Winter’s cold weather has set in and you may find that your muscles are tighter and stiffer this time of year. This is because cooler temperatures cause muscles to contract due to loss of heat. When this happens, we can also experience pain and aching. Thankfully, there are a range of at-home massagers that can help our muscles warm up, relax, and feel less sore. With such a wide range of massage devices and features now available from hot and cold, to shiatsu, percussion, vibration, and roller massagers, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. 

Here’s what you need to know:

What features suit your needs?

Whether you are wanting a massage device or gun to target aches and pains on your whole body, or help with muscle tightness in just one particular area after a workout, there is a massage device for your every need this winter!

Heat and ice

Heat can be beneficial in your massage device as it can help the muscles warm up faster and recover quicker. It can also provide a deeper muscle massage and even assist the body in regenerating cells faster. However, it's important to note that heat can cause inflammation and it’s recommended to avoid using a heat massager on an acute injury. On the other hand, ice can help reduce inflammation. Ensure you speak to your health care professional before using any massage device if you have particular injuries or ongoing health conditions.

If you are looking for a massage gun with both heat and ice features, the Wahl Heat and Ice Massage Gun is a fantastic option. This gun features five intensity levels that can offer up to 3,200 pulses per minute. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and operate, and there are five interchangeable massage heads to help target specific muscles and areas of the body. The all-important heat and ice function harnesses the benefit of temperature; heat helps dilate blood vessels and stimulate blood flow, while ice helps to minimise inflammation.

For neck and back pain, you could try the Sharper Image Realtouch Wireless Neck and Back Shiatsu Massager with Heat, which is particularly helpful for those who spend long hours in front of the computer. The rotating nodes grip your tired muscles and tight knots. A similar product is the Wahl Shiatsu Neck Wrap Massager with Heat. It has 8 deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes to deliver a powerful targeted massage that can be used on the neck, shoulders, lower back and thighs.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu massage is an ancient Japanese healing practice. This type of massage penetrates deeply, relieving stiff, aching muscles. It can also help improve circulation and reduce stress and tension. The Homedics Handheld Shiatsu Massager is a perfect choice for on-the-go. With an auto pulse program, various speeds and an ergonomic easy-grip handle, it makes soothing sore muscles effortless. This massager also has 3 interchangeable heads to choose from for a smooth, invigorating or deep tissue massage. 

Alternatively, try the Wahl Shiatsu Massage Pillow which combines shiatsu and heat. It comes with 4 deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes to deliver a powerful and invigorating circular massage to different parts of the body, including the neck, back, shoulders and calves. The massage pillow helps relax stiff muscles, relieves discomfort and reduces soreness caused by intense workouts, a sedentary lifestyle or general stiffness.

Percussion

Percussive therapy targets deeper parts of the muscles to increase the amount of blood flow and oxygen for better treatment and exercise recovery. It can also help increase the body’s range of motion and stretching ability. With 16mm amplitude, the Therabody Theragun Elite Percussive Therapy reaches 60% deeper into the muscle than consumer-grade vibration massagers to stimulate circulation, generate heat, and release deep tension. It delivers up to 18.14 kilograms of no-stall force and connects seamlessly to the Therabody app via Bluetooth so you can further personalise your massage and wellness routine. 

For those on a tighter budget, try the Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Massager. It is ergonomically designed and can be used on the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, hamstrings, calves and feet. It uses deep tissue percussion movements to target stress and tension in the body. The variable speed setting adjusts the intensity – gentle and relaxing – or intense and soothing, with up to 3,000 pulses per minute.

Vibration

Vibration therapy uses vibration movements to relax your body, alleviate stress and improve circulation. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a lighter massage. Experience a soothing vibration massage with the affordable Homedics Portable Full Body Vibration Massager. It helps to rejuvenate tired muscles, and the ergonomic easy-grip handle lets you comfortably massage hard-to-reach muscles. It comes with three interchangeable attachments and is cordless with a one-hour battery life. You can also adjust the type of pressure for all-over body comfort or targeted relief.

Rollers

Roller massagers can increase your range of motion and flexibility, while improving circulation and lymphatic flow. They roll against muscles for both compression and stretching. The Theragun Wave Roller uses vibration therapy for a powerful massage experience, whether you are in the comfort of your home or at your local gym. The smart vibrating foam roller is Bluetooth-enabled with five intensity settings, which allow you to tailor both your warm-up and recovery conveniently from your mobile device with the Therabody app. It is 12 inches long so it provides a full-body treatment.

Another popular roller massager is the Sharper Image Fit Roller Vibrating Sport Recovery Massager. The peanut-shaped massager is portable, lightweight and rechargeable so you can take it anywhere!

To shop the full range of massage devices at Shaver Shop, click here.