It is quite surprising to imagine how much torment our hands have to endure every day without noticing. As a result, the hands, wrists, and forearms can sustain repetitive injuries like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy. Massaging the hands has many well-documented benefits in such cases, and massage aids in alleviating the pressure points, pain, and swelling that might result from arthritis and carpal tunnel. Massage is mostly a non-invasive treatment method for pain relief, and it’s relatively safe since it doesn’t require harmful pain medications with side effects. Studies have shown that professional hand massage once a week significantly reduces finger soreness, pain, and numbness.
A great substitute to professional hand massage is an electrical hand massager machine. It allows you to get almost the same experience as a professional service in the comfort of your home or office and without compromising your schedule. These gadgets are rather easy to operate and portable in nature. Since the market is flooded with hand massagers of different prices and qualities, it can be quite confusing sometimes to choose the device that actually works for your conditions. We will discuss some options to guide you in this endeavor.
Electric Hand Massager Machine, Do They Work?
Hand massager machines can be either automatic or manual models. They are compact devices that stimulate the acupressure points to relax your hands, reduce stiffness, and help with pain and other symptoms. The electric hand massager includes rechargeable batteries, and it comes with many features, like heat function, kneading, and air compression. It is designed to mimic the massage techniques of a professional masseuse. With the help of air compressors and motors, it applies optimum pressure on the targeted body parts. The amount of pressure and the time interval are controlled via sophisticated programmable electronic controllers of the hand massager where pre-programmed massage sessions are stored. These devices are plug & play type and very easy to use.
Based on the authentic user reviews, the outcome of such devices are quite satisfactory. The electric hand massagers offer some additional over traditional masseuse. Since the user is able to operate at his own conveniences without making appointments with the masseuse, the rate of receiving massage is fairly high in comparison with professional services. Hence, the user gets more benefits eventually.
Benefits of Using a Hand Massager
The benefits of hand massage in various medical conditions are without any doubt. The mainstream medical practitioners and physiotherapists suggest massage along with regular medication for improved results. In a clinical study conducted in the year 2011, it was found that regular hand massage can improve the following situations:
Reduced hand pain: A clinical study conducted by the Touch Research Institute suggests that regular hand massage can alleviate pain related to arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions. A hand massage once a week can minimize a great amount of pain by up to 57%.
Reduced anxiety: Too much anxiety floods the bloodstream with cortisol, which creates body fat. It is clinically proven that body massage reduces anxiety at a significant level.
Enhanced and better mood: Like acupuncture, a hand massage boosts our nerves, and if any problems come to the neuropathy, it works. Hence, one can improve his mood effectively.
Greater grip strength: Every Arthritis patient loosens the grip strength more or less, and simple tasks like pouring a glass of water become a challenge. By hitting pressure points, a hand massage brings more strength into their hands and develops the gripping strength.
Better sleep: The hand massage exerts moderate pressure on the nerves, which helps to release dopamine from the gland. This chemical reduces pain, tension, and anxiety and drives us to the sleeping mode.
A general study on body massage conducted in 2018, body massage helps to lower blood pressure. Another study published in 2015 reveals that nurses working in intensive care units, a twice-weekly general massage significantly reduced their stress levels. Some medical conditions which are improved by massage therapy are listed below
- Pain associated with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune diseases like asthma, multiple sclerosis, etc.
- AIDS
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
In the case of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause pain in your hands and feet. As a result, patients feel numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations. Diabetes and chemotherapy for cancer are some common causes of neuropathy and nerve ending damage. In a 2016 clinical study, it is confirmed that 50 percent of the participants of chemotherapy patients reported an improvement in neuropathy symptoms after one massage session. And after the 10-week study, overall weakness improved significantly.
For peripheral neuropathy of diabetic patients, a study conducted in 2017, the participants had three massages a week for four weeks. Their pain reduced significantly after four weeks of massage sessions. The same is true for the patients of carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the wrist. One 2016 review found that people with carpal tunnel syndrome who had regular massages experienced lower levels of pain, anxiety, and depressed mood, as well as improved grip strength.
A 2011 study confirms that people with hand arthritis had less pain, greater grip strength, less anxiety, and depression after a weekly professional hand massage and daily self-massage at home. A 2014 studyTrusted Source found that applying a topical pain reliever along with massage further improved pain, grip strength, depressed mood, and sleep disturbances. The light pressure massage significantly improves the rheumatoid arthritis condition.
Now, if you are convinced by the benefits of hand massage, here is more great news for you. An electric hand massager will increase the chances of getting a massage more frequently. Most of these hand massage machines are portable, and you can use them at home while watching TV or before going to sleep, in your office while preparing for an important meeting, and also in public transport while commuting to and from work. You don’t have to sacrifice your schedule or comfort of your home to get the hand massage, and you can carry them when you move for a vacation.
There are some downsides too. A machine definitely lacks the personal touch and relaxation provided by a trained masseuse where human touch prevails. Besides, machines can operate by themselves, and if people aren’t competent enough and do not follow the instructions of the manual, this may lead to an inefficient massage. So you can expect the best result if you have a professional masseur evaluating your tissues and helping you to choose the most suitable hand massager for you. It would be best to ask them to show you how to use the device safely and efficiently.
Best Massager Machine for Hands
It is easy to get confused by a wide variety of massager machines for hands from different brands and featuring a lot of functionalities. The overwhelming amount of information can make the situation worse. Without working knowledge about these devices, a buyer could be misguided and end up purchasing the wrong product. To buy the product of the best value of your money, you have to gather some inside knowledge first.
1. Cotsoco’s Hand Massager
Ergonomically designed Cotsoco’s electric hand massager relieves finger numbness and joint pain and relaxes your hand muscles. It is designed to envelop the whole hand for effective compression therapy, which combines air Compression, heat, and vibration to knead the fingers and palm simultaneously. It mimics the real hand massage whenever you need it. Sequential pulsation air cells periodically pressurize the entire hand from the wrist through to the palm and fingers. This air pressure compress is combined with heat therapy and vibration. The heat therapy promotes blood circulation and relieves swelling, and vibration minimizes pain, stiffness, and numbness.
Cotsoco’s hand massager is an electric massager with built-in rechargeable batteries. So, you don’t have to worry about the power cord and power outlet to operate the device. The interior of this hand massager is fashioned with a soft cushion for comfort. It’s an excellent gift item for friends and family.
- Sleek and compact hand massager
- Cordless device with rechargeable batteries
- Soft and comfortable interior
- Heat and vibration therapies
- Large hands are difficult to fit in.
2. Daiwa Felicity Hand Massager
Daiwa Felicity has been a trusted brand for therapeutic devices for household uses over 36 years. This Hand massager is a compact and portable compression massager ideal for the tight, sore, and cramped hand of a working person. This hand massager is designed to stimulate the reflexology points, and to do so, top and bottom airbags inflate and rhythmically press along the hands, wrists, and fingers. These airbags have nodes to stimulate the acupressure points, and they also target the wrist areas.
Since the machine is cordless, it is portable, and it can be charged via USB cable or AC adaptors. The lithium-ion batteries can store charge for 3 hours of basic massage, excluding the heating option. The sleek and stylish exterior makes the hand massager suitable for desktop use in the office and home. The device is pre-programmed for 3 automatic massage modes: Refresh, Recover and Relax. These modes focus on the different portions of the hand to generate different results. The heating option takes 10 minutes to warm up fully, and it helps with blood circulation. There is also an option for controlling the intensity of the massage up to 3 levels.
- Portable hand massager
- Powered by rechargeable battery
- Heating option
- Programmed massage modes
- Adjustable hand massager
- Not durable
3. Lunix Cordless Electric Hand Massager with Compression
Lunix electric hand massager is an FDA-approved device that offers 6 different pre-programmed massage modes. The hand massager features premium shiatsu massaging for carpal tunnel syndrome. You can customize your massage session by 6 intensity levels and 2 vibration levels offered by the device. Lunix LX3 also has an additional heating option. Despite all these different settings, it is rather easy to operate because of its intuitive display. This hand massager is ergonomically designed, and it has distributed acupuncture points that serve different hands with different structures.
Lunix electric hand massager includes a roller type finger massager. The finger massager helps with blood circulation, brain activity, and sense of touch after a long day or while you are relaxing. The whole device with free finger massager is wrapped with beautiful packaging for gifts, and it can be the most exclusive present for birthdays, Christmas, or any time of the year. Lunix offers a lifetime warranty and 90 days full refund policy.
- FDA approved hand massage machine
- Features premium massage modes
- 6 intensity levels
- Easy to operate and intuitive display
- Ergonomically designed
- Cordless device
- Takes long time recharge
4. HoMove Hand Palm Massager
HoMove hand roller massager is one of the front runners of massaging machines. The HoMove massager features two-finger massager rollers, air pressure, and warm compress massage technique. It accurately mimics the reflexology-like kneading to the acupressure points simultaneously to the fingers and palm to provide the experience of a professional massage. The device features 5 groups of airbags and 3 sets of air valves to facilitate a full 360° of massage along with a wrist area massage. This massage improves blood circulation and is quite relaxing for your palm. To prevent injury, the inflation air pressure doesn’t last for a long time, just 2 seconds.
When the heat button is selected, a constant 107℉ will be maintained while massaging the hand. This temperature is slightly higher than room temperature, and it promotes blood circulation, soothes the muscles, and reduces hand fatigue. The intensity of the massage can be adjusted up to 3 levels to suit the comfort level of the user. HoMove hand massager features especially designed dimples to exert and cover the right amount of massaging pressure to the hand and fingers. HoMove offers 30 days return and money back service along with 1 year of warranty for the hand massager.
- Kneading massage technique to put pressure accurately on the acupuncture points
- Heat therapy option
- Massage from every angle
- Adjustable intensity level
- Easy operation
- If you are searching for a thumb relieving massager, it’s not recommended
5. Osaki OS-AA01 Hand Massage
Osaki OS-AA01 hand massage machine is a wireless device prescribed for paralyzed and cold hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other pain. The OS-AA01 massager utilizes an air compression technique where airbags are inflated and pressurize the acupressure points. The device offers three different modes of massage, and these modes have different time or order when working on the palm and wrist. The intensity of these modes can be adjusted by the user for maximum comfort. The intensity level is color-coded by green, which indicates the lowest level, blue for mid-level, and the red for the highest level of intensity.
The default mode is mode 1, and it has mid intensity. The shiatsu massage offered by mode 1 is effective for swollen hands. Also, intensive joint massage is available for sore wrists. Osaki hand massager also provides heat therapy, and it can be turned on or off during massage sessions. These modes are also color-coded by green, blue and red, which indicate mode 1, mode 2, and mode 3 respectively. It is a battery-operated device with lithium-ion batteries and a USB charger.
- Hand massage machine with easy function
- Mimics professional massage techniques
- Wireless device
- Different massage modes
- Customizable intensity levels
- Optional heat therapy
- The unit can’t be used while charging
6. Comfier Wireless Hand Massager
Comfier electric hand massager utilizes air compression massage and heat therapy to reach every part of your hand and work on the fingers and knuckles to ensure total relaxation, soothe any knots and effectively relieve carpal tunnel and ease finger pains. It includes permanent lithium-ion batteries and USB charging cord. The machine is lightweight and portable and perfect for using at home, in the office, or on the go. It is also an ideal choice for gifts on various occasions.
This hand massager employs airbags that inflate and deflate on all sides of the hand from the wrist to the fingers. The device offers three massage modes with three intensity levels. It also provides gentle heat therapy that helps promote blood circulation and ease soreness muscles, numbness, and cold fingers and palms, which can be controlled by three settings. The device also has a 30 minutes safety timer that operates after 30 minutes once the unit is on and shut down the massager automatically. Comfier wireless hand massager offers a 30-day full refund policy along with 2 years warranty.
- USB type charger is ideal for office desk or home use
- Affordable
- Adjustable massage intensity and heating
- Multi mode hand massager
- Timer function
- Some customers have complained about the massage technique. It is said that it only squeezes.
7. HandSonic Hand Massager
HandSonic utilizes new and advanced 3D surround air pressure technology and is ergonomically designed to fit the palm perfectly. Using sophisticated AI microchips, the massage machine imitates the professional masseuse. The microprocessor-controlled pneumatic pump pressurizes 36 individual reflective areas of the palm of the hand through a rhythmic inflatable and deflated drive cushion. These reflective areas correspond to the organs and physiological areas of the human body and massaging them alleviate tonsil inflammation, dizziness, tinnitus, high blood pressure, and so on, and eliminate potential sub-health threats.
HandSonic hand massage machine is completely portable, and it’s powered by built-in rechargeable batteries. It will run for 240 minutes with a single charge. Heat therapy is also included, which promotes blood flow and muscle relaxation. It is fashioned with LCD display and has options for pressure regulation, timer setting, heat on/off button, and other controlling options. HandSonic offers 90 days refund and exchange undertaking and one year warranty.
- Sleek and modern looking massage machine
- Advanced and cutting edge technologies
- Easy operation
- Portable device
- Long lasting rechargeable batteries
- Additional heat therapy
- Heat function is focused on the center of the palm only and it is too warm for some users
8. MEDINESS Pumping Care Cordless Hand Massager HQ-1100 massage machine
It is a Korean product, and after the purchase order, it will be delivered within 8 to 10 business days from overseas. Mediness hand massager mimics the techniques of a professional chiropractor and stimulates the acupuncture points to revitalize the nerve system. This massager has individual massage options for male and female users. To customize the massage session further, there are 3 different massage modes with adjustable air pressure, and air pressure is displayed on the LCD monitor. The controlling functions are easy to handle.
Mediness hand massager is a portable device with built-in rechargeable batteries, and they are charged by a USB charger. The massager has a 15 minutes auto-timer, which shuts off the device automatically after 15 minutes. This function prohibits unwanted incidents due to accidental long exposure to the massager. The battery can store charge for 4 hours of operation.
- Long life span of battery charge
- Auto timer
- Strong air pressure
- Customizable hand massager
- Portable device
- No refund policy
9. Purology LX hand massager
Purology LX hand massager is ideal for various medical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain. The hand massager employs compression to multiple pressure points throughout the wrist, hand, fingers, and palm to improve circulation and reduce pain. It includes a hand therapy ball of different densities which helps to improve blood circulation and flexibility of the joints. You can choose the therapy ball of a certain density that suits you. Purology LX hand massager is a portable wireless device powered by batteries and USB wall plug with a charger cable is included with it.
The hand massager has a lining of soft clothing for ultimate comfort during massages of 6 different kinds. Purology LX hand massager reduces hand pain by applying compression to various pressure points on your hand while simultaneously warming and oscillating across those pressure points. With the heating option on, the machine gradually warms up and provides time to get accustomed to it. Additional heat increases blood flow and relaxes the muscles.
- Cordless device
- Long lasting battery life
- Versatile hand massager with 6 pre programmed modes
- Vibration option
- Heat therapy option
- Free therapy ball
- Compression can be too strong sometimes
10. Breo iPalm520 Electric Acupressure Palm Hand Finger massager
Breo iPalm520 hand massager utilizes the practice of meridian acupoint or acupressure massage techniques. The intelligent and sophisticated technology provides reflexology-like kneading of the acupressure points in the fingers, palm, top, and bottom of the hand. To provide the right amount of coverage and pressure to the acupoints on the hands and fingers, the massager incorporates hundreds of specially designed dimples and adjustable air pressure options. It also includes an emergency release button to bring out the immediately from the cavity of the massager.
The soothing heat provided by the infrared heating technology and promotes healthy blood circulation to soothe sore muscles, reduce hand fatigue, discomfort, soreness, numbness, cold fingers and hands, and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Two temperature settings of 98°F or 107°F are available for the user to select. Breo iPalm520 hand massager is operated by 4 AA alkaline batteries or a DC adaptor of 6V.
- Economic hand massager
- Portable device
- Provides the experience of real massage
- Infrared heat therapy
- Emergency release button for safety reason
- Not very durable
Key Considerations Before Buying
If you are wondering about the features of a good massage machine for hand, you would have to consider multiple dimensions of the equipment. Emphasizing on certain points can help you to get what you actually want. Here are some points worthy of mentioning.
Lightweight
A portable and lightweight massage machine can be very useful and convenient. Since you will be able to carry the device with you everywhere, the chances of using the machine increase greatly.
Power source
You should check the power source of the massage machine as well. A cordless device with long lasting batteries is easy to carry around and use it.
Adjustability
An adjustable device offers more control over your massage sessions and lets you customize them. You should be able to set the timers, switch between the intensity levels, and turn on different modes as well.
Heating feature
You will be benefited more from a massage machine with heating option rather than a regular one. A massage session with additional heat treatment will help in relieving your pain, soothing your joints and muscles, and enhancing your blood flow.
Durability
There is no point in wasting money on cheap flimsy products as they will break down pretty soon. So, it is better to invest in a good device even if it costs more initially. A good device will save your money in the long run.
Customization /Modes of massage
The handheld massage machines may include one or more forms of massage therapy depending on the brand and design of the device. Different functions allow the user to have various massage experiences. Usually, these devices facilitate multiple massage modes that are programmed in the device memory. If you are looking for a particular style of massage, check the device’s manual to find it.
Compression
The air compressor to provide sufficient warmth at hands and the pressure modes that will relieve the pain surprisingly are the two basic features of a hand massager for Arthritis. So, it is vital to check for this functionality beforehand.
Design
The hand massage machine should have a simple design and large dimension to operate easily. It will encourage you to use the device more often, where a device with a complicated design will do the exact opposite.
Battery Life
In a portable hand massager, long battery life allows you to use the device without frequent charging.
Safety
Before using, you have to read the manual and instructions that come with the portable massager to understand the protection measures. Most of the devices have failsafe, and If you don’t use them for over 20 minutes, they can automatically turn off in order to prevent overheating.
Warranty
Depending on the brand and type, the hand massage machine may have different contracts. There are lots of schemes for such a warranty contract and you should carefully evaluate them before buying them.
Price
If you are confident about the features of the massager machine you want, you will be able to save cash by avoiding complicated and expensive devices. So, you have to make an educated choice to select a functional hand massager machine. But, be aware of cheap devices with inferior qualities because they will malfunction frequently.
FAQ – Frequently Ask Questions
Do hand massagers work for arthritis?
The massager increases the circulation of your blood, which makes your muscles flexible again. As a result, the weak muscle and poor grip get strengthened by massage. Numerous clinical studies have proved the benefits of hand massage in arthritis cases.
What type of massage is best for arthritis?
When selecting a type of massage for arthritis, moderate pressure is essential because it stimulates pressure receptors under the skin that convey signals to the brain that alleviate pain and stress-reducing neurochemicals like serotonin. Some popular massage techniques are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, shiatsu massage, etc…
Is a heating pad good for arthritis?
Heating elements escalate the benefits of regular massage. Additional heat increases the circulation of your blood, which makes your muscles relax, which reduces the pain.
Is the heat option of the hand massager essential?
It is not mandatory to buy only the massager machine with heat option. But, remember an additional heating element has its own advantages, and it supplements the basic massage greatly.
Can hand massagers be applied to other parts of our body?
Since hand massagers are exclusively designed for hands, they can’t be applied properly on other parts of your body. In fact, you can’t apply the electric device in which you have to put your hand on another organ. However, in the case of a roller massager, you may try it on different body parts, but the massage won’t be that effective. There are plenty of handheld massagers available in the market for the whole body. You should try them for this purpose.
Do I need to take off my rings before using a hand massager?
In order to prevent injuries, it is advised to take off your ring, watch, or bracelet before your hands are massaged. The massager machine will reach every part of your hand and will apply the necessary pressure, and hence jewelry items can cause injury.
Can a massager for hands help me if I have carpal tunnel syndrome?
According to a 2016 review, hand massage is quite effective for carpal tunnel syndrome. Two 30-minute massages per week for six weeks have brought significant results for carpal tunnel syndrome patients.
Recap
Hand massager is an essential tool for treating arthritis and other pain, and it can be highly therapeutic for people with chronic conditions affecting their hands. Whether you work at a desk and use a keyboard throughout the day, or if you do manual labor, there is always a chance that you are putting overstress on the muscles and joints of your hand. So, it’s especially important that you treat your hands with care to prevent chronic pain and severe injuries. A hand massager machine is very convenient as it saves you the difficulties of arranging an appointment with the massage therapist and commuting there. Whenever you want to relax, or you need to eliminate any joint pains in your hand, you have the massager ready for you if you have a massage machine of your own.