Massagers have a variety of applications in an increasingly health and wellness-driven society. Whether you choose a small, natural hand-held massager, or look for a large massaging chair, a massager can ease sore muscles, help you relax and even target problem areas in your joints and muscles. When choosing a massager, remember that it is not a replacement for seeing a chiropractor about a serious problem. Instead, use it to home to help relax, sleep better and feel better temporarily.
Types
Massages vary in style, shape and type. Drugstores sell small, hand-held massagers that use rollers or fingers to knead sore muscles. The same hand-held massager could use batteries for vibration and a deeper massage. Chair massagers are popular for those who want to sit and relax while the machine does the work, and foot massagers target the aching muscles of the feet.
Applications
You can use massagers on almost any part of your body for tired joints and muscles, relaxation and even better circulation. You can use a hand-held massager on the back, arms and legs, hands and even the face. Using a massager on your face face can promote better circulation to make you look younger, says MassageTherapy101.com. Chair massagers are mostly for the back, and have different settings and even heat for sore muscles, aches and pains.
Costs
The cost of a massager varies greatly, and is mostly dependent on the complexity and technology involved, as well as how much energy you have to use to get the massage. A hand-held massager that doesn't use batteries generally costs around $3, as of 2010. Add batteries and a vibrating motion, and that cost could rise to $20. The more settings and attachments a massager has, generally the more expensive it is. A foot massager often has essential oil options and heat, and costs around $40.
A chair massager can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the chair, the attachments and the settings. A massage pad that drapes over a chair will be less expensive than an entire chair with the massager built in.
Safety
Read the instructions before you begin using your massager. Some are designed to go in the shower, so they can work with the heat of the water to loosen muscles, but most should not be submerged in the water. Be careful of electric massagers, which may cause a shock, if you use them improperly. Never use a massager for something other than its intended purpose; it could result in an injury.
Having a friend to help you with your massage is a good idea; if you are reaching too far to massage a spot on your back, you could strain a muscle.
Considerations
Always consult your physician if you have pains or aches that don't seem to go away or improve with the help of a massager. She may suggest you see a chiropractor or visit a licensed masseuse. Massagers are better as a short-term solution, or a way to cope with pain. Don't rely on your massager to cure your muscle pain, which may be the symptom of a more serious condition.
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