In our household, the kids and adults don’t fight over the remote. We fight over massage tools. Between three boys, half a dozen different sports, and two parents who are over 40, at-home massage and recovery tools are the hot ticket in our house every evening. Whether you have young athletes in your household, made a fitness resolution this year that is starting to catch up with you or are just at that age where doing anything makes something hurt, I want to share our family-approved massage and recovery tools to help your body from head to toe.
These massage and recovery tools aren’t just hype. Yes, they feel good, but they also help decrease swelling, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and help your body feel better the next day – whatever you did today. These tools use a combination of heat, compression and massage to warm up tight muscles, soothe sore spots and provide overall relaxation and recovery so you and your family can do it all over again tomorrow.
Here are some of our tried and true family favorites for any age range.
Best Foot Massager
I love a good foot rub. And I was pretty sure a mechanical device could not adequately provide one. I was wrong. This RENPHO foot massager helped my husband’s plantar fasciitis. It helped one son recover from a multiday soccer tournament and another through a brutal cross country season. And it helps me relax on a Friday night. Space-wise, it is a bit more of a commitment, but I can confirm that it is very effective and about the same price as two foot massages. Family tip: Institute a socks-required rule if you’re sharing the device. Also a great gift idea for grandparents.
Best Leg Massager
This Nekteck Leg Compression Massager is the latest add to our collection and oh boy. From pre-soccer-practice to post-snowboarding to just I’ve-been-on-my-feet-all-day, this device combines compression and heat to soothe and massage your feet, ankles, calves and quads. (Don’t want all that? They also make calf and foot only versions too.) The lower leg portion zips on while the quad section has velcro attachments. Although some versions include coverage of the knees, the fact that the knees are free in this device means you can use them with your legs straight or bent. Though they might seem bulky, they actually fold up nicely into a compact storage bag. One warning: although they come with a 20 minute timer, we had to set a family rule that you can’t restart the timer to sneakily try to extend your session. Family tip: Start with the quad attachments on the looser side since the air compression will quickly tighten them.
Best Back & Neck Massager
If a personal masseuse isn’t in the budget, this Snailax Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is the next best thing. Cordless and portable, this massager combines eight rotating massage nodes with two speeds and optional heat to work out tough knots and bring relief to stressed and sore muscles. I get incredibly tight in my shoulders and upper back and this is the only device I’ve found (outside of an actual massage) that can work out those knots. While designed for the neck and back, you can also use this massager on your legs, butt, chest or even your feet! Check out all the Shiatsu massagers available from Snailax here and get 30% off with the “sale30” code. Family tip: We recommend getting a cordless one so you don’t have to be by an outlet to enjoy.
Best Head Massager
The head often gets overlooked for massage but that’s what can make it so relaxing and enjoyable when it does get attention. Every six months or so, this arboleaf Electric Scalp Massager makes an re-appearance from our basket of recovery tools and makes the rounds through my boys. Four rotating silicone heads (choose from the claws or the knobs) knead, massage and relax away scalp stress. It doesn’t tangle long hair, and although we haven’t tried it, it’s also waterproof so you could use it in the shower. We keep ours “humans only,” but the brand also advertises that pets can enjoy it too. Family tip: Looking for a cheaper alternative? While not quite as massage-y, this tool also helps with scalp stress relief and is fun to do to someone who is not expecting it.
Whether your work, your workouts or what year you were born is causing you to suffer aches and pains at the end of the day, there are affordable, at-home massage and recovery devices that really can help. What are you waiting for? Relief is calling.
