Indications for a Body Thermal Massager

A thermal massager is a device that combines massage with heat therapy to increase the effectiveness and durability of the treatment. The heat element in the thermal massager enhances the effectiveness of the massager because it penetrates deeper into the muscles.

The most frequently encountered kind of thermal massager is hand-held and is often equipped with attachments for face, scalp and body. Two other variations are seat covers and thermal beds.

Lower Back Pain

• Massagers have a long history of effectiveness in treating back pain. The heat component of the massager causes the blood vessels to expand. This increases oxygenation of the body, so that the nutrients flow more easily into the injured muscle, allowing it to heal quicker, according to Spine Health. The heat also reduces the stream of pain signals to the brain, which results in better pain management. It diminishes rigidity and increases the flexibility of the soft tissue around the spine such as connective tissue and muscles. Massaging the sore part of the back and treating it with warm (not hot) temperature adds to the feeling of relaxation and comfort.

Osteoarthritis

• Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by stiffness, ache and swelling of joints and soft tissues of the body. It affects joints such as those in the back, neck and hands. Although there is no cure or way to slow down the development of osteoarthritis at the moment, thermal massagers can be used to alleviate the pain, according to Spine Health. Since it increases circulation and reduces muscle tension, it can be used to manage body ache and reduce the rigidity of the body.

Considerations

• Some manufacturers of thermal massagers provide augmented lists of benefits ranging from asthma relief to fibromyalgia control that should be taken with skepticism. Thermal massagers can be used as a supportive method of treatment of a lot of ailments, but they generally do not provide a curative effect on internal diseases. Thermal massagers work best when combined with other forms of body maintenance such as exercise, healthy diet and stress management techniques.