The Best Handheld Massager of 2020: Pain Relief and Relaxation At Home
No matter what your job or lifestyle is, and whether you’re a sedentary or a physically active person, the chances are that you will experience muscle pain and/or stiffness at some point. This is a very common occurrence, and fortunately, there is a potent remedy for it – massage.
With the technological advances of the 20th and 21st centuries, some smart people have figured out how to make devices that can do things which humans normally would.
This has lead to the creation of electronic massagers – very convenient machines that let you perform self-therapy in the comfort of your home.
Today, I am going to try and help you find the best handheld massager for your specific needs. If you feel like your muscles could use some loosening up, then I advise you to read on.
See Also:
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- Best Massage Cushion Reviews on the Market 2020 (Updated 01/2019)
- The 7 Best Portable Massage Chairs of 2020: Delivering Comfort, Quality, and Relaxation
Contents
- Top 5 Handheld Massagers – Comparison Table
- What is a handheld massager?
- Why buy a handheld massager?
- What to know before buying a handheld massager?
- Top 5 Handheld Massagers On The Market – Reviewed
- 1. Purewave CM-07 Massager – An Amazing Choice For (Almost) Everyone
- 2. HoMedics Percussion Massager – A Wide Massager With Narrow Options
- 3. Renpho Deep Tissue Massager – A Fully Remote Option
- 4. Naipo Handheld Percussion Massager – Corded But Versatile, Heated, Easy To Use
- 5. Gideon Percussion Handheld Massager – Affordable Yet Quite Good
- Best Handheld Massager Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Words and Verdict
Top 5 Handheld Massagers – Comparison Table
| Our Top Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
An Amazing Choice For (Almost) Everyone | Purewave CM-07 Massager
| 100% Fantastic |
A Wide Massager With Narrow Options | HoMedics Percussion Massager
| 85% Great |
A Fully Remote Option | Renpho Deep Tissue Massager
| 90% Great |
Corded But Versatile, Heated, Easy To Use | Naipo Handheld Percussion Massager
| 80% Good |
Affordable Yet Quite Good | Gideon Percussion Handheld Massager
| 80% Good |
What is a handheld massager?
Well, there’s not much to explain here really. A handheld massager is an electronic device that you can hold with only one hand and which has a massage head that applies pressure to the desired area of the body to relieve stiffness related pain.
Why buy a handheld massager?
These devices may yield many significant benefits if used correctly and regularly, and in this section, I’m going to tell you all about it.
Medical benefits
Muscle relaxation
The first and most obvious benefit of this device is that it relaxes your muscles. When the right amount of pressure is applied to a stiff tissue, it starts to loosen up, and there is a delightful sensation of relief.
This relief is not only physical but also mental, so a massager can help you get rid of your stress as well.
Sleep improvement
Imagine this-you’re returning home after a rough day at work feeling sore and worn out. You get into some comfortable clothes, turn on your massager, and start treating the back of your neck (or any other part of your body that’s in pain).
Suddenly, the pleasant feeling of relaxation starts to set in, and it breaks the cloud of negative thoughts brought on by the stress of the day.
Your muscles are now looser, your mood is up, and you’re feeling relaxed and comfortable in your body.
So, how do you think this will affect your sleep? It’s going to make you sleep like a baby.
Muscle soreness treatment
Massage is one of the best ways to treat exercise-related muscle soreness. Contrary to what many people think, stretching isn’t the best method of relieving sore muscles, and it can actually be counterproductive as it will tear the contracted muscle fibers.
Pressure from the massage helps to spread the lactic acid which causes the soreness and thus speeds up one’s recovery.
Great for blood circulation
In case you didn’t know, massage can do wonders in improving local blood circulation, meaning the circulation of a particular part of the body. In return, this creates a plethora of benefits for that particular area including muscle and joint pain relief and skin improvement.
Other benefits
Convenience
Unlike the massage therapist with whom you have to book an appointment, the handheld massager can be used anytime, anywhere. This gives you a lot of freedom and causes to disruption of your daily schedule.
Since many of these devices are rather compact, you can even bring them with you to work or trips. Certain models are powered by batteries so you’ll be able to use them to massage yourself even outdoors.
Affordability
Besides being super-convenient, handheld massagers are incredibly cost-effective. They are relatively inexpensive, require almost no maintenance, and will save you a significant amount of money that you would normally pay to a massage therapist.
Easy to operate
Electronic massagers are designed in such a way that you don’t need to be an expert to use them. All it takes is to read the manual, check all the functions that your device has and then start using it.
What to know before buying a handheld massager?
Power source
When it comes to the power source of the massager, you have two options:
- Power cord
- Battery
Either of these options might be good or not so good depending on your needs.
If portability is your main concern then definitely go for the battery powered model as you’ll be able to use it anywhere.
A cord powered device allows you to use the massager for as long as you want, but you’ll need to be close to a power outlet. Don’t forget to think about the length of the power cord as this will significantly influence the convenience of using the massager.
Heating
Certain handheld massagers offer heating options as well, and these are usually the more popular ones. The reason why heating is a desirable feature is that the warmth helps penetrate the muscles deeper and thus creates better relaxation.
Athletes and those who do hard physical work are advised to get a model with this option. Also, most of these massagers have a thermostat, so you don’t have to worry about overheating.
Focus area
Regarding the part of the body that you wish to massage, you can buy either a device made specifically for that area or one made for broader use.
Speaking of the latter, many such massagers have interchangeable heads, each made for a specific purpose. For example, there will be a head for very focused areas, a head for massaging large muscle groups, and a head for broader use.
Design
Handheld massagers come in a variety of shapes and forms. There are elongated, thin models which are excellent for reaching difficult spots like the middle of your back, for example.
Another kind would be the short and compact models which are very easy to maneuver but won’t give you the reach of longer ones. Last, there are wide models that cover large surfaces, and they’re optimal for general massage purposes.
Price
Just like any other product, the prices of massagers greatly vary, and there is a model for everyone’s pocket. Even though the cost somewhat determines the quality, this is not always the case.
There are plenty of affordable and mid-priced devices which are well-built and effective, as well as some overpriced models which don’t live up to their claims. My best advice is to read the reviews and check what previous and current users of the massagers have to say.
Top 5 Handheld Massagers On The Market – Reviewed
1. Purewave CM-07 Massager – An Amazing Choice For (Almost) Everyone
(Via: amazon.com)
Those who are looking for a versatile, portable and elongated model have to read about the Purewave CM-07 massager.
The first thing that you need to know is that this is a cordless, battery-powered massager. It has a built-in lithium-ion battery which charges very fast (approximately 1 hour) and lasts for around two whole hours of use.
It is a great option for athletes who wish to bring it to their training sessions, or therapists who are always on the move.
Second, the massager comes with five different heads, each of which can be used for a different kind of massage and body part. It works on the percussion principle and is great at improving blood flow, relieving pain, and breaking muscle knots.
It even has an extension for face massage which will turn your frown upside down! However, this device doesn’t include heating options.
Third, this is a long model that can easily reach any spot on your body. Depending on which massage head you’re using, you can work on either specific spots or massage broader surfaces.
Last, the price of Purewave’s CM-07 is not among the cheapest, but I say that it is well worth it. No matter if you’re an athlete or just someone looking to loosen up, this product will do the trick.
Things I Liked
- Well-built
- Versatile
- Charges quickly and the battery lasts long
- Portable
Things I Didn’t Like
- No heating options
2. HoMedics Percussion Massager – A Wide Massager With Narrow Options
(Via: amazon.com)
If you thought that the previous device was too thin, then HoMedics’s massager might be what you’re looking for. Let’s see what it can do.
Unlike the Purewave, HoMedics is a cord-powered device which limits your movement but removes the time limit on your massage sessions. This massager is made for home use, but a therapist can use it in their clinic without any problems too.
Another key difference between this and the previously reviewed model is the size of the massage heads and the number of nodes. HoMedics has a rather wide head to which two percussion nodes are attached.
It has two extra nodes included in the package, but it doesn’t have any other types of extensions.
The product is excellent for general massage purposes as it isn’t made for any specific area of the body. A big benefit of this model is that it has heating which promotes relaxation.
Despite having a large head, the massager can easily be maneuvered with one hand, and it is pretty long so you’ll be able to reach all parts of your body.
The last (and best) thing about this product is its price, which is more than three times lower than Purewave but still packs a lot of quality and functionality.
Things I Liked
- Smooth and not too piercing
- It includes a heating option
- Cord powered for unlimited massage time
Things I Didn’t Like
- Only one type of massage head
- Too wide for some
3. Renpho Deep Tissue Massager – A Fully Remote Option
(Via: amazon.com)
In case you’re in search of a whole-body, cordless, and affordable massager, then Renpho might be the right one for you.
As I’ve mentioned, this device doesn’t have a power cord as it works on a 2600 mAh battery which can last up to 140 minutes.
It charges relatively fast, and it can be used for around 20 minutes per session as anything longer would cause it to overheat. But you don’t have to worry about the time as it will turn off automatically.
Just like the Purewave, this model too doesn’t include a heating option, but this is common for battery-powered devices. However, it does make up for this shortcoming with its versatility, as it has five different massage heads.
You’ll be able to use it for any part of the body, focused or broader massage.
Renpho’s design is long and thin, so it’s very easy to handle and move around. Another high point of this one is its price, which is more than affordable for the quality that this device has.
Things I Liked
- Versatile
- Safety switch prevents overheating
- Portable
- Easy to maneuver
Things I Didn’t Like
- No heating option
- Some users reported problems with charging
- Can’t be used more than 20 minutes at a time
4. Naipo Handheld Percussion Massager – Corded But Versatile, Heated, Easy To Use
(Via: amazon.com)
Here’s a device that resembles both Purewave and Renpho in terms of design, but it has a few key differences in other areas. Meet Naipo Handheld Massager, and find out more about it here.
The biggest difference between Naipo and the models mentioned above is the power source, as Naipo uses a cord instead of a battery. This makes it ideal for massages at home, in the office, or anywhere indoors, really.
The strong points of Naipo are its versatility and heating option. It has six interchangeable massage nodes which can be used for different types of massage including deep tissue, relaxing, as well as pain reduction.
The heat will only enhance the massage experience and effectiveness.
Naipo’s design is elongated and similar to Purewave, although it is a bit heavier and some users might find it difficult to hold with one hand.
Now, as far as its price is concerned, this massager is beyond affordable. The cost is similar to that of the Renpho and HoMedic’s products, which I feel is very appropriate.
Things I Liked
- It’s very versatile
- Includes a heating option
- Great price
- Very simple to operate
Things I Didn’t Like
- Might be too heavy for some users
- Limited portability
5. Gideon Percussion Handheld Massager – Affordable Yet Quite Good
(Via: amazon.com)
The final model on today’s list is made by Gideon, and it’s somewhat different than the others, but it earned its way into this article thanks to its quality and affordability.
Gideon is a powered through a 7.5 feet long cord which is enough to allow you a lot of movement freedom when you’re massaging yourself. You won’t be able to use it in the park per se, but you could do it in your backyard if you have an extension cord.
What sets this model apart from the other ones I reviewed today is its size and shape. Gideon is a small, compact device that resembles a hairdryer by design. It has a round, relatively large massage head that has three different nodes for various kinds of massage.
This massager won’t let you reach remote spots on your body by yourself, so you’ll need help from your spouse or a family member for that.
Gideon includes seven adjustable speed settings, but it has no heating option. The selling point of this model is definitely its price, which is incredibly low and makes this massager the cheapest on today’s list.
Things I Liked
- It has a long power cord
- Pretty versatile
- It is compact and easy to pack or store
- Very cheap
Things I Didn’t Like
- No heating option
- Can’t reach remote spots on the body
Best Handheld Massager Frequently Asked Questions
Can handheld massagers be dangerous?
If used correctly, handheld massagers are completely safe. However, there is some potential danger when using them improperly.
Remember to always follow the instructions and never use the massager for the body parts that it wasn’t made for, and you should not encounter any problems.
Can a handheld massager be used during pregnancy?
Yes, but only if your doctor tells you so. Massages during pregnancy can be risky, so do not get any kind of massage unless you get clearance from a medical professional.
Can I use the massager on my kid?
This depends on the age of the child. You shouldn’t use it on babies and toddlers, but if your kid is 7 years or older, there should be no problems with using this product on them.
Should I only use the massager on bare skin?
In most cases, yes, but not necessarily. Certain models allow you to massage yourself over clothes, which is a more hygienic as dead skin cells and sweat won’t linger on the massagers nodes.
How can I clean my massager?
The cleaning instructions should be contained within the user manual. Most handheld massagers can simply be wiped by a damp cloth and then left to dry.
How long should I use the massager for?
The length of the massage time should be pointed out by the manufacturer. Usually, it is recommended to use these devices for around 15 minutes at a time. Nowadays, many handheld massagers turn off automatically when a session comes to an end.
Is it normal for a massager to become warm?
Most handheld massagers tend to heat up the more you use them. This shouldn’t be a cause for alarm as long as you turn it off after the recommended massage time (if they don’t have an auto turn-off feature).
Final Words and Verdict
An inexpensive and easy to use device might replace your pricey massage parlour sessions, and this is the main reason why I’d suggest anyone to try out a handheld massager.
Even though massage might seem like a scary thing to perform on yourself, trust me, it’s easier and safer than you think. These machines are optimized in a way that makes them simple to use by absolutely anyone, and most importantly, they are effective.
Now, my top pick from today’s list is the Purewave CM-07 massager, as it is a top-of-the-line device that’s going to last you for years. It is durable, portable, charges very quickly, and the battery lasts for a long time.
If you agree with my choice, but you’d prefer something a bit cheaper, then feel free to try out the Renpho Deep Tissue massager, as it is very similar to Purewave. Folks who aren’t into battery-powered models should then see one of the three remaining machines, and they are HoMedics, Naipo, and Gideon.
I hope that this article was helpful and that it’ll direct you on a pain-free route for your future!
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