Tired legs? Aches and cramps, eternal swelling? You can’t fit into your shoes and boots, you look with horror at the protruding veins and think that it’s time to lose weight or go to the sea. Your legs are the result of tireless work, constant running that accompanies the life of every person in the 21st century. Edema, swelling, and varicose veins are caused by a hundred different reasons, from the “stiletto” dress code to standing work. In this review, you'll find 12 foot massagers, from plate massagers that massage just the feet to submersible ones that grab the ankles and calves and hydromassage spas, and find out which ones are suitable for fasciitis, neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome and for diabetics.
Massage therapists are constantly experimenting with the ancient Japanese technique of acupressure, better known today as shiatsu. But a shiatsu massage from a specialist is an expensive pleasure. An electric foot massager removes these two drawbacks from our path at once: shiatsu becomes accessible, everyday pleasure and therapy, and costs are limited to the price of the massager. Not to mention the fact that we get many bonuses: the unearthly pleasure that our busiest part of the body has finally received rest; from the touch of cool water – if we use hydromassage; from a tonic injection from the sharp edges of a wooden cylinder or deep kneading with shiatsu balls... There are many variations, but how to choose? But first, let's figure it out: what kind of massagers are they?
If for the delicate neck, engineers came up with only two types of shiatsu massagers, then the legs received more honor. Roller mechanical massagers made of wood, simple stone and noble jade appeared in Ancient China, where doctors discovered that the feet are the center of biologically active points. And that is why alternative medicine says that proper massage of the soles of the feet can cure heart and lung diseases, improve blood circulation, and relieve migraines. There is a considerable amount of truth in this: perhaps this is why roller foot massagers are still popular. They are called “mechanical”: for people who are not lazy and with love for preserving the traditions of Eastern culture.
The most numerous type of modern foot care equipment on the market is electric massagers. Some use heat, vibration, air pressure or shiatsu balls; in others, water or gel gently relaxes tired feet.
Classic massage has 4 main techniques: stroking, rubbing, kneading and relaxing vibrations. If vibrations help relieve tension in spasmodic muscles, then kneading allows you to work the muscles deeply and increase blood circulation. Therefore, with neuropathy, Raynaud's syndrome and diabetes, when vascular microcirculation is impaired, a stronger foot massage is required so that blood flows to the extremities.
Diabetics are recommended to rub small in amplitude in a circle, which is precisely what shiatsu balls moving in a circle provide. For fasciitis, in addition to a massager, you should do daily self-massage. The purpose of the massage is not only to improve blood flow to speed up the healing of microtears, but also to stretch the fascia. We would like to warn you that different pain thresholds vary, everything is too individual; for some, the movements of the shiatsu balls may seem too rough, so it is simply not possible to find the perfect massager that is ideal for everyone.
But in any case, you must understand that any massager is an artificial imitation of the hand movements of a professional massage therapist, so when using any massager yourself, be sure to consult your doctor!
Foot massagers come in immersion type, where you insert your foot into the massager (depth varies from ankle to knee height), and plate type, where only your feet are massaged. According to this gradation, we compiled this review. Let's start with the most classic type of foot massager: mechanical with wooden rollers.
Eight spiked wooden rollers and two more finger rollers - for the heels - allow you to simultaneously massage your legs along the entire length of the foot. This is the closest massager to Shiatsu traditions. It accelerates blood flow, affects biologically active points on the feet, and relieves leg fatigue. Strong, stable, reliable, the massager can be called an inexhaustible source of vigor. You can use it without taking off your socks or tights if you are confident in their durability. It washes well and weighs little.
If you just want a warm and effective massage, then here it is, a no-frills white foot massager. 18 shiatsu balls, two modes, a mesh surface and a solid body with legs that allow you to set the desired angle of inclination - and what could be more important if you want to read a book during a massage, leaning back on the sofa? This is a choice for those who value money, time and nerves; it is not for nothing that buyers highly appreciated this massager.
There is a significantly different principle of massage here: a flat surface dotted with truncated pyramids - and no externally visible moving elements. By default, it is believed that vibration massage should be carried out on bare feet, in the best case, in socks, but with MedMassager you don’t even have to take off your shoes: the manufacturer promises 11 powerful speeds, it will still get to the most tender points of your legs tired from cross-country or cycling . From buyers - high praise, despite the cost.
And these are no longer plate massagers, but submersible massagers that massage not only the foot, but the ankles, and the most expensive one even covers the calves. Let's start with the cheapest and most popular.
Typical Shiatsu massager with 4 automatic programs and various types of massage: pulsation, rubbing and kneading. You can choose what to massage: toes, arches or soles of your feet. Four color options: Royal Red Lacquer, Wine Burgundy, Black and Princess Pink. As for the negative reviews: “okay for the price”, “hurts if your feet are too sensitive”, and there are many reports that the massager is broken or does not turn on at all (but, for the sake of honesty, it must be said that similar shortcomings are also found in expensive models). This is the cheapest massager in this category, its price is 2-4 times lower than that of competitors and it sells the most. Apparently, this is why many buyers turn a blind eye to the shortcomings and hope that they will get a high-quality, working copy.
This stylish shiatsu massager with vibration is more of a female option. The small size of the leg chambers is not suitable for large men. Most dissatisfied customers complain that they are in pain, so they are forced to wear socks. It’s difficult to get used to a very intense massage, although in defense you can quote the wise words of one of the customers: “Everything is so individual that it’s not fair to expect perfection from this machine .
Here, air compression massage is added to the massage and heat, which creates a feeling of soft pressure with the palm, and if you turn on your imagination a little and relax, you get the full feeling of a real massage. It also stands out because it hardly massages the heel, but pays a lot of attention to the toes and arch of the foot, the most vulnerable and painful places. But there are a number of problems that sharply reduce the popularity of this product; some buyers complain about monotony, that the massage program is always the same. It's boring and gets boring quickly, and then starts to irritate. Secondly, not everyone likes the emphasis on the toes and arch of the foot and often causes pain.
This stylish massager, like the previous model, works very intensively, accelerating blood circulation. Neuropathies, fasciitis - the pain from these diseases is relieved, and most importantly, the massager is varied in the choice of programs, there are three of them. Many people don’t like how it “squeezes and squeezes” their legs too tightly, but everyone’s sensitivity to compression massage is different.
This most expensive massager covers the leg 360 degrees, and during the massaging process the foot, ankles and calves are simultaneously grasped. The massager resembles twin seats in the cabin of an expensive airplane: red varnish, soft fabric and eco-leather. Among the functionalities, it is worth mentioning infrared heat, which will appeal to those who are constantly cold, and the rhythm of the massage, which makes even an elderly person again feel what it is like to have young and healthy legs.
And in the finale there are three foot spas. Two of them are for pedicures, but most of all we liked the third one - bright with Orbeez gel balls, great entertainment for children or adults who lack a holiday in everyday life.
An affordable, almost complete set for an at-home spa: three pedicure heads, two bubble modes, heating, blue LED lighting, and in an expensive model, a waterfall... if you want to buy yourself a reliable thing in the style of the King of Titan, then this is it , what you need. True, it has little relation to massage - only two side rollers. Relaxation is achieved through water and heat, so the therapeutic effect is small.
This model has a price one and a half times higher than the previous massager and has added four rollers, curved and positioned so as to massage not only the toes and heels, but also the arch of the foot - an excellent prevention of flat feet. Heating the water to 98 Fahrenheit, which is standard body temperature. This creates a feeling of feet floating in weightlessness - a blissful feeling of relaxation and peace.
If you've been looking for a hot tub for kids or your own fun, this is it: Instead of water, the Orbeez is filled with 2,000 gel beads. Multi-colored, bright, rainbow-colored, they jump and bounce around your feet, creating a feeling of a carnival. Very suitable for those who lack a holiday in their life. The low price makes this massager one of the desired gifts for a child, as many buyers write: “Children are delighted!” Of course, there is no need to talk about a full-fledged massage or pedicure - the therapeutic effect in Orbeez has a psychological component, but honestly, haven’t you ever wanted to pop these multi-colored balls that resemble precious stones?
In no case. All massagers are intended only for humans and are designed for their muscle elasticity and physiology. Under no circumstances should you wash animals in hydromassagers or massage them using conventional massagers. Gel balls, which replace water in some massagers, must be kept away from animals and children.
Can foot massagers be used to massage a dog?
Of course not. In hairdressing salons, hydromassage is an additional service in the pedicure room, which is combined with the hygienic procedure necessary for this process. At home, you can and should also use a hydromassage, especially if after a working day you are haunted by the feeling that your legs are “burning”. With the help of bubbling water, you will not only relieve fatigue, but also get rid of the burning sensation in your feet.
Hydromassages are often installed in hairdressing salons. Does this mean they are not intended for home use?
No, this is just a nice bonus for those who want to feel the touch of natural materials. Mechanical massagers are needed for those who want to control the massage process from start to finish, do not need exposure to heat, or, for example, are located in an area where there is no electricity. The therapeutic effect of mechanical massagers is approximately the same as that of electric ones, but the relaxation that we get by completely surrendering ourselves to the care of a shiatsu massager is missing.
Mechanical massagers use natural wood, does this mean they are healthier than electric ones?
No. Their design requires the mandatory use of water or gel beads of the desired consistency.
Decide on your problems and needs. If you want to get a boost of energy from a shiatsu massage, use mechanical massagers; get rid of fatigue and burning in the legs - hydromassages; relax tired legs - immersion massagers, a kind of mini-massage chairs; to get the maximum healing effect - plate massagers or pillow-type massagers.
Although all manufacturers write that their massagers are suitable for size 45, it is better to choose not a submersible, but a plate foot massager, such as HoMedics.
Can hydromassages be used without water?
Grishkova Marina | Updated: 2017-02-04
Massage is an integral part of proper skin care. The foot massager is used to provide the opportunity to carry out professional procedures at home.
The main purpose of any massage is the need to improve blood circulation in a certain area of the body. The main benefit of the effect on the legs is that it is on the feet that the largest number of active nerve endings are located. If you influence them correctly, you can get rid of a number of chronic diseases, prevent various nervous disorders, and improve blood circulation in the extremities.
Indications for using a foot massager:
But foot massage has certain contraindications . They are not recommended for sensitive or delicate skin, as there is a possibility of damage to the integument. A critical prohibition is vein diseases (varicose veins, thrombosis) and other problems with blood vessels and their integrity. Also, any massage device cannot be used for hypertension.
It should be noted that in case of varicose veins and high blood pressure, a gentle foot massage is sometimes prescribed, but only if the risk justifies the result.
Depending on the type of work, foot massagers are divided into types:
By type of action there are manual and electric.
A vibration massager is used to quickly restore blood circulation in the legs. It is also sometimes called a pneumatic massager, since a certain part of the massage is performed due to the movement of air in the container. The device consists of a cavity in which special massage rollers or plates are located, and holes through which excess air is eliminated. Using the device is very simple: the legs are lowered into the working container, after which the device turns on and processing begins. In effect, it is very similar to the most ordinary manual one, but it requires absolutely no effort on the part. There are professional and semi-professional.
A roller massager for treating feet (feet and ankles) consists of an open container and rollers that massage the feet and the surface of the legs. It can be prescribed for flat feet and the treatment of leg fatigue, since the rollers provide an intense effect on problem areas. The main benefit is ease of use and the ability to quickly get rid of various problems: swelling, spasms, etc. Many models are additionally equipped with regulators for the speed of the rollers and the intensity of their work.
A compressor type massager (also called lymphatic drainage) is used for rapid drainage of the surface of the legs. Its effect can be compared to body treatment during pressotherapy. It consists of a compressor and a working chamber. The compressor forces air from one chamber to another (where the legs are), resulting in a very soft but effective effect. Sometimes the chamber is supplemented with various surfaces or parts for acupressure, for example, rollers, discs. Often the manufacturer designs them in the form of boots, which massage not only the feet and heels, but also the surfaces of the calves and ankles. These treatment devices are very effective for circulatory disorders, but they cannot be used for varicose veins and thrombosis. We recommend considering how the lymphatic drainage technique is performed at home.
Hydro massager, bath massager, water massager are devices for treating feet using water (or herbal decoctions) and mechanical action. All types of hydromassage units are equipped with vibration or manual massagers, which make it possible to most effectively remove excess fluid and improve blood flow. They consist of ribbed bath surfaces and special compartments in which water is heated and, under a certain pressure, supplied to various active points of the legs. Often prescribed to reduce blood pressure and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Contrast with additional heating are considered the most effective for metabolic disorders and mental disorders. In fact, this is also a massage bath, only in hydromassages the water is exclusively heated, and in contrast ones it is also cooled to a certain temperature. At the bottom of the container there is a point mat, and on the sides there are special attachments for influencing the limbs. Used to normalize sleep and blood pressure, sometimes prescribed for diabetes.
A combination massager can combine several options for influencing the endings. Ultrasonic and magnetic have become especially popular, as they not only improve the condition of the legs, but also help strengthen blood vessels. Therefore, they can be used even for diseases of the veins or blood supply system.
Gezatone compressor boots Dream AMG709 Bio Sonic is used for swelling of the calves and ankles. It should be noted that this is also a kind of press massager that eliminates subcutaneous fat. In operation it is similar to the professional device Elekta EFM-804. There are also devices for pressotherapy of the whole body and the organism as a whole.
Photo - Compressor boots from Gezatone
Electric or automatic foot massagers are considered the most convenient for use at home. Along with the devices, attachments are often sold in the kit to increase the functionality of the devices.
vibration foot massager from Bradex combines several operating principles. It massages the legs using roller attachments, acts on the upper parts of the ankle with air currents and treats the feet in a targeted manner.
Bliss by Bradex
Video: how to use the Bliss massager
HANSUN HS319a is a Korean device with ABS foot padding. It is considered one of the best among analogues. Known for its low noise level and high intensity at an affordable cost. Due to the serrated inner mat, it is a point vacuum. Refers to professional devices.
Foot Reflex is used to treat impaired blood supply to the legs. The toothed mat gently targets acupuncture points on the foot. Mainly used in medical centers, but also suitable for home use. Refers to budget models.
The Medisana IFM medical foot massager with infrared radiation is equipped with a vibrating surface and an infrared lamp. This is a multifunctional device that affects reflex points using thermal radiation. At its core, it is a heating pad equipped with massage surfaces.
Bodro C22 is characterized by an air-compression type of action. It is used both at home and in salons. Quickly relieves tension and fatigue due to air movement in the working chamber. Suitable for patients with various vein diseases.
Foot massager Beurer FM 60 (shiatsu) is unique in its type of action. It is covered with a mat, on the surface of which there are spikes. This is the best device of its kind. It gently “turns on” acupuncture points, thanks to which it quickly gives relaxation and relieves swelling without affecting problem areas - ankles and calves. It is best chosen for problems with vein patency, diabetes or other contraindications when other devices are undesirable. Its analogue is Marutaka for legs - a compression massager for treating feet, calves and ankles.
Foot massager Beurer
A home electric massager is not always convenient to use: it makes noise during operation, is bulky and quite expensive. If it is not possible to purchase a professional device, then you can use a manual device.
The classic version is a wooden abacus. Outwardly, they almost exactly correspond to their mathematical counterpart. Unless the movable wheels or rollers are softer.
For example, massage Step . This is the most ordinary platform, like for playing sports, but on its surface there are several hundred special spikes. They perfectly massage active nerve endings without producing any dangerous radiation for fragile veins.
Photo – Mechanical simulator
The Forest Path is an even simpler device. It is a polyethylene film with perforations on the surface. While a regular hand massager is often reusable, the Path is not. It is recommended to purchase new film before each session. Professional devices are often covered with it, for example, Relax HY-10411.
Among all the manual models, it is necessary to highlight the “Second Heart” NM-55P - Nuga Best . This handheld massager is part wood and part plastic, making it ideal for treating your feet. It is heated in a special apparatus, after which it becomes like walking on a Forest Path. This allows for high-quality acupressure.
Video: what are the benefits of the Nuga Best carpet
In general, reviews state that a mechanical foot massager is excellent for eliminating symptoms of fatigue, joint pain and swelling. With regular use you will forget about all these problems.
The hydromassage works due to the working surfaces and the effect of water and air currents on the legs. Their difference from other models is the ability to use the devices even with high sensitivity of the feet. For example, CLATRONIC FM 3389 is used to stimulate sensitive and problem areas, restore the skin, etc.
An equally famous foot bath, Ceragem Healax I-Foot, is the “Bliss” foot bath described above, but only equipped with a special container. Heats water in a container using infrared radiation. Due to ionic action, it guarantees the healing properties of the liquid. The instructions for use are extremely simple: you need to pour liquid into the container, set the rotation speed of the massage rollers and the water temperature.
Water massager for calves and legs Elenberg FM-5620 can be bought at any hardware store. It is characterized by a simple operating principle and affordable cost. It has only one operating mode - water heating, so it is not a contrast mode. But thanks to the massage rollers, it helps to quickly relieve tension in the feet after a hard day.
Photo — Elenberg FM-5620
Often girls on forums write about MAXWELL MW-2451P . This is a simple massage bath. Often used in pedicure salons for further treatment of feet. The therapeutic effect is very doubtful, but it provides an undoubted cosmetic effect.