Electric handheld massagers are more popular than ever, and there’s little wonder why.
Massagers can be very fancy and even feel like real human hands massaging your body, and the ones made for the back and shoulder area are great sellers because this is the area where a lot of people hold in their tension.
Indeed, neck, back, and shoulder massagers go a long way in helping you feel better both physically and emotionally, but are they really good for you? Can back massagers be used regularly without harming you?
Below are some of the things you need to know before rushing out and buying that massager.
What Are Back Massagers Good for?
If you’ve been curious about how good these massagers really are, just consider some of the many benefits they can provide. Massagers made specifically for the back and shoulder area can:
- Adjust to accommodate all body types.
- Calm down the nervous system.
- Circulate your blood to keep you healthier.
- Help heal certain injuries, such as pulled or strained muscles.
- Help make certain conditions feel better, including arthritis, migraines, and plantar fasciitis.
- Help with digestive problems.
- Relieve sore muscles, stress, and achiness.
- Relieve stress and promote sleep.
Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
The original shiatsu “pillow” massager. It’s ergonomic and sleek design fits perfectly in any chair and sits comfortably in the small of your back or neck.
If you have a stressful job, using a back and shoulder massager can relieve your stress. If you have pain in that area of your body, it can make the pain go away. If you have an injury of some type, it can help it heal much faster.
For both physical and psychological reasons, these massagers can change your whole attitude toward life, and most of them cost much less than you might think.
Are There Downsides to Using a Back Massager?
Just as with any other product on the market, back massagers have their downsides.
For starters, if you have a broken bone, a cut, or a clot of some type, these massagers could possibly make things worse instead of better. This is because massagers are made mostly for general aches and pains that are muscular in nature, not other physical problems.
If you have a broken bone or one of these other conditions, it’s best either not to use your massager or check with your doctor first.
Cloud Massage Foot & Calf Massager
One of the best foot massagers on the market today, offering rolling massage, compression therapy, sway function, heat function as well as quiet mode.
Another potential problem – although extremely rare – is the possibility of suffering an ischemic stroke.
These strokes happen when you use the massager too aggressively in the neck area, which is a possibility when you’re using it for back and shoulder problems. This aggressive activity occasionally results in the dissection of the internal carotid artery, which can cause a stroke.
Again, this is extremely rare, but it does happen and should be kept in mind when using your massager.
Finally, if your massager is showing any wear and tear, especially exposed wires of any type, it’s best not to use it because in these cases, you can receive an electric shock that at the very least is uncomfortable and at the most can be downright painful.
Especially if your massager is getting older or it hasn’t received the best treatment, you’ll want to check it regularly for leaky batteries, corrosion of any type, or exposed wires because this type of shock can occur when any of these conditions are present.
Resteck Neck, Back & Shoulder Massager
One of the best selling massagers on the market, the Resteck massager comes equipped with adjustable levels, 3D kneading, heating function, and auto shut down.
The “Rules” of Massage
When using back massagers, it may feel so good that you won’t want to stop, but you have to remember that massagers are not toys. They are there to relax your muscles and to relieve pain, but that doesn’t mean you can use them whenever you like.
In fact, it is generally recommended that you use a massager no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This is because it is possible for muscles to become too relaxed, which can make some everyday activities a little more challenging.
Even if you get regular massages, most therapists will recommend a certain number of days per week because with any type of massage, daily use is not recommended.
If you buy yourself a back massager, or any other type of massager, you should always pay attention to the recommendations made in the instructions. This is the best way to ensure you won’t overdo it and suffer more pain instead of feeling better, which is of course your goal.
Conclusion
A back massager can be a wonderful tool, but that doesn’t mean you can use it whenever and however you want. Paying attention to the proper way to use the massager is a must, but if you do this and make sure you check with your doctor if you have any concerns about its use, it should be perfectly safe to use.
These massagers are well-made and built to last, and they can help you feel better almost instantly, not just physically but also emotionally. They are certain to be your best friend on those days where you need some relief from stress or the aches and pains that plague us all.