Massage Tools and Machines
Choose a massager for your feet, stiff neck and back
Massage is not just about the pleasant sensations! It also brings a host of health benefits. However, if you don’t have the time or budget to get professional massages on a regular basis, you may find it useful to get some handy massage tools to have at home. There are countless different types, both manual and electric, for different parts of the body and with different functions. Come and learn more about them and choose the right massage tool for your feet, back or whole body.
The benefits of massage
- pain relief – massage can help relieve pain in the back, neck (cervical spine) and shoulders, and even relieve some pain from arthritis and other health problems
- improvements to circulation – the pressure on the body improves the circulation of the blood, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body, lymphatic flow and the removal of waste products from the body
- improvements to flexibility – it helps relax muscles and improve joint mobility, which in turn can help prevent injury or pain
- stress relief – it also promotes mental relaxation and helps reduce stress, which can help improve sleep and mood and increase overall wellbeing
- improvements to immunity – massage can contribute to stronger immune defence
However, it is important to remember that each type of massage focuses on something different, and the benefits of one kind of massage may differ slightly from those of another.
What massage tools and machines are there?
There is a plethora of gadgets of all shapes and functions. Some of the most popular are:
- foam rollers – basic, manual, budget-friendly equipment for every athlete, whether you lift weights, run or practise yoga; the manual pressure enables you to massage stiff muscles after training or prepare them for upcoming training
- wooden massage tools – another type of manual tool that can often be used as a manual massager for cellulite
- massage guns – this massage tool for athletes represents a slightly larger financial investment, which does, however, pay off several times over, especially for busy athletes; in contrast with other electric massage tools, you can also choose different attachments (for the cervical spine, quads and back) – so you can “make” a foot massager for one moment and a back massager the next
- massage mats come in several variants:
- ○ foot massager (acupressure foot mats) help reduce muscle tension and improve movement coordination – use them, for example, before running or lower body strength training; they can also work as a massage pad for flat feet; their easy portability is a huge advantage
- ○ back massagers, despite the initial discomfort, can help you relax all the muscles in your back; they are also easily portable, so take yours with you on a road trip if you know you’ll be sitting in the car for a long time
- massage pillows help especially with relaxation of the cervical spine
- neck massagers are great for anyone who spends all day at a computer – they are a great massage tool for the cervical spine
- cellulite massagers – come in several variations and work on the principle of lymphatic massage; with regular use they help reduce the appearance of cellulite – alongside following a healthy lifestyle, of course
In addition to these massage tools for the body, we shouldn’t forget the various massage tools available for beautiful skin and hair:
- facial massage tools, such as gua sha or facial massage rollers, help keep the skin looking fresh and youthful, are great for circulation, and help transport nutrients from your skincare products into the deeper layers of skin
- facial massage devices are all sorts of cosmetic devices, from ultrasonic spatulas to silicone skin brushes and various devices for massaging the eye area to combat signs of ageing
- massage tools for the head and scalp, such as hair massage brushes, remove dirt and styling product residue from the scalp and also help with circulation to the scalp, which also helps healthy hair growth
How often should you use a massage tool?
Feel free to do it every day, but if you are stiff every day, consider seeing a specialist or making changes to your training or lifestyle.
Get a massage tool or machine to massage your cervical spine and other stiff parts of your body. Improve your health, mood and sports performance!