Neck and shoulder and back massager. Which is better: roller, wooden, belt, electric

A neck, shoulder, back massager is an excellent choice for those who do not have the opportunity to visit a massage parlor. A convenient device that you can choose based on your needs helps relieve muscle tension, improve posture, and cope with pain in spinal diseases.

It is advisable to consult a doctor before purchasing a massager - this will help you choose not only a convenient model, but also the most useful for health.

Indications and contraindications for the use of neck, shoulder and back massagers

Massage devices are used to treat and prevent back diseases, and no prescription is required to purchase them - anyone can afford it.

It is useful to have a massager at home or at work for everyone who is engaged in sedentary or, conversely, work that requires constant being on their feet. Daily treatments in the morning and after work will help you feel good and avoid unpleasant effects on the spine.

The doctor may prescribe the use of a massager in the following cases:

• with a strong professional load on the spine;
• decreased back muscle tone;
• the consequences of bed rest;
• rehabilitation after back and leg injuries;
• pain in the spine of any origin;
• osteochondrosis;
• scoliosis;
• intervertebral hernia.

For diseases of the spine, the massager is used only in remission to prevent exacerbations. It improves blood circulation in the back, stimulates and strengthens muscles. But there are conditions during which the massager cannot be used.

These include skin lesions that the device can worsen, untreated spinal injuries, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the spine. In such conditions, medical procedures are prescribed in the physiotherapy room.

Also, you cannot use massage devices for severe pathologies of the heart, respiratory system, kidneys, liver, nervous system - their use can unpredictably affect the patient's health.

How does the neck massager work and its effectiveness?

The operation of the device is based on a local irritant effect. It is achieved using metal, wood, plastic or ceramic elements that roll over the patient's body. Some models of massagers are equipped with additional heating, which enhances the therapeutic and prophylactic effect.

Solid elements are rolled over the skin without damaging it, but pressing on the upper layer of the muscles. Due to this, nerve endings are irritated and blood circulation is increased. More arterial blood flows into the muscles of the back and neck, venous blood flows better, the likelihood of edema decreases, and the supply of oxygen and nutrients increases.

Muscles become more resistant to stress... If the massager is reinforced with heating, then the heat effect is added to the massage effect. Stimulating blood circulation and small nerve endings.It relieves soreness, enhances the massage effect and promotes muscle relaxation.

Massagers for the cervical-collar zone are specially made small in size and very gentle in their effect - the cervical zone is the most sensitive, it has the most nerve endings and blood vessels, and the risk of their damage is higher than in other parts of the spine.

Types of massagers by type of design, functionality. The names of the best models, prices

The neck, shoulder, and back massager can have a different design, and you have to choose the one that will be more comfortable for the patient. The main difference is in how the structural elements are set in motion - mechanical or electrical. Mechanical massagers are activated by contact with the human body.

They can be in the form of rollers, which are put on a common base of hard or soft materials, as well as made in the form of a cape, which has a massaging effect during movement. The advantage of all these devices is ease of use and cost effectiveness.

Electric massagers do not require any efforts from the owner and are additionally equipped with heat emitters.

Electrical devices can be made in the form of a roller massager, which can be used for any area, or specialized devices - capes, scarves, chairs. Different models of massagers are designed for different purposes and each of them has its own characteristics.

Back Massager Belt

The main active force of this massager is rollers and percussion mechanisms. They are assembled on a single frame that allows them to rotate and vibrate. All elements are driven by an electric motor, which requires a battery. The outer fabric is used for ease of use and to protect the structure from contamination.

Velcro is provided for the convenience of fastening, it also allows you to adjust the width. The main purpose of the belt is to massage and warm the lower back, but some models can be adapted to warm the legs, chest, neck and arms. For this, special settings and adjustable Velcro are provided.

The most convenient and well-known models:

• Home Health M141 - this belt is powered by the mains, so at home you can afford several sessions a day without worrying about the battery capacity. But this does not make it possible to use it in nature. It has adjustable Velcro straps, which allows you to use it not only for the back. The intensity of work is adjustable - there are 5 modes. To avoid unnecessary exposure, an automatic shutdown is provided after 25 minutes of operation. Average price - 3000 rubles.
• Beurer EM38 - unregulated exercise belt. Powered by batteries, it can be used outdoors or at any time without worrying about conveniently located sockets. Additionally, there is an infrared emitter that allows you to cope with pain and the effects of hypothermia. Average price 3500 rubles.
• HANSUN HS111 - adjustable massager with the largest number of modes. Adjustable in width to work on any area of ​​the body. Powered by batteries, has 4 modes of operation. The main advantage is versatility, which allows you to achieve success when used not only on the back, but also on the shoulders, neck, legs and arms. The average price is 4500 rubles.

It is not difficult to afford such a design, and even more so since the belts are versatile and can be used on any area of ​​the body.

Cape Massager

The principle of operation of the cape is similar to the belt - the healing effect is provided by rollers driven by an electric motor and a heating element. But in the cape, the healing elements are "packed" into a large area.

It is designed to warm up and massage several zones at once - the shoulder girdle, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Heating elements are placed only on the side of the back, since it is undesirable to warm the chest and stomach during physiotherapy. Capes are adjustable in length and width.

The most famous models:

• Beurer MG 260 designed for use in a car. During the journey, it provides heating and relaxation of the back muscles. The intensity of exposure is adjustable, there is a remote control and a timer that turns on the cape in advance. Average price - from 11,500 rubles.
• HoMedics BMSC-1000H - a simpler option for a car cover. Warms up and massages the lower back, runs on a small battery. Among the advantages - the low price (from 7500 rubles), among the disadvantages - the lack of additional features and only 3 modes of operation.
• Gezatone AMG 388 at its low cost, a very comfortable cape. It has one operating mode, but the number of zones included in the work is regulated. There is a remote control, the area of ​​the cape allows you to include the neck, back, hips and shoulders in the massage zone. Of the shortcomings - it quickly fails. Average price - 3000 rubles.

Roller massager-knapsack

A neck, shoulder and back massager combined with a backpack is a practical and useful invention.

This is an ordinary roomy city backpack with massage rollers built into the wall. The orthopedic design helps maintain posture and prevents things in the backpack from pressing on your back.

Model options:

• Ommassage BM-08 with 4 electric motors. A powerful and effective massager that can be worn behind your back like a backpack. The advantages are low weight of the structure and ease of wearing. Among the disadvantages is the small capacity of the compartment for things. Cost from 3000 rubles.
• EUMEBackpack- Adjustable modes of operation - massage the upper, lower back or both at once. An adjustment button is built into the shoulder strap. Ports for charging gadgets can also be built there. The product is well regulated for the owner's height, and the compartment for things is roomy, so it can easily replace a regular backpack. The cost starts from 20,000 rubles.

Pillows and collars with massage

Pillows and collars can be used at home, work, outdoors or in the car. They are fixed on the neck with Velcro and are held on them without interfering with work. These massagers are convenient to use during sedentary work or doing household chores.

When using them, you should be careful - such collars can damage the neck by excessive exposure:

• Massaging Neck Cozy Is a collar that not only improves blood circulation, but is also pleasing to the eye and to the touch. Average price - 900 rubles.
• A01 Treatment collar No. 1 with inflatable section... Its distinguishing feature is not only massage rollers, but also an inflatable section that regulates the pressure on the neck. The section is manually inflated with a pear, the patient can independently adjust the level of impact on himself. Average price 1500 rubles.
• Nap Massage Wrap KZ 0041 - comfortable and pleasant to the touch collar for neck massage. Completely safe when used correctly. Average price - 800 rubles.

Massage chair

The chair-shaped neck, shoulder, leg and back massager is a real massage at home. The chairs have a variety of modes and are designed to massage various areas of the body from the neck to the feet.

The purchase of such a device costs a lot of money, so it is advisable to consult a doctor before purchasing:

• ANATOMICO Perfetto - a comfortable chair for massaging any areas of the body. The external screen allows you to adjust the settings without being distracted from the treatment procedures. Price - from 200,000 rubles.

• Yamaguchi YA-200 - a comfortable, but somewhat bulky chair for lovers of relaxing procedures. The control panel is built into the armrest and duplicated on its outer panel. Price - 175,000 rubles.
• MA-03 (MST-3SL) (steel) - the simplest version of a massage chair. It consists of several massage sections, fixed on a metal frame. Price - 9500 rubles.

Magnetic massagers

Neck, shoulder, and back massagers containing magnetic elements add another healing factor to their action. The magnetic field has a positive effect on people, although its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Nevertheless, magnetotherapy has a result, and the use of this tool is quite justified.

Magnetic massagers have contraindications - some people notice a worsening of their condition after using them. This is an individual characteristic worth considering. The combination of a magnetic field with heating is usually not used - this does not increase efficiency, but can increase the risk of side effects and increase the cost of the device.

According to the mechanism of action, magnetic massagers are mechanical hand-held devices, the working surfaces of which contain magnetic elements or consist of them entirely. Prices for magnetic massagers start at 700 rubles.

Their elements can contain massagers for the neck, shoulders, back, of any design. There are quite a few manufacturers using this technology - to one degree or another, it is used in all massagers made of metal.

for instance:

• Roller massager, needle - The simplest remedy for back pain relief. It is a small roller on the handle of adjustable length, which is covered with short needles. You can use it yourself or use outside help. Average price - 250 rubles.

• MRM-01 "Biomag" - roller massager, nicknamed "lunar rover" for its characteristic shape. It has a double beneficial activity - it mechanically kneads the muscles and stimulates the nerve endings with a magnetic field. Can be used alone or with assistance. Price - from 700 rubles.
• Massage corset for the spine and lumbar spine with the Casada SelfHeatingPad magnetic therapy function. This device helps to correct postural disorders, stimulate nerve endings and blood circulation. Average price - 4500 rubles.

Belt massager scarf

This is the simplest device for self-massage. It is a frame made of strong threads on which rotating rollers or balls are fixed. They form a coherent tape, which is convenient to carry over the shoulders and back, holding it with special handles. The advantages are ease of use, simplicity of design and compactness during storage.

The effect of these massagers is less pronounced than that of electric devices.

There is a limitation - cannot be used in the neck area. Such massagers are produced by many manufacturers, their prices start at 500 rubles, and this makes them the most popular means for solving back problems.

The material can be anything - plastic, metal, wood - but it must be strong and tough enough to have a healing effect and avoid damage. The belt massager can be combined with magnetic elements, and then its effectiveness is greatly increased.

Manual massager with handle

A massager with a handle is a convenient way to reach hard-to-reach areas of the body by yourself, for example, between the shoulder blades. It can be mechanical or electrical. The principle of operation can be different, both mechanical and electrical, but the roller is usually one, and the impact area is small.

Most popular brands:

• Meditech KM-911N - electric massager with interchangeable attachments for various areas. Suitable for the treatment of diseases of the spine, warming up the back after hypothermia, returning mobility after injuries, relieving tension after physical exertion or prolonged static position. Average price - 1500 rubles.

• "Dolphin" infrared - a convenient and pleasant-looking device that combines massage and warming up. It helps to get rid of back pain, relax the spine, and avoid serious consequences after injuries. Average price - 1200 rubles.
• ZENET ZET-709 has 4 removable heads, each of which can have a different or the same effect.It is most effective in combating muscle fatigue after static stress. The tips are made of silicone. Heat and vibration are used. Average price - 4000 rubles.

Which massager is better for the back

A massager for the neck, shoulders, and back must be chosen very meticulously. You need to start with the purpose for which you plan to use the device - pain prevention, treatment for diseases, relieving stress and improving well-being.

To relieve constant stress during sedentary work, standing on your feet, and heavy physical exertion, mechanical massagers are suitable. For motorists, a good choice is seat covers. If desired, they can be used on office chairs, although this is not very convenient. The cape is comfortable in that it provides a full-fledged massage of the entire spine.

The advantage of mechanical massagers is that they can be used independently. For those who are engaged in hard physical work or training, manual or electric massagers with enhanced impact are needed. Magnetic devices with rollers, which are convenient to use in pairs, have proven themselves well.

For the prevention of exacerbations of chronic diseases of the spine, a massage chair is used. It effectively eliminates muscle tension, warms up sore areas, and straightens the wrong position of the spine. In addition, the chair massages the entire back, and this relieves excessive stress on the lumbar region.

For medicinal purposes, the remedies recommended by the doctor are used. There are situations when massage - any - is contraindicated. If you have recently had a back injury or an exacerbation is too severe, then physical effects on the back will harm, not benefit.

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Which massagers are best for shoulders and neck

The neck and shoulders are the most problematic areas of the back. In any position, it is this area that experiences the greatest static load, therefore, most often pain occurs there. Spinal pathologies provoke disturbances in the innervation of the muscles of the shoulder girdle and their excessive tension, and tense muscles aggravate problems with blood supply and innervation of the spine.

Therefore, all manipulations should be aimed at both zones. For preventive purposes, the simplest option is a scarf massager or a massager with a handle. For motorists, a seat cover or pillow that can also be used in the car is a good option.

The collar massager effectively copes with exacerbations at an early stage and with the prevention of such conditions. The doctor will give more detailed information, helping to choose the most suitable option, which will allow the patient to feel good and not have problems with neck and shoulder pain.

It is useful to use a complex method, and to connect not only the cervical, but also the thoracic spine to the massage. This will help you feel better and reduce pain.

The neck, back and shoulder massager is a convenient way to cope with the pathology of the spine. But this remedy is an auxiliary one, it should be used as an addition to the main therapy, but not as the main method of treatment.

Article design: Anna Vinnitskaya

Back and Shoulder Massager Videos

The massager is designed for the neck, shoulders and the whole body: