Use caution when purchasing electronic massage devices

Massage therapy certainly has many benefits and feels great on those sore and overworked muscles. There is nothing quite like the relaxing feeling of a good massage given by a skilled therapist. However, in a true sign of the times this ancient healing practice traditionally performed by trained massage professionals has been converted to battery power in the form of electronic massage devices of every kind.

There is no question that the massage chair at the mall feels great to sit in after hours of shopping. It’s electronic fingers move around and around hitting some great points on your body along with some occasional not so great points. But if you adjust yourself a little in the seat you can get the electronic shiatsu “massage therapist” to hit those major areas on your back and legs. You can also stop in the local specialty store at the mall and purchase a variety of massagers for your take home use. You will find everything from massage chairs with electronic kneaders to vibrating back cushions to hand held devices of every kind. This year you will even find an electronic head massager with music and “magnetic therapy”.

Some of these devices really are nice. A little electronic back vibration with pressure point thingies can feel great. Add a little heat and you are in heaven. However, used in excess or inappropriately they can cause injury (see The Case of the Killer Tens Belt). Repeated pressure or vibration in the same area can cause soreness or even more severe muscle damage, however, if you follow a few simple rules your experience with your new electronic massager can be safe, fun, and relaxing:

1. Always read the warnings. Massage, even electronic massage, has contraindications and the warnings may shed some light on these.
2. Never use these devices if you are pregnant, elderly, have reduced sensitivity, or have any medical disorder whatsoever without consulting a health care professional.
3. Do not use your massager for long periods of time. Hopefully this will be expressed in the warnings.
4. Use caution with anything on your head. Your brain can be injured from a variety of things. Is your electronic head massager worth the risk to you?
5. “Magnetic Therapy” has absolutely no scientific support whatsoever. Do you want all of that magnetic energy around your head?
6. Never sleep with a massager on. When you sleep your sensitivity to pain decreases and you could be severely injured before you wake up.

While it is exceedingly unlikely that your electronic massager will help your chronic pain, they can make nice gifts and do have a minor positive therapeutic effect on your body when used correctly. Just use some common sense, read the instructions, and use your electronic massager in moderation.