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of your body you want to massage, and for what reason,” Alice says. “If you’re looking to unlock a knot in your back, for example, you’re going to need a different kind of massager compared to if you’re looking to deal with something like a TMJ [temporomandibular joint] injury on your jaw. “You also need to be mindful about the different size and hardness, as well as the RPM for powered massagers – you don’t need something designed for professional bodybuilders if you just want to de-stress at the end of the day.” GENTLY DOES IT If you’re looking to relax, consider gentle back or neck shiatsu massagers. More powerful devices like massage guns aren’t designed for relaxation, but rather for relieving sore and tense muscles. Use them with care – select the right attachment for the job, start on a low setting, apply gentle pressure and avoid bone. Whichever massager you choose, Alice says it’s worth getting medical advice first if you’re concerned that you could have a more serious injury. “You need to be careful and possibly chat to your doctor, because some massagers can also do other damage. “If your problem isn’t a tense muscle, but a different kind of injury, like a muscle tear, then pummelling it with a massage gun isn’t going to help.” For our comprehensive guide to massagers, turn the page
KNEAD TO KNOW Whether you’re nursing an injury or just trying to relax at the end of a busy day, a massage device might be just what the doctor ordered. Words ADAM TURNER M assage therapy is a tried and true remedy for reducing muscle
devices that vibrate or pummel. Many offer shiatsu, a blend of massage and acupressure that aims to relieve tension and promote healing. CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN Options include head, neck, back, leg and feet massagers, along with massage chairs that can cover more of your body at once. There are also massage guns, designed for targeting specific muscles. It’s important to choose the best one for the task at hand, says Gizmodo Australia’s Alice Clarke. “Consider carefully which parts
tightness, improving circulation, relieving stress and boosting the immune system. While we can’t all have a personal masseur on call, there are a range of massage tools that can help you hit the spot any time of the day. Massagers come in many shapes and sizes, designed to perform different types of treatment on various parts of your body, from your head down to your feet. Some you simply rub on your muscles, while others are powered therapy
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