Massagers serve as wellness devices for private users and can induce relaxation. In addition to mechanical devices, there are electromechanical devices, some of which contain sensors. However, to achieve a physical health-promoting effect, a masseur is usually resorted to instead of devices.
What is a massager?
With massagers, users get to enjoy a massage without an actual masseur. Massage devices are now available for different regions of the body. With massagers, users get to enjoy a massage without an actual masseur. Massage devices are now available for different regions of the body. In addition to devices for the head and feet, there are, for example, devices for full-body massage. Mostly, these are couches, armchairs or pillows and beds. Either massage devices are mechanical or electromechanical. Depending on the design, the devices are capable of performing pressure massages, tapping massages or kneading massages. As a rule, massagers are intended for private use. However, massage chairs can also be found in massage studios or in public facilities, where you can pay for the massage by inserting a coin. The desired goal of the massage is usually relaxation, which may be accompanied by pain-relieving and circulation-enhancing effects.
Forms, types and types
A main difference of individual massagers is the form of operation. Mechanically operated devices are operated manually. Especially mechanical foot massagers are widespread in this regard. These mechanical variants are usually equipped with rollers or rollers made of wood. Many devices for head massage are also designed as mechanical versions. Curved wires extend from a handle. Most often such devices are called head crawlers. Electromechanical massagers, unlike mechanical ones, are powered by electricity and are usually automated to the greatest possible extent. As a result, little effort is required by the operator to use them. By simply pressing a button, the massage heads or the vibrators in electromechanical devices are moved automatically and the operator can relax during the massage, as he is spared manual work altogether. In some cases, certain massage devices are referred to as medical devices. However, this designation says little about the quality or even the health-promoting effect of the massages.
Structure and mode of operation
Electromechanically operated massagers such as most massage chairs, massage mats or massage cushions are usually equipped with several rotating massage heads. In most models, the direction of rotation and the frequency of the rotating movement can be adjusted in front of the massage unit in steps or steplessly. Massage cushions are usually designed either as seat cushions or neck cushions and have an ergonomic shape. In massage chairs, individual air cushions sometimes inflate and deflate at the touch of a button. In some cases, air currents are generated in this way to achieve the massage effect. In most cases, electromechanically operated massagers can be controlled with a remote control. This often even allows the intensity or the massaged body part to be changed during the massage. In turn, some modern massage chairs are equipped with integrated sensors that scan the user’s body before the massage. After this analyzing scan, the devices adjust their massage program according to the scanner results. In still other cases, the user can only choose from preset massage programs. Purely mechanical massagers differ from electromechanical devices in that they require action from the operator. The best known mechanical devices are those for foot massage. Usually these devices carry more than ten rollers made of burled wood. The massage effect is achieved by the operator placing the feet on the rollers and moving the legs forward or backward. The user himself decides the intensity of the massage by applying more or less pressure with his feet.
Medical and health benefits
Massagers are more wellness devices than medical devices. Nevertheless, they can fulfill health benefits, because massages have a relaxing effect and can loosen muscles or stimulate the nervous system.Vibration massages, for example, are sometimes prescribed for patients with diseases of the central nervous system, as nerve conduction can be improved via the vibrations. Especially if there are pre-damages of the nervous system, however, the use must be discussed with a doctor. Especially electromechanical massagers for the neck area should be used with caution. The pyramidal and extrapyramidal pathways, which play an important role in motor function, run in the neck. Too violent or non-professional massages in this area can cause damage. Therefore, especially for the spinal area, massage by a professional masseur is prescribed rather than advising the use of automated and electrically operated devices. Purely mechanical massagers for the soles of the feet are said to be able to stimulate the reflex zones. However, the health benefits of this stimulation are controversial. Equally controversial is the claim that massagers can induce endorphin release and thus a general sense of well-being. This sensation depends heavily on the quality of the device and the preferences of the user. A circulation-promoting effect has been confirmed for the use of certain massage devices for it up to a certain degree. The stimulated blood circulation presumably also facilitates muscle relaxation, which can certainly have pain-relieving effects in the case of complaints such as muscle spasms. In general, however, the use of massagers and even medical massagers in the home is only recommended when there are only mild and non-specific muscle complaints. For all other complaints and even diseases, the advice and diagnosis of a physiotherapist is usually consulted before using any devices.
