How to Choose a Massage Tool – Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose the type that best suits your purposes.
- Check the size of the tool for portability and ease of use.
- Look for features that add more value.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
1
Choose the Type That Best Suits Your Purposes
Massage tools come in different sizes, shapes, and modes. The best one for you would depend on your purposes, specifically the areas and issues you want to target. Below are the most common types of massage tools available in the market.
Manual Massage Tools Give You More Control
Manual massagers like rollers, balls, and rods, are smaller and usually feature knobs or a textured surface to address deep-seated knots. These tools are versatile, as you can use one product for multiple areas like the back, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet. They are also usually more portable and come with straightforward instructions.
In addition, manual massage tools let you focus on the areas that you want to treat and allow you to adjust the pressure you apply on those areas based on your liking. However, it might be difficult to use manual massage tools for an extended period of time because of user fatigue.
Electric Massage Tools Are More Intense
If you want to just sit back and let the massage tool do all the work, electric massage tools like massage guns, cushions, belts, or seats, are the ones for the job. They are certainly less portable than manual massage tools, but they make up for it with a variety of modesーthey canvibrate, rotate, or knead the troubled areas for you.
They also usually offer more intense pressure, which is excellent for those who want a deep-tissue massage. Some even have options for a heated massage! However, these tend to be on the more expensive side of the price spectrum, and some products are specialized for use on specific areas of the body only.
A TENS Unit Stimulates Nerve Endings and Releases Endorphins
A TENS or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit works by delivering small electrical impulses through electrodes with adhesive pads to adhere to a person's skin. It might look intimidating, but you'll only feel a tingling sensation in the targeted areas. TENS units are used to help treat neck and back pain, period pain, arthritis pain, and more.
The electrical impulses sent through the electrodes or the sticky pads flood the nervous system, which reduces its ability to transmit pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. This also causes the body to produce its natural painkillers called endorphins. Also, most machines have different intensity options, so you can tailor the pressure to your liking.
However, more research is required to prove the efficiency of TENS units. While many users attest to its effectiveness and safety, a TENS unitbut may not be appropriate for you if you're pregnant, have epilepsy, or have a pacemaker or another medical implant.
2
Check the Size of the Massage Tool for Portability and Ease of Use
Something to consider when buying a massage tool is the size. Smaller ones are portable and are more discreet if you want to use them in public, while bigger massage tools can offer more substantial pressure and hands-free experience.
Small Tools Are Portable and Ideal for Massaging Specific Points
Smaller massage tools, usually manual, have tiny knobs or nodes. These can reach muscles in more concealed areas that larger massage tools won't be able to reach. However, they are not as intense and usually rely on the user's strength.
Whether it's a massage ball that you can put in your bag or an electric massage cushion to put in your car, these tools will give you comfort and relief no matter where you are. Plus, storage at home won't be a problem!
Bigger Massage Tools Offer Relief for Large Areas or Full Body
Generally speaking, larger massage tools can cover the larger areas of the body like the glutes, pecs, quadriceps, or hamstrings. If the massage tool is not big enough, there won't be enough localized pressure to relieve the pain or strain in those muscles.
Besides being able to cover bigger muscles, larger-sized massage tools like massage chairs or belts can work on multiple parts of the body all at once. They can give you a more intense pressure, but you usually have to stay near a power source.
3
Look for Features That Add More Value
Massage tools nowadays have come a long way, thanks to technology that aims to give users the best massage experience they can get. Electric massagers, for example, have safety features like an auto shut-off and timer, as well as adjustable speeds and heating. Meanwhile, manual tools can level up the intensity with special designs like spikes for trigger points.
