Indeed, you are aware of the many beneficial properties of a professional massage: the hands of an expert masseur can relieve muscular and skeletal pain while also providing relaxation. It is not always practical to visit a massage therapist, especially considering the associated costs. However, technology comes to our aid: there are devices on the market designed to massage specific parts of the body. The leader of the market is Homedics, which offers an extensive range of massagers, from the feet to the base of the head, at great prices during Black Friday Deals.
But do they work well? Can the ” Homedics massage ” compete with that of a real massage therapist? Let’s see it, article by article.
Given the breadth of the range, we categorize the Homedics masseurs to help you easily distinguish and analyze them: back massages, including those for the buttocks and head base, massaging cushions for the head and neck, and foot massagers.
Homedics: How is massage done?
Most models, useful for both the back and neck, as well as the feet, are operated via a remote control outside the machine, equipped with buttons for switching on and off, as well as others to adjust the massage intensity and /or the area to be massaged.
As for the back massagers, you can use the remote control to target a specific area for treatment or set a global back massage. Additionally, some models include a button that allows you to adjust the seat height and width. You can also opt to warm the chair for a more energizing and relaxing massage. In the latest models, it is possible to set up to 14 different massage modes, including Shiatsu, Rolling, targeted back massage, and a vibrating mode for the thighs and buttocks.
But how is it that these massage therapists intervene on the back? What is it that helps relieve the pain and relax the muscles?
The principle behind these devices is located inside the seat, from the base of the neck to the lower back, near the buttocks. Here, rotating massaging spheres are activated by various engines with different intensities and modalities. This principle is common to most Homedics massagers.
The producers assure that their circular action, combined with movement from top to bottom and vice versa, interacts with the contracted muscles or the painful part, creating a sensation of muscular relaxation.
In our opinion, in the most complete models of the Homedics range, the circular movement of the spheres inside the seat, combined with the heat that allows the “softening” of the contracted part, can soothe some contractures, creating a momentary sensation of relief, waiting for a real visit from a professional.
Let’s move on to the massaging cushions. The operating principle is entirely analogous to that of the sessions, utilizing massaging balls, but by intervening in more specific areas, such as the upper part of the head and the base of the neck.
Additionally, with the remote control, the balls inserted inside the cushion will be activated, massaging the targeted area. Note that the cushions can also be used to massage the thighs and buttocks. Maximum versatility allows the cushion to be moved into the required area and operated.
Typically, the available massages are of three types: Shiatsu, Shiatsu with heat, and both with the addition of vibration. Specific cushions for the neck there are some different versions: those in the shape of a U, which are operated thanks to the two ergonomic handles placed on the outer sides of the pillow, and you can choose up to 2 speeds with or without the addition of heat and those similar to cushions for sleeping that are operated thanks to the classic remote control, even in this case by choosing up to 2 speeds with or without the action of heat.
More specific are the foot massagers that, in most models, turn on and off with a button placed in the lower part of the product: with the same button, you can decide to operate the four types of massage available: vibrating with or without water, magnetotherapy, and heat with a relaxing effect.
Some foot massagers are similar to the pans used by beauticians for pedicures and have the characteristic of being able to massage even with the action of water. In contrast, others do not provide for this use, and their relaxing action is created by the six rotating knots present on the surface of the product, specifically the area where the feet rest.
A note that we would like to emphasize is that the foot massagers are adaptable to most of the soles of the feet, reaching up to number 47.
Homedics: The recommended armchairs
As you may have understood, Homedics offers various types of massagers suitable for targeting different parts of the body. Probably the best-known and most famous is the session that massages the back from the buttocks to the base of the head: the product has the shape of a flat-backed armchair that can be placed on a chair, sofa, or chair of your own.
Our advice is to place them on a seat that is not too soft. Otherwise, the product would risk not adhering perfectly to the back and would not perform its work completely.
All the models of Homedics armchairs are very similar to each other, even the latest generation ones, which are more enveloping and ergonomic. On the sides of the seat, there are two reinforced sides to allow a more comfortable and homogeneous massage.
The upper part of the chair features a cushion that allows you to rest your head and relax during the massage session comfortably. As you proceed, you reach the most critical part of the product, where the massaging balls are located, targeting the affected area.
In our opinion, the most essential characteristic is that the height and width of the entire session are adjustable, allowing each person to feel as comfortable as possible during this type of massage. For added comfort, the back section features an additional flat cushion that can be removed as needed or left in place for a more gentle massage.
The chair has no armrests, allowing the person to assume a more natural position and feel even more relaxed. The final seat of the chair is also equipped with internal spheres to massage the buttocks and the upper part of the thighs, thanks to their vibrant action. In the lower part of the chair, a special mechanism is located that spreads heat and softens the muscles during the massage action.
” Cocoon ” massager
Absolutely one of the most complete models in the range. In our opinion, anyone suffering from posture problems, hernias, or muscular issues can rely on the daily use of these massaging machines. It takes 15 minutes to resolve most issues or alleviate a significant portion of the pain.
Moreover, thanks to the height and width adjustment, it is also recommended for people who do not meet the standard of height and weight. It is equipped with “T ” technology to allow for a more homogeneous massage on the shoulders and back. As we mentioned, the action of the spheres does not occur only through rotation, but they also move simultaneously, both from top to bottom and vice versa.
Another feature in its favor is the fact that it is easily adaptable to all types of chairs and can also be placed on an armchair or a sofa, thanks to its rigid back that does not sink into the soft cushions. It offers 14 programs, including Shiatsu, Rolling, Back Only, and Vibration for buttocks and thighs, all with or without the addition of heat.
In our opinion, the feature we would like to emphasize is that you can choose which part of the back to target with the massage. With a simple click on the remote control button, you can select the areas to be massaged.
To provide greater comfort during the massage, the seat is padded and covered with a double pillow, which you can remove to dedicate yourself to a more intense massage. The head pillow is both adjustable and removable. We recommend it for those with severe back pain, hernias, cervical, incorrect postures, contractures, paresthesia.
Shiatsu armchair
Much simpler than the previous chair, yet more essential and recommended for those who want to have a masseur at home, allowing for relaxation from time to time. First of all, the chair is not adjustable in height or width, and the types of massage available are reduced to only three. We use the term only, but for those looking for a simple, manageable, and complete massager to use and store, this is the ideal solution.
The types of massage proposed are Shiatsu and roller massage, which are created through the action of rotating spheres. Additionally, you can select the area to massage by pressing the button on the remote control, allowing you to target the upper, lower, or entire back area.
The characteristic of this model is that the heads placed inside the chair are covered by a special gel, which allows for a more delicate and relaxing massage.
>>> Where to buy a Shiatsu armchair?
Relaxing massage chair
Even more essential, but certainly functional for those looking for a simple massager, easy to use, and that can be stored just as easily. At first glance, we notice that even the design is less well-maintained than the two previous ones, with fewer external finishes and a less well-groomed and homogeneous color scheme. However, its lower price makes it a suitable product for those who love back massages and have no time to visit a physiotherapist or beauty therapist.
Unlike the first, a chair does not alleviate real pain created by real diseases, but it allows you to relax and calm some muscular discomfort in the back. Also, with a simple click on the remote control, you can choose on which area to intervene: you can also perform a massage on the back, neck, and shoulders separately.
You can adjust the height of the massager to target the neck and shoulders, raising and lowering the pillow at the top. Unlike the previous two, where the action of the spheres takes place at 360°, the spheres move in two directions, so the massage is slightly more limited.
>>> Where to buy a Relaxing massage chair?
Homedics: The recommended cushions
The head cushions are simple, rectangular cushions designed to be placed on a chair with a high back or on any chair, thanks to the band on the back. In this way, they can perform their work as a masseur in an excellent manner. A pleasant feature is that it can also be used for massaging the thigh and buttock; simply choose the part of the body you want to target.
Indeed, the neck pillows are more specifically designed, with a completely different shape from those for the head. These cushions resemble a boomerang, or rather a U-shape, designed to wrap around the neck and massage its entire area, from the cervical to the front.
These massagers, along with those for the feet, are specifically designed for this part of the body and are not adaptable for use on other parts of the body. Inside the U, you can choose to operate the heat for an even more relaxing massage. Moreover, on the external part of the two ends, two handles are provided for adjusting the massage intensity to different levels.
Cushion for head and neck
We are referring to the rectangular cushion, which can also be used for massaging the buttocks, thighs, and lumbar area. Massage the affected area and activate the massage using the remote control, which can be stored inside the pillow once it has been used.
Recommended for those with headaches and neck problems, or for those who prefer a soft, yet firm massage after a long day at work. Additionally, the heat is adjustable to your liking for an even more engaging and relaxing experience. The elastic band on the back is suitable for armchairs and chairs of various sizes, allowing for easy attachment.
>>> Where to buy a Cushion for the head and neck?
A cushion for just the neck
Recommended for those suffering from cervical issues: this type of pillow massages the back of the neck directly, providing a relaxing and decontracting action. You can choose between two programs: one that only massages or one that combines massage with heat action, both of which are controlled by the external side handles.
Once the cushion has been activated, it is the spheres that, with their circular movement, create a feeling of relief and relaxation. Unfortunately, these models have been designed for standard neck sizes; therefore, we do not recommend them for individuals with a wider neck who may have difficulty with measurement.
>>> Where to buy a Cushion for the neck?
Homedics: Recommended plantar massagers
There are several models, some similar to the trays, which work thanks to the action of water, while others resemble a footrest that intervenes on the sole through the rotating action of the six spheres, each with three heads.
Returning to the massagers with water, these are simple basins in the base of which are massaging rollers that intervene on the soles of the feet: you can fill them with water and thanks to the four nozzles placed inside the basin you can operate the whirlpool via a button placed in the upper part of the pan. Some models allow you to heat the water inside for a more relaxing and purifying massage.
Shiatsu Foot Massager
Ideal for individuals who walk frequently or those who spend long periods standing on their feet. You can use this foot massager by simply placing your feet above the machine and operating the rotating heads. It features 6 knots of rotation with three heads each, designed to relax contracted and tired feet.
The machine also emits a special heat that spreads throughout the sole, making the massage even more effective and relaxing. To turn the machine on and off, there is a button that can be easily pressed, even with the foot, without needing to bend down.
>>> Where to buy a Shiatsu Foot Massager?
Plantar whirlpool
Even this type of massager can be used without water, but its best action is achieved with the help of water. You can choose between two vibration massage speeds, magnetotherapy thanks to 4 magnets placed in specific parts to target reflexology on the plantar area, and therapeutic heat.
You can heat the water to your liking for an even more enveloping and relaxing massage. Recommended for those who love foot massages or suffer from corns and calluses, and want to try to soften all parts of the foot: you can also use it for a pedicure session.
