Does a Handheld Massager Really Work To Help Manage Pain?

Does a Handheld Massager Really Work To Help Manage Pain? Yes! And it is a natural alternative with no side effects. In this article I discuss the use of the HoMedics Dual Head Percussion Action Plus Massager, which I use almost every night for pain relief.

I am writing this review about the HoMedics Dual Head Percussion Action Plus Massager because I have been using it with some positive results.  If you have chronic pain like I have, then you might be interested in this product.  Read further to learn about the Percussion Action Handheld Massager.  

Introduction

I have chronic pain.  That means every day of my life I am in pain.  So of course I look for ways to relieve that pain.  That’s why I write articles here.  I practice what I preach.  This article is based on my use of this product.

I have read that massage is a natural way to relieve pain.  And it is an enjoyable experience as well!  But in these times of COVID lockdown, going to my favorite spa is out of the question.  So my sweet daughter bought me the HoMedics Dual Head Percussion Action Plus Massager!  What a great Christmas present!

I have been using the Massager to relieve my pain.  It has given me some relief, so I wanted to tell you about it in hopes it might help you.

How Can the Massager Help Me?

First of all, why does massage itself help pain?  What comes to mind first is how massage can relax the muscles, tendons and joints in the painful area.  If a muscle is tight it can be painful and even cause more pain. 

Massage is relaxing in itself, and can reduce anxiety.  Those of us in pain can be anxious due to the pain.  So one of the benefits of massage is a feeling of calm and relaxation.

Furthermore, the stimulation may awaken surrounding nerves that send messages to the brain and therefore block the pain messages.  Those nerves that are not in pain, are sending messages so the brain is sort of overwhelmed and can’t “sense” the pain.  For more information from a scientific article check out this link from Harvard Medical.

This is how the TENS unit works.  I wrote an article about this.  Does the TENS Unit Work?

So this massager can deliver all the above benefits.  Not only do I have pain in my buttock, but it goes into my outer thigh and my calf.  When I am suffering these pains, I use the massager.  It not only feels good while I am doing it, but has some residual effects that reduce the pain signal.  

As a side note, my friend has edema in his legs, probably due to his diabetes medication.  We read that massage may reduce that as well.  So he is finding some decrease in his legs swelling by using the device.  

How Do I Use the Massager?

The instructions included in the box are pretty straightforward.  It plugs in and there is a button for the massage feature and for the heat feature.  The heat feature will not turn on unless the massage feature is engaged.

There are four intensity settings for the massage.  I have only used the lowest, as it is more than enough pressure for me.  To turn the massager off, you have to click on the highest intensity to turn it off.  

The unit is set to only massage for 15 minutes.  I assume this is a safety precaution so you don’t injure tissue by too much stimulation.  Since I run the unit up and down my buttock and leg, I don’t worry about that.  The instructions advise centering on one spot for only three minutes.

Grasping the handle, you are able to place the massager just about anywhere on your body.  I haven’t tried doing my back.  But the handle is long enough to reach the middle of your back.

Who Can Use the Massager?

Holding the unit takes a bit of hand and arm strength, so I would not recommend this for an elderly weak person.  The company states it weighs only 2.5 pounds, but it is heavy at the massage end, so it feels awkward, and therefore heavier than 2.5 pounds.

In fact, they recommend supervision if this product is used by children, invalids, or people with disabilities.  So keep this in mind if you think your elderly loved one might like this, but may not be able to handle it.

Otherwise, it is safe for its intended purpose, which is to massage painful body parts.

What You Get in the Box

Besides the massager itself, which has an electric cord attached, you get two sets of percussion heads; one soft rubber and the other hard plastic.  It also comes with some instructions on how to use and safety practices.  The percussion heads make it look a little like an alien, I think.

It measures about 16 inches with the width of the massage head about 5.5 inches.  Since the head contains the mechanism for the massage it is heavier and that is why the unit is rather awkward.  The handle has a soft grip built in, which does make it easier to hold on to.  

Where Can I Purchase this Product?

You have several options online, but here is a link to the HoMedics site. If you buy through this link, I receive a small fee for my affiliate recommendation.  They have many natural wonderful products!

How Much Does It Cost?

It is listed for $44.99 on the HoMedics site, and that seems to be the going price elsewhere.   

What I Like About the Product

Although I may be stating the obvious, I will do so anyway!  Ha ha.

• Does exactly what it says it will do; massage your body
• Easy to use; buttons are straightforward
• Provides relief from pain for a short period of time
• Can use repeatedly throughout the day

What I Don’t Like About the Product

Hardly anything to say about what I don’t like.

• As mentioned, it feels heavier than 2.5 pounds and can be awkward to hold and maneuver

Here’s my video review of the product.

Conclusion

Have you used this product?  I would like to hear what you think about it.  It will help other people in making a decision about buying it.  Your comments and questions are also welcome.