While there are no formal guidelines for how long to use a massager, you shouldn’t use them too long, especially not in one place on your body. “There are reported cases of fascial damage from excessive massager use,” explains Dr. Lev Kalika, owner of New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy. “Patients should understand that massagers are not intended as self-treatment but rather as a supplemental tool. It is very easy to create fascial or cutaneous nerve damage if you use excessive pressure or excessive time under pressure.” The top piece is a bit bulky and might be difficult to position at first, but once you figure it out you’ll be amazed at the quality of massage this product provides.

Features and details: Consider aspects such as heat, intensity levels, and types of massage. Decide if you prefer a battery-operated or corded electric device. Consider the weight and size if you plan to bring the massager to work, to the gym, or on trips.

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Pros: You can use this massager on your upper or lower body. It has a 15-minute automatic shutoff, so you don’t have to worry about overdoing it. It also comes with its own carrying case, charger cord, and car charger.

Swedish massage is the most common massage therapy in the U.S. This technique targets muscles to promote relaxation and possible short-term pain… READ MORE The Renpho Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager functions like a massage gun but with the convenience of a handheld device. The cordless, rechargeable device is portable and easy to use on the go, whether at home, work, or on vacation. Manual massagers: They may not be hands-free, but manual massagers allow you to apply as much pressure as you like. Key specs – Device type: support device; Massage type: Traction support; Heat option: No; Intensity/speed settings : No If overused, yes, but this is true to just about everything. Start with a short massage session on a low setting and slowly increase both pressure and duration to the optimal level.

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Details: This rechargeable, handheld massager has multiple percussion speed options. It comes with five interchangeable massage nodes and a charger. Each charge lasts for up to 140 minutes. I think that massagers are not a bad idea as long as they are not pushed too strong and not overused,” says Dr. Kalika. They also make it easy to reach trigger points or a painful area to loosen tight muscles or improve circulation where needed. Vibration in Massage Chairs With the information gathered from our experts, we assessed each product for type, use, additional features, safety recommendations, and more.

Details: This wireless, rechargeable massager has six comfortable gel nodes that grip underneath muscle, for a 3-D shiatsu-style massage. It also includes an optional heat mode.Pros: A large LCD display gives information about the type of massage you should choose for each area of the body. These massage types include kneading, acupuncture, and cupping. Mirakel’s 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.”

A vibrating platform is used for whole-body vibration therapy. It's a machine you stand or sit on and expose your body to the vibrating movement of the device. Plus, it has an internal wire that conforms to you, providing a perfect fit. We like that it has a heating function and three different intensity settings, which is great for a really versatile and customizable massage. The massager will automatically shut off after 15 minutes to ensure safe relaxation and recovery. Details: This TENS device is battery operated and sends small, electrical impulses to the body through electrodes implanted in adhesive pads. Each pad is labeled for the body part it’s intended for. To adjust the strength of the massage, you have to adjust your level of pull on the handles,” explained one of our testers. “The massager is very light, so to get a strong massage, you have to pull the handles with a good amount of pressure, which makes it feel a bit like you have to do some of the work.” 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.Lean into the pillow, which has in built rotating massage balls, and a heat option, to warm up the target area, and massage away any knots or tension. For such a simple tool, it's well designed. The ergonomic curves and bumps are in the right places, so you get an effective massage. It's lightweight, easy to grip, and versatile. Key specs – Device type: Pillow; Massage type: Acupressure; Heat option: No; Intensity/speed settings : None Cheaper and simpler massagers will only have one mode of operation. For higher priced and more intensive massagers, look out for the following: Details: This massage pillow contains eight bidirectional, deep-kneading shiatsu roller balls that users say feel like human hands. This is a corded, electric device. The control panel and DC power port are located in the positioning handles. It has three speed strength levels and an infrared heat option.