Massagers, Hand Held Massager, Massage Devices, Foot Massager

What is a Hand Massager?

A hand massager can mean a device that is used to massage the hands, or refers to a hand-held massager, a device held in the hands while massaging other parts of the body. A massager that targets the hands is designed specifically to help with the aches and pains associated with stressful use of the hands. A hand-held massager can function for the sole purpose of alleviating hand stress, but it can also have multiple applications and be used with other devices.

Hand massagers are generally used to keep the hands warm and improve blood circulation, as well as relieve hand fatigue and aches in joints and fingers. Those who suffer from arthritic conditions may benefit from the use of a hand massager, especially if used with appropriate hand massage creams or oils. Some hand massagers can function as a form of physical therapy by using them to recover from stress injuries, or to regain mobility in the digits. This type of massager is contoured to target stress points along the hands, and holding, squeezing, gripping, and rolling it might result in better control of the hands.

Hand-held massagers can vary considerably in their features. Some look prickly since they are intended to add pressure to different points on the hand, and others may appear to be smooth and have grooves designed to help with grip. Some hand-held massagers come equipped with heating or vibration options, which enable the user to set the intensity of heat and vibration to a pleasurable, comfortable or therapeutic level. It can also be designed so when it is handled, the massager triggers acupressure points to help relieve stress and tension.

What is a Muscle Massager?

A muscle massager may be either a hand-held wand or stick, or an electronic device. Both types are meant to help a person massage their own muscles without the need of someone else. This makes using a muscle massager convenient to help relieve tension and pain when muscles are knotted or sore after exercise or everyday activities. Standing and sitting for long periods of time can also create painful knots, and stress can be another factor that results in muscle tension. A manual muscle massager can help relieve the tension and pain of these various factors. An electronic muscle massager may consist of several patches that are connected to a type of control. The patches may adhere temporarily to the skin over the sore muscles and the user can control the intensity of the pulses sent to the muscles through the patches.

Both types of muscle massagers can help by promoting the circulation of blood through the muscle tissue since pain from stiff muscles and cramps often decreases as blood pumps through the affected areas. Increasing circulation can also help a person feel more invigorated after strenuous activities. Manual and electronic massagers work in slightly different ways. An electronic massager can help in deep tissue massaging by sending pulses that penetrate through the skin and into the muscle tissue, and possibly the nervous system and bones. A manual massager tends to work more along the lines of a trigger point therapy. Rolling it over sore muscles may help to locate an especially painful knot, called a trigger point, which can cause other tight muscles throughout the body. By placing pressure with the massager to the trigger point for approximately 20 or 30 seconds, the muscle may be relieved of its tension.

What is a Body Massager?

A body massager is a tool that is used to help ease muscle tension during a massage, and may be made of wood, plastic or stone to fit easily into the palm of the hand. These tools are normally made from easily washable materials since it is common to use a body massager with emollients such as oils or lotions. They can be used by a professional massage therapist during a spa treatment, or at home. A benefit of using this kind of tool is that a good deal of pressure can be applied to knotted and aching muscles without causing pain in the fingers. With pressure from the hand and arm directed into the body massager, the tool does most of the work that is required.

There are many different kinds of massagers available, some are intended for specific areas such as the head, neck, back or legs, and others are made for use all over the body. Some body massagers are electric or battery operated which makes them easy to use at home. Normally this type does all the work and does not require the user to apply much pressure, and it is typically made of some kind of plastic or similar synthetic material, and can vibrate. The vibration can help relieve aching or sore muscles by doing what the hands of a massage therapist does.

What is a Heated Massager?

A heated massager is a massager that is equipped with a heating capability which is able to provide a kind of heat therapy along with muscle therapy. Heated massagers are available in a variety of forms, such as general body massagers, neck, and foot massagers. They can offer many health-related benefits besides relieving aching muscles. Heated massagers can soothe stiff and aching muscles, which can come from intense exercise, a body’s reaction to changes in the weather, or day-to-day activities. Whatever the source of discomfort, they can be a part of a person’s home therapy to help reduce muscle pain and soreness. A heated massager can also have indirect applications, such as alleviating tension and stress. They can reduce the instance of related muscle aches and pains that might present themselves later as a result of that tension and stress. They have also been known to improve blood circulation.

Different models of heated massagers can vary in functions. Some can come with different massaging speeds and heat settings allowing the user to select the speed and heat setting that is most suitable for their needs. They can also come with a warming pad and are usually designed to be laid flat against the body. When flat, the massager can remain in place and provide steady, hands-free stimulation to an affected area. Some may be portable to be taken outside of the home and used in various locations for those suffering from consistently aching muscles.

Rehabmart is proud to carry a comprehensive variety of professional and hand-held massagers from renowned and innovative vendors that include Mettler Electronics, Fabrication Enterprises, Core Products International Inc., Enabling Devices, Pivotal 5, ProMed Specialties, North Coast and Custom Craftworks.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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