Roller Massagers
Roller massagers come in a variety of different forms from mechanical, battery-operated massagers to simple plastic or wooden handheld massage rollers. However, they all use a rolling action to massage the tired muscles of the body.
Roller massagers differ from other mechanical massage devices. The machine has built in rollers that spin on their own once the machine is turned on. The rolling device is usually covered in different sized massage nodes to provide a rather stimulating massage. The width and size of the roller also varies in the machines in order to target many different muscles areas. The roller mechanism is covered by a removable, thin layer of fabric for comfort and safety purposes. Typically these machines are designed to be used as foot massagers but some can be used on other parts of the body such as the legs or even the back. The rollers can be put in motion in both directions, and have variable speed settings. The rolling action of the machine stimulates blood circulation and reduces tension and stress.
Other roller massage devices have heating functions. They include different levels of infrared heat which warms and soothes sore muscles while also providing energy to the body. The heating pads are usually separate from the actual massage rollers. The rollers in the machines have different speed adjustments and two different massage directions: forward and reverse. Some of the machines also come with automated massage programs, where the style of the massage will automatically change itself over time - so all you have to do is sit back and relax. These devices can be used on the feet, calves, thighs, back, and neck.
Roller massagers are effective because they simulate the techniques of shiatsu massage and acupuncture. The bumpy massage rollers are designed to stimulate the pressure points of the body through a kneading action, which increases circulation and encourages healthy energy flow in the body. Pressure point therapy helps to reduce the pain associated with the certain acupressure points and promote greater physical functioning and mobility.
Now we come to the less high-tech versions of the roller massagers. Simple massage rollers are usually made of wood or rubber. The device consists of a wooden base between which are positioned a number of wooden rollers (almost resembles a wooden abacus). The device works by manually rolling your body over the rollers. The roller massager can be used on the feet or any other parts of the body that can be rolled across the device.
The rollers either consist of a bunch of smaller rollers, or they have a bumpy surface covered in hundreds of small, raised nodes. The bumps stimulate your feet or upper body so that they become relaxed and tension-free. These roller massagers are lightweight and portable, which makes them perfect for placing under your desk at work to provide a quick pick-me-up massage during the day. They can also be mounted on a wall to make it easier to perform a back massage. Roller massagers are simple, yet effective devices!
