A detailed article on how to choose and buy the right massager for your back and neck!
80% of people over 30 years of age suffer from back pain - spasms, heaviness and impaired mobility. At the same time, 68% already have intervertebral hernias, which can lead not only to the development of osteochondrosis, but also to general paralysis.
If you take care of your spine in time, there will be no such consequences. All that’s left to do is buy the right massager for your back and neck at the right price.
What should the right massager be like?
There are 30 options on the market and each manufacturer beats itself in the chest, “Our massager helps better than others!” How can you verify these statements without wasting money, time and health?
It's simple! The right massager meets the three “sacred” principles of manual therapy: deep penetration (to spasming muscles), precision of impact and safety.
Deep penetration
The right massager works the muscles at a depth of up to 26-28 mm, since the cause of back pain “emerges” there - spasms, which lead to the development of osteochondrosis, hernia and diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
Impact accuracy
The right massager accurately affects the spasmed area of the muscle, which allows you to quickly relieve tension, get rid of acute pain and relieve stress on the spine.
If the massager affects a wide area of the back or neck, this reduces the effectiveness of the procedure or does not produce results at all.
Safety
If the technology is patented, certified and tested in numerous studies, then the massager is considered safe. The only thing worse than the current problem is getting worse. Therefore, choose a massager that was invented by doctors or medical scientists.
Leading manufacturers of massage equipment
In many ways, the quality of massage equipment and its effectiveness can be judged by the manufacturer. We have identified the most popular manufacturers of modern massagers, whose products are worth taking a closer look at.
Bauer is a German company that has been producing various equipment, including massage equipment, since 1919.
Bradex is a manufacturer from Israel, whose products are very popular in European countries, CIS countries, and also in Russia.
Lemes is a company from China that produces massage equipment. We owe her unique devices with rich functionality.
Medisana is another German brand. Each device released under the Medisana brand is tested by leading engineers.
US-Medica is a company originally from the USA, which has been operating since 1987, its products are distributed throughout the world.
IRest is a popular Chinese company that has been creating massage equipment since 2003 and is one of the largest suppliers to Asian and European countries.
Xiaomi is a relatively young but popular Chinese developer, which also produces massage equipment. Its main advantage is the rapid implementation of the latest technologies.
Popular neck and back massagers: pros and cons
- Tennis ball. Affordable and inexpensive massager. It relieves pain for a short time, but only affects a depth of 5-6 mm. Although the cause of pain is at a depth of 26-28 mm.
- Roller. Similar to a tennis ball - temporarily relieves pain, but does not treat the cause. Has many contraindications. For example, a roller massage for a herniated disc can aggravate the pathology and increase pain.
- Massage chair. It is ineffective and even dangerous, since erratic and harsh vibration can displace a vertebra or cause a pinched nerve.
It is obvious that these massagers do not comply with the principles of manual therapy. They don't cope with the task and can harm you.
What then will help solve your back problem?
Rating of the best back massagers
Nomination | Place | Name | Price |
Rating of the best back massagers | 1 | Yamaguchi Liberty | 49 500 ₽ |
2 | Yamaguchi Axiom Wave Pro | 28 800 ₽ | |
3 | Medisana MCN | 11 622 ₽ | |
4 | Beurer MG 260 | 17 990 ₽ | |
5 | Beurer MG100 | 8 990 ₽ | |
6 | Yamaguchi Yoki | 10 500 ₽ | |
7 | Medisana NM860 | 5 355 ₽ | |
8 | BRADEX KZ 0479 | 5 996 ₽ | |
9 | GESS Kragen | 5 550 ₽ | |
10 | Massage mat Lyapko Large, needle pitch 7.0 mm 48×27.5 cm | 3 950 ₽ | |
11 | Kuznetsov's laboratory massage mat Tibetan magnetic applicator on a soft backing 41x60 cm | 1 907 ₽ | |
12 | Nozomi MH-103 with ionizer | 3 950 ₽ |
Yamaguchi Liberty
Rating: 4.9
The first place is taken by the hybrid rocking chair and massage chair Yamaguchi Liberty. With its help, you can relax your entire back from the upper cervical vertebrae to the tailbone - the massage heads work on all areas, removing blockages along the entire length of the spine and eliminating acute pain in the absence of contraindications. The speed and intensity of rotation of the rollers is adjusted according to need, the methods of influence are Shiatsu and tapping with measured movements. The buttocks will not be left without attention - a vibration massage unit is provided in this area, capable of providing an anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect of weak, medium and strong intensity.
The developers have provided the features of proper massage for the neck, back and buttocks; they managed to achieve the effect of complete relaxation of the patient in one session. Users note the pleasure of the procedure and recommend the device for purchase for themselves or as a gift for friends and parents.
Now about the quality of the rocking chair. Its frame is light wooden from beech and birch, the upholstery is thick textiles with a breathable surface that is pleasant to the body. By the way, the fabric, although light, is quite practical - users note that even after a year of regular use the chair looks like new, this is because the textiles are easy to clean with a damp cloth. Together with the rollers, there is dense polyurethane under the upholstery, which levels the pressure of the massage block and retains its shape after the load is removed. The footrest has 5 degrees of inclination, but this is only relevant for people with a height of up to 170 cm; for taller people, their feet will already reach the floor. Control is carried out by a remote control, which is convenient to store in the pocket of the chair.
Advantages
- multifunctional chair for comprehensive massage from neck to buttocks;
- practical linen-look upholstery;
- lightweight but stable wooden frame;
- fits into almost any interior;
- preset timer for 20 minutes;
- intuitive control from the remote control;
- An ideal gift for the older generation.
Flaws
- If you are over 170 cm tall, you will have to adapt to the location of the massage areas.
Cordus is an international technology for relieving back and neck pain!
“Cordus” is a patented device and accompanying method of spinal therapy that not only eliminates pain, but also treats its cause! The principle of operation is to relax the muscles and eliminate compression of the intervertebral disc or nerve.
The device copes with pain much better than various ointments, pain-relieving injections and other medications. In fact, this is the only massager that meets all the stated principles:
- It is safe for the body,
- Works the deep muscles of the spine (up to 28 mm),
- Precisely affects the spasmodic area and relaxes the muscles in a few minutes!
Myostimulators
A flat stomach or sculpted abdominal muscles is the dream of every person who actively monitors their physical condition. Due to lack of time, many do not have time to regularly visit the gym, so the Bradex AV-Tronic myostimulator can be an effective replacement. An analogue of this device is the Ommassage Y1018 massager, which performs the same functions, but looks different. The presented device works on the principle of electronic muscle stimulation using vibration, which allows you to build muscle mass and fight excess fat without excessive effort. The myostimulator is controlled thanks to a small panel located in the front of the simulator.
EMS (Myostimulator) - neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The method increases muscle tone in extremely untrained and paralyzed people. Also useful in recovery after a stroke. A muscle myostimulator is suitable for sick people, for recovery after a stroke or a long-term illness (spinal fracture when a person lay motionless for several months), when the muscles are so atrophied that light electrical stimulation is enough to restore them. But these devices are often positioned as a means for losing weight and pumping up muscles.
Myostimulator Ommassage Y1018: ₽ 930
Myostimulator Bradex: RUB 3241
Typical result after training with the Cordus apparatus
- Posture correction at any age.
- Restoring the functioning of the vertebrae.
- Elimination of back and neck pain.
- Relaxation of muscles, elimination of pinched nerve endings.
What does the device look like?
The design corresponds to the anatomical features of the vertebrae of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, consisting of three pairs of therapeutic vertices. They affect the deep intervertebral muscles, which neither the doctor’s hands nor other massagers can reach.
Light weight, pleasant-to-touch surface and compactness allow you to take the device on any trip and practice at home, business trips or travel.
How does he work?
All you need to do is place it on a carpet or sports mat under the desired part of the spine and relax for 3 minutes. Next, transfer it under another segment of the spine. This kind of work is done on every department - from the cervical to the lumbar (5-8 zones in total).
During the procedure, the anatomical elevation is smoothly immersed to a depth of 26-28 mm, directly affecting the deep intervertebral muscles. This therapy relaxes the muscles and relieves spasms - the main cause of pain in the back and neck.
The device with vibration modes and reflexology provides better and faster relaxation of tense spinal muscles thanks to vibration. Reflexology relieves tension and stress in the nervous system, improves sleep and activates recovery processes in the muscles and the whole body.
To consolidate the result, it is recommended to use additional manual exercises from the instructions.
Choosing a manual electric massager
We chose 3 similar in appearance, but still different electric hand massagers. Unlike shiatsu, here the massage head does not rotate, but moves up and down, like a jackhammer. That's why in English they are called percussion massagers - drums.
Jade massager – Zenet ZET-711
Two features make it stand out from a number of similar products: two massaging heads and infrared heat. Less massive than WAHL, but, in general, the product is identical - when choosing, the presence of a heating mode will most likely decide the matter. Used for delicate massage.
Price: ₽ 3490 on Meleon.ru
Electric massager CS Medica CS-v1
A nice electric massager in a durable and comfortable white plastic case. Designed to perform acupressure, mechanical and vibration massage. Relieves tension in muscles, kneads tissues, improves blood flow. Using the long handle, you can massage your back yourself without outside help. The power can be adjusted in four levels, and the performance is quite enough to properly stretch even powerful muscles.
Some people think that the device is a bit heavy, but this is a completely natural price to pay for high power and reliability. You will have to pay around 2,700 rubles for the massager.
Price: ₽ 1,810
How to choose a posture corset?
To form a physiologically correct position of the spine, it is better to choose special soft correctors. They may differ slightly in their structure and appearance. The simplest type is a corset with straps that cover the shoulders in front and cross at the back. Elastic models may have a solid back, but they operate on a similar principle.
A correctly selected orthopedic product fits comfortably and does not cause discomfort. However, if you take the wrong body position, the straps begin to put pressure, forcing you to immediately straighten up.
When purchasing a corrector, you should pay attention to several factors:
- Size . If the parameters are incorrectly selected, the corset can further aggravate problems with posture.
- Degree of elasticity. For preventative models, the stiffness indicator should be minimal. Before purchasing a medical corrector of medium or high hardness, you should definitely consult your doctor.
- Materials. It is worth choosing high-quality hypoallergenic corsets that will not cause skin irritation.
recommended products
Posture corrector KOMF-ORT K-500
Hit
Posture corrector 2275
Posture corrector OppO 2075
Posture corrector 2175
Semi-rigid posture corrector K-504
Posture corrector F 4603
Diseases for which a neck massager helps
All of the types of massagers described above have a fairly high percentage of effectiveness in the fight against various diseases of the cervical spine.
They are most often used if there are disorders and symptoms such as:
- pain in the cervical and shoulder region, radiating to various parts of the body;
- osteochondrosis, grades 1 and 2, with slight displacement and lability of the vertebrae;
- lordosis, scoliosis in the initial stages of development;
- postoperative and recovery period after injuries, either a long lying or sedentary period;
- cervical radiculitis, not in the acute stage;
- headaches of static origin.
The use of massagers is also justified if a person is involved in professional sports that involve a lot of tension in the cervical and shoulder regions.
Contraindications to neck and shoulder massage:
Any treatment should be started after consultation with your doctor. Massage devices should be used with caution, for preventive purposes, without a confirmed diagnosis, as they have a number of contraindications, the main of which are:
- intervertebral hernias, of varying intensity;
- problems with blood clotting, thrombophlebitis;
- tendency to increase blood pressure, hypertension;
- mental disorders, irritability syndrome, increased nervousness;
- problems with the cardiovascular system;
- ulcers, abscesses, cuts and other formations in the area of application;
- benign and malignant tumors;
- increased body temperature;
- acute stages of spinal diseases;
- ARVI, influenza, other infections.
For spinal hernias greater than 0.8 mm. It is better to use Kuznetsov’s applicators, this eliminates injury and is the safest in the fight against pain.
Leading manufacturers of massage equipment
In many ways, the quality of massage equipment and its effectiveness can be judged by the manufacturer. We have identified the most popular manufacturers of modern massagers, whose products are worth taking a closer look at.
Bauer is a German company that has been producing various equipment, including massage equipment, since 1919.
Bradex is a manufacturer from Israel, whose products are very popular in European countries, CIS countries, and also in Russia.
Lemes is a company from China that produces massage equipment. We owe her unique devices with rich functionality.
Medisana is another German brand. Each device released under the Medisana brand is tested by leading engineers.
US-Medica is a company originally from the USA, which has been operating since 1987, its products are distributed throughout the world.
IRest is a popular Chinese company that has been creating massage equipment since 2003 and is one of the largest suppliers to Asian and European countries.
Xiaomi is a relatively young but popular Chinese developer, which also produces massage equipment. Its main advantage is the rapid implementation of the latest technologies.
Types of hardware massage
There are several types of hardware massage:
- vibration massage;
- vacuum;
- vacuum roller (LPG);
- lymphatic drainage;
- myostimulation;
- hydromassage.
Depending on the goals, one type of procedure or a complex of several techniques is prescribed.
Vibromassage
Vibromassage is an irritating effect on the surface receptors of the skin, muscles and internal organs using a special apparatus or chair. Vibromassage devices are equipped with special attachments - vibrotodes. The procedure is carried out in two ways - stable and labile. When stable, the vibration rod is installed at one point to achieve a local result; when labile, it is moved along the area being worked along a straight, spiral, zigzag, dashed, transverse or circular trajectory.
Vacuum massage
Vacuum pneumomassage is an alternation of cycles of pumping and pumping out air using special suction cups. Suction cups of different shapes and volumes are provided for different parts of the body.
With the stable method, the suction cup is applied to one point for 2-3 minutes, after which it is moved to another. If the patient's pain threshold is increased, the exposure time is reduced to 40 seconds. With the labile method, the suction cup is smoothly moved across the entire treated area.
A type of hardware vacuum massage is a vacuum-roller LPG massage. It is carried out using special roller attachments that capture folds of skin with fatty deposits.
During their processing, the membranes of fat cells are destroyed. The effect of vacuum stimulates blood flow, which increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to problem areas. As a result, the production of collagen and elastin is activated - soft tissues are smoothed and tightened. LPG vacuum roller massage is approved by the US FDA.
Lymphatic drainage massage
Lymphatic drainage massage affects the lymphatic capillaries in the upper layers of the skin. A type of lymphatic drainage is a pressotherapy procedure. The client puts on a sealed suit, in which the pressure is sharply increased and decreased using a device. Pressotherapy is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction.
Myostimulation
Myostimulation is the effect of pulsed currents of various modulations in order to cause muscle contractions. When passing through tissue, an electric current stimulates local lipolysis. The procedure helps improve the outline and relief of the problem area.
Hydromassage
Hydromassage is the effect of a jet of water on the skin and muscles. The impact area and intensity are adjusted depending on the goals of the course. The procedure is carried out in special hydrobaths or using a directional Charcot shower.