Handheld

We all want to buy quality and affordable massage products but finding the best handheld massager might not be as simple as you’d think. It is quite evident in our short reviews, every model comes with a certain set of features. These features can either be helpful for you or not. Manufacturers know that not everyone is looking for the same features, and they try to make the best possible combinations to have more customers.

In the coming section, we are going to explain how the different distinctive attributes of handheld massagers work, and how they can benefit you.

What Features To Look For When Buying A Handheld Massager

1- Common Massage Therapy Techniques:

It is one of the professional ways of doing massage that defines what type of massager we need.Every type of massage method has different benefits. Even though handheld massagers don’t offer the number of massage techniques you would get from larger massagers, such as massage cushions, chair pads, or massage chairs, they can still provide a good massage. Here’s a list of massage techniques you’re most likely to encounter when buying a handheld unit.

Longitudinal Gliding – Longitudinal gliding is a basic but effective massage technique administered in the direction of the blood flow. It aids the fluid dispersion from the injury site, and thus helps reduce inflammation and swelling. It is also very useful in relaxing tight muscles.

Kneading – Kneading can be performed in different ways and is described by the part of a hand used to accomplish the massage, eg thumb kneading and palm kneading. The pressure used must vary according to the purpose of the massage and the bulk of the tissues under treatment. The rhythm and rate of the movement are equally important as the pressure is applied intermittently.When it’s performed by a professional masseur, the kneading massage technique involves the compression of your soft tissues against the underlying bone structures or against one another. The masseur manages to do this by using his fingers and palms.
The handheld massager will produce this massage using the massage head attachments. These attachments will push your muscles against your bone structure, and the more you push the massager against your skin, the more intense you will feel the massage.
Kneading massage is recommended for the treatment of tight muscles, it aids in pain relief, and it increases your muscles’ flexibility.
Tapping – It is Trigger point therapy, a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Trigger points are active centers of muscular hyperactivity, which often cross-over with acupuncture points. You will also find that your muscular “knots” are commonly trigger points. When it’s performed by a professional masseur, the tapping massage technique involves pounding and striking actions that the masseur applies with his fists.
The handheld massager manages to simulate this movement using the massage heads. The attachments will strike your body repeatedly, stimulating your blood flow and increasing your muscle’s elasticity and the local temperature.
Percussion – It  is deep
transverse friction type massage method applied directly by the fingers. Transverse frictions use an oscillating pressure applied across the direction of the tissue fibres. This technique is used mainly on tendon or ligament injuries to help break down thickened, pain-producing scar tissue. If these lesions are not reduced then they are likely to cause further irritation, and degenerate more quickly than they should.When it’s performed by a professional masseur, the percussion massage involves rapid movements from the wrists that hit the body alternately with each hand.
The handheld massager simulates these movements by performing sequences of short movements that hit your muscles. The sequences can change or not, depending on the model.
Percussion massage stimulates both the skin and the muscle reflexes. This massage improves the local blood circulation, and it relaxes your muscles.
Percussion is probably the best massage technique you can find in handheld models.

Compression- Rhythmic compression into muscles used to create a deep hyperaemia and softening effect in the tissues. It is generally used as a warm-up for deeper, more specific massage work. Sports massage utilises compression massage.

Swedish Massage- Swedish massage techniques includes long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions.

The usual sequence of techniques is:

Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching.

2- Massager with Heat:

Adding heat option by product is like adding more value in its application. Using heat therapy is probably one of the best ways to unwind after a long day at work. Heat therapy promotes comfort and relaxation, and it can also take the edge off some aches and pains.
One of the advantages of using heat therapy is that it can be an effective treatment for stiffness and cramping. Of course, heat therapy can also be used with good results for other conditions, such as

• Exertion Soreness – Even if you’re used to exercising regularly, trying a new type of training can lead to exertion soreness. Most people who like to ski or snowboard experience this sensation after their first day on the slope.
  Heat therapy is one of the best ways to get rid of exertion soreness. Thanks to the warmth, your muscles will relax and the lactic acid level will be lowered, allowing you to perform better on your second day of skiing.
• Muscle Knots – Muscle knots can often produce a dull and constant pain. The knots in your muscles can sometimes be so uncomfortable they determine you to change your posture, which in turn can lead to other muscle knots or cramping.
  When you use heat therapy on a muscle knot, the results won’t fail to appear. You might not notice anything at first, but as soon as your muscle warms up properly, it will begin to relax. As the muscle relaxes, the knot will disappear and you will feel like another person.
• Painful Muscles – Sometimes your muscles can be so sore you can’t even tell which muscles hurt and which don’t. This usually happens when you’re sleep deprived or when you have vitamin D deficiency. Some people can experience this feeling when they have the flu or the cold.
  Most of the times, these muscle pains are produced by the tension accumulated in your muscles. The heat therapy can make your muscles relax and relieve the tension.
  Handheld massagers are the perfect choice for this situation because they can be moved from one part of your body to another quickly, and they are comfortable to use even when you’re feeling sick.
• Lower Back Pain – Most people experience lower back pain at least once in their lives. However, some people experience it more often than others, and in a more significant way.
  Whether you spend a lot of time sitting or you spend a lot of time standing, you’re more likely to suffer from lower back pain.
  The problem with lower back pain is that it’s very difficult to get rid of. Well, thankfully, heat therapy can be a good solution to this problem.
  Heat therapy improves the local blood circulation which allows more blood to reach the muscles surrounding your spine. Your muscles benefit from getting more nutrients and more oxygen, so they start to heal.
  Thanks to its relaxing effect, heat therapy will also relieve your muscles of tension. Without being tense, your muscles will feel better, and they will regain some of their old flexibility.

3- Speed Adjustment Features:

This is must have option now in every handheld massager and would love by customers that has an adjustable speed setting.Massager with Speed adjuster is more versatile than one that doesn’t. Changing the speed will allow you to personalize your massage setting and experience.
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing massage, you can set the massager at its lowest speed and get one. If you’re in a mood for a rougher massage, you can simply set the massager at a higher speed. This can be a very valuable feature in the long run.

4- Different Heads Attachment Option:

Multiple heads attachment option is almost every portable massager is offering.The number of attachment heads the handheld massager has can determine how you can use the unit. Most manufacturers provide more attachment heads or nods with their products, and each nod produces a different massage experience.
Using a massager that comes with multiple attachment heads and an adjustable speed setting will allow you to customize your massage sessions and tailor them to your needs.
Here are the main types of attachment heads you’re likely to find when buying a handheld massager.

• Kneading Massage Head – The kneading massage head is specially designed to provide a deep-tissue massage. Even though different manufacturers present this massage head under different names to avoid copyright infringements, they all work in a similar way.
  This massage head is usually somewhat narrow, or it has a narrow point. This attachment will push harder and reach farther under your muscles when you use it. The massage head’s design allows it to slide on the surface of your muscles and push against the points with low resistance. This will make them reach deeper and produce a more thorough massage experience.
• Wide Massage Head – Again, this massage head might have a different name, depending on the handheld massager you choose. The wide massage head is designed to produce a soothing massage. As you can probably imagine, this massage head is not suited for deep-tissue massages. It has a smooth surface that will produce a comfortable touch, and every massage session you get will be relaxing.
• Roller Head – The roller head is specially designed to provide a firm massage, but it won’t provide a deep-tissue one. This attachment head usually has multiple small bits coming out of it, and it will stimulate your local blood circulation.
  This massage head is perfect for your day-to-day massage sessions. While the massage attachment won’t provide a deep-tissue massage, it will still provide a massage powerful enough to stimulate your muscles and relax them afterward.
  Scraper Head – The scraper massage head is designed to make your skin look better. This massage head will gently remove the dead skin cells from your body, so the skin will look healthier.
  This massage head is also very effective at stimulating the blood circulation under your skin. Thanks to the increased blood flow, the skin will receive more nutrients and it will look better.
• Scalp Massage Head – Some models come with a scalp massager. While this attachment head is not as effective as scalp massagers that are specially designed for this task, it will still manage to perform a relaxing and comfortable massage.
  If you’re willing to use the handheld massager, always make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations beforehand. Some attachment heads should not be used under certain conditions.

5- Portability:

How portable is handheld massager is,  key feature to look for.A handheld massager’s portability is determined by the presence or absence of a power cord and of that power cord’s length.

• High Portability – Cordless units are the most portable handheld massagers. These units can be used anywhere if they’re charged. You can use them at home, you can use them while you’re lounging in your backyard, and you can use them while you’re at work.
• Medium Portability – Some handheld massagers come with long power cords. Some models come with power cords that are 14 feet long. These cords are long enough to allow you to move around the power outlet they use, so they offer pretty good portability.
• Low Portability – Handheld massagers that come with short power cords offer low portability. Some models have power cords that are only 3 – 4 feet long. This is a disadvantage, as you will have to stay near a power outlet or an extension cord every time you want to use the massager.

6- Versatility:

Utilization of massage machine on different body part ads versatility in it. As you could see in our short reviews, using handheld massagers offers different advantages. One of them is that you can use these massagers on most of your body. But a massager’s versatility is influenced by several features.

7- Massager Design: 

Design ads beauty and durability of any product. One of the first things you have to take into consideration when you’re looking for a handheld massager is the design. Not all manufacturers use the same design, and some are better than others.

• Elongated massagers are usually very good at reaching difficult spots. They tend to have a slimmer body which will allow you to grab the handle with ease, and they are usually easy to wield. These models usually use only one massage head, so you will have to take your time if you want to massage a larger part of your body.
• Short massagers are usually very easy to wield. They have a comfortable handle that is easy to hold, and they can reach most of your back without any problems. We have reviewed other types of electric back massagers here!
  However, you might find it difficult to reach certain spots on your body when you use these models, especially if your hands are not very long.
• Wide massagers are very effective. Instead of using one or two massage nodes, these models use a single wide one. The wide massage attachment usually contains several smaller units that work in unison to produce a comfortable massage. These units are very effective at covering large surfaces in quick succession, and they will massage your whole body in no time whatsoever.

8- Weight of Massager:

When we talk about handheld then weight and size matter a lot. In fact weight of the handheld massager plays a key role in its versatility. You might buy a top-of-the-line product, but if it’s too heavy for you to hold comfortably, you won’t be able to use it to its full potential.
You should know that handheld massagers are specially designed to be a little heavier than you would expect because of the following reasons. The weight makes the massager more stable when the motor is working at a higher speed.
If the unit would have a powerful motor and a low weight, it would shake and rattle when you would use it. The extra weight offers you the possibility to change the massage intensity.
Sure, you can change the motor’s speed and that will also change the intensity.
But when you push against the massager, it is able to penetrate more into your body and provide a deep-tissue massage.
If the massager would be very light, it wouldn’t feel comfortable when you would push it against your muscles.
However, you should always make sure you will be able to use the massager comfortably before buying a model. You could test this by filling a bottle of water and trying to bring it over your back. If the water bottle feels too heavy, think about how a working massager would feel. Not too comfortable, most likely.

9- Cordless or With Power Cord Length:

Cordless or with power cord required, is depending upon our way of use.If cordless is the option then battery timing is the main thing to look for.The power cord’s length also plays a role in the unit’s versatility. As you can imagine, a unit with a shorter power cord will be less versatile. Here’s why.
Not only will a short power cord make you use an extension cord or stay near a power outlet when you use the massager, but it might also interfere when you want to change the massager’s position.
If you want to change the power cord from one place to another, the power cord can sometimes get in the way. This can be frustrating, so it would be better if the power cord was longer.
Of course, cordless units don’t have these problems unless their batteries are depleted. When they’re operating on batteries, these units are very versatile. When they’re connected to their chargers, they have a limited versatility because the chargers usually have a short power cord.

10- Battery: 

For cordless and portable handheld massagers battery life is the most important factor that depicts success of the product. Whether batteries are swappable or built-in. what is battery life for good handheld massager? 3 to 4 hours battery life after fully charging is considered top notch.

11- Massager for Multiple Body Parts:

Some wants massager to use on multiple parts of the body but few wants specific product for each body part. Not all the massage attachments are designed to work on every part of your body. In fact, some of them are rather uncomfortable when you try to use them on sensitive spots.
Having a model that comes with multiple attachment heads is an advantage because it offers more chances of finding a good attachment head for every part of your body, sensitive or not.