurance plans will over a portion of massage therapy treatments, and some will cover the cost of personal massage devices.
Massage therapy has numerous health benefits, most of which can be realized by using a personal electronic massager. Following is a list of the most common benefits:
- Relaxation and a calming feeling
- Reduces anxiety, depression, and stress
- Speedy muscle recovery
- Increased circulation and blood flow
- Decreases blood pressure
- Enhanced sports performance
- Removes muscle knots, adhesions, ad tension
- Promotes hair growth
- Promotes healthy skin
- Cellulite reduction
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves mobility
- Stabilizes the central nervous system
- Removes toxins
- Can assist in weight loss
And the list goes on…
Top Products By Category
At A-Z Health Families, we pride ourselves in researching various health related products and developing “7 Best Lists” based on our research. Following is a brief description of the best electronic massager in each category, and a link to the full list and reviews.
- Best Electronic Back Massager
Naipo Shiatsu Back Massage Pillow Massage Cushion
The Naipo Shiatsu Back Massager is a cushion style electronic massager, which is ideal for the neck, shoulders, waist, and legs. It includes 4 rolling Shiatsu nodes which change direction every minute and can deliver a surface massage or a deeper tissue massage.
The device has an excellent heat option, is light weight, portable, and can be used any where there is a n electrical outlet.
- Best Electronic Leg Massager
TheraSqueeze Pro Foot Calf and Thigh Massager
The TheraSqueeze, manufactured by Brookstone, was our #1 pick in the leg massager category as it not only delivers to the feet and lower legs, but also the thighs. Very few competitive products have this ability.
In addition, it includes three massage techniques, air compression, Shiatsu kneading, and vibration, all at a tremendous price point. Further, it has 3 intensity settings allowing a tailored and customized massage.
- Best Electronic Cellulite Massager
PureWave CM7
The PureWave CM7 is a handheld electronic massager, and is manufactured by PADO Products, a world leader in personal massage products. The CM7 is the top of the line massager at PADO and has received a 4.5-star rating based on 1,500 reviews.
The PureWave CM7 uses percussion massage which is the most effective for cellulite reduction, has 6 different attachments each providing a unique massage experience. In addition, the device has a special facial massage feature which uses microvibration and runs at 11,000 RPM’s.
The unit is lightweight, cordless, and is easily transported.
- Best Electronic Foot Massager
Marnur Shiatsu Foot Massager
The Marnur Foot Massager uses a combination of Shiatsu rollers and air compression to work wonders on foot pain relief including aches, knots and muscle tension. It includes 3 adjustable intensity settings and allows the heat function to be activated to enhance the foot massage experience.
The Marnur is lightweight and compact enough to store under a bed or in a closet. It has a 4.5 star rating and is ranked #1 on our list.
- Best Electronic Head Massager
Breo iDream 3 Eye and Head Massager
The Breo organization, has developed a tremendous reputation in the personal massager marketplace, and their company moto is “Health starts from the head”. What better company to purchase a head massager from.
This cordless electronic massager delivers a second to none massage to the head and eye region by using a combination of air pressure, vibration, and heat. It includes 5 separate air pressure settings, 5 vibration settings, and 2 heat setting to provide the most customizable head massage available.
It is cordless, includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and an MP3 player to enhance the experience.
- Best Electronic Neck Massager
Brookstone Cordless Neck and Back Massager
Keeping in line with the quality, reliability, and functionality of the Brookstone name, this cordless neck and back massager is #1 on our list.
It has 8 Shiatsu nodes and handheld shoulders straps to accurately pinpoint the device on knots and aching muscles. Its heating function is excellent, to further penetrate those tire aching areas.
It has received a 4.5 star rating on Amazon based on 167 reviews.
