So you bought yourself a massager, eh? Owning a massager is a convenient way to relieve stress and tension without having to go anywhere or spend loads of money.
Maybe this is your first time owning and using one or perhaps you’ve had one for years and use it often – either way, if you own a massager than in order to enjoy the full range of its benefits, it’s best to know what you can and can’t do with it.
Where?
Being aware of your body and its muscles is necessary for operating a massager, especially for a safe and pleasurable experience.
Certain massagers will have names or descriptions indicating the areas of the body that the device was designed for, such as “Neck and Shoulder Massager” or “Back Cushion Massager.” This doesn’t mean you can’t use the massager on other parts of the body if it’s not clearly mentioned.
- Do use a hand-held, cushion or any other form of massager on external parts and extremities of the body that are larger than the massage nodes. Using a massager on the back of your neck, down to your calves, and from shoulder to forearm is the safest and best areas to use with a massager. Try to focus on the biggest muscles in your body, like your “traps” in between your shoulders and on either side of your neck, the muscles along your spine, your thighs, glutes and calves.
- Don’t use a massager on your face, internal or smaller parts of the body that are sensitive or delicate areas or small enough to get pinched or stuck near the massage nodes. If you poke the questionable area on your body and feel bone, it’s best not to use a massager on that area. Adversely, if the area you touch is soft, then underneath should be muscles and tendons which can usually be used with a massager. However, this doesn’t go for the front of your body. Most areas on the front of your body are too soft and delicate for the massager, but your thighs. Also, do not use a massager in one spot for prolonged periods of time.
What?
We all want a massage after a long day’s work, right? Our muscles are aching, we feel the tension and we just want to relax. A massager can remedy these problems, but please make sure you understand what to massage and what not to.
- Do use a massager on sore, tense, over-worked muscles. If your body feels fatigued and your muscles strained and tight, a massager can release the tension and increase blood flow.
- Don’t use a massager if you have serious injuries. If you have any injuries on or near the area you intend to work on or injuries involving your muscles or tendons, then you should consult your doctor before using. Also, ask your doctor whether using a massager is right for you if you have sensitive skin, a skin condition, or anything else that could be irritated or worsened. Furthermore, be cautious about using a massager with a heat function as it could also irritate the skin.
When?
Believe it or not, there is actually a good time to use the massager and situations when it’s not recommended.
- Do use your massager in the morning, during the day and early in the evening. You can use a massager when you’re healthy and when you have a mild cold.
- Don’t use your massager if you’re pregnant, just had surgery or have a fever. It’s recommended not to use a massager (especially one with heat) during these situations because your body is weaker than normal and recovering.
It’s also advised not to use the massager before going to sleep because the increase of blood flow and vibrations can stimulate the body and make you feel energized. However, massages affect everyone differently and after using your massager enough, you can decide whether or not you want to use it before sleep.
I hope this has helped and if you have any questions or concerns that haven’t been addressed in this article, please consult your doctor for a more accurate response.
