Arthritis is one of the common causes of knee pain. Many people take medicine and do physical therapy, but it may not be enough. If you are wondering about what else can be done, consider knee massage.
Professional massages are expensive, but you can give yourself a knee massage at home. There are several innovative knee massage tools that can help. Let’s take a look at what knee massagers can do and help you choose the best knee massager for arthritis or other knee pain.
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Is Massage Good for Arthritis in the Knee?
Yes, in most cases, if you have arthritis in the knee, massage can help, but remember arthritis comes in different forms including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). It’s best to discuss your specific situation with your doctor.
Massage can help by improving circulation and reducing swelling which will relieve knee pain from most types of arthritis. To be safe, you will want to avoid massages on affected knee joints during an RA flare up as it could make things worse.
A knee massager on its own will not solve your arthritis issues, it’s best to use it in combination with other treatments like physical therapy and medication. Massaging the muscles around the knee can take help with the stiffness and soreness caused by osteoarthritis.
Benefits of a Knee Massager
In addition to helping with arthritis and other types of knee pain, a knee massager can also offer these benefits:
- Increase muscle flexibility
- Improve circulation
- Warm up your knee (if it is a massager with heat) when it’s cold
- Get better quality sleep
What to Look for in a Knee Massager
Knee Massagers are high-tech machines. If you haven’t bought one before, you might not be sure which one is best. The answer will depend on your personal needs, so here are the things that you should consider.
Size
Many knee massagers are not one size fits all. You need to check the measurements or confim it is adjustable to make sure that the machine will fit your knee.
Heat
Adding heat to a massage can help muscles to relax and make the massage more effective. Most knee massagers do have heat, some even provide infrared heat, but it’s a good thing to confirm.
Type of Massage
You can get a wide variety of types of massage from knee massagers. Some offer vibration, others do air compression massage, and there are some that provide TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy.
One type is not necessarily better than the others, it’s more of a personal perference. If you are not sure what style of massage you like, choose a massager that offers different types.
Versatility
Some knee massagers can also be used on other parts of the body, while others are specially designed for the knee. You may get more use out of the massager if it is versatile.
Price
Knee massagers come in a wide range of prices. Think about how much you feel comfortable spending and then what you can find within that budget.
Top Massagers for Knee Pain Relief
While there are many knee massagers on the market, we only want you to spend time looking at the prominent ones. This table summarizes the best knee massager options and more detailed reviews of each device can be found below.
Brand |
Key Features |
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HEZHENG |
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VANI |
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Goldmille |
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Fit King |
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QUINEAR |
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PKSTONE |
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Beurer |
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HEZHENG Cordless Compression Knee Massager
With this Hezheng massager, you can treat yourself to an air compression knee massage with (or without heat) and a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) treatment. The pads allow you to send electronic pulses to reduce pain signals (TENS therapy) on many areas of the body.
This machine offers five massage functions, 8 massage modes, 14 different heat levels (104F-140F), 10 intensity levels, and a 15-minute timer. Even with all the different functions, this machine is simple to use, as there are only three buttons to control the massager and it has a large screen easy to see.
The multiple air bags inflate and deflate to simulate a kneading massage. The infrared heat works to improves the blood flow area. Unfortunately, you can only treat one knee at a time.
It’s best to use this massager on bare skin. The adjustable strap that goes behind the knee has two airbags that give you a massage too. While the strap is adjustable, the massage will only fit those with a knee diameter that is less than 5.1 inches.
It’s powered by long-lasting 2600MAH battery that can easily be recharged using a USB adapter. You can return and Hezheng products for any reason within 90 days of purchase, but be sure to register your device once you receive it.
VANI Knee Massager
This creatively designed knee massager by Vani is one of the most versatile you will find. It can offer heat and two types of massage to many parts of the body.
Choose from a powerful vibration or airbag compression massage and add heat if you like. There are two different heat levels. In just 15 minutes, you will start feeling a difference.
Change the positioning of the device and treat you foot, calf, leg, or arm. There is also a slot to hold your phone so that you can relax hands-free. It’s all powered by a 1200 mAh high quality rechargeable lithium battery.
Goldmille Heated Vibration Knee Massager
The Goldmille heated knee massager is designed to ease knee pain, reduce muscle stiffness around the kneecap, and stimulate blood circulation. It combines heating and vibration massage to help get results.
You can choose from three different temperatures – low (113℉), mid (131℉), or high (150℉) – and three different vibration levels (low, mid, high). The device heats up quickly and the vibration massage is gentle and soothing.
With adjustable velco, this massager will fits anyone that has a knee circumference from 13.5-19 inches. It is also designed to be used on the shoulder or elbow.
The Hailicare knee massager is sold as a pair, so both knees can be massaged at the same time. The package also includes 2 5000 mAh power bank, 2 power cables, 2 USB cables, a user manual, and carrying bag.
FIT KING Heated Knee Massager
This Fit King massager goes beyond just treating your knees. While it is warming up your whole knee, it can also massage the surrounding calf and thigh areas to help get rid of muscle stiffness.
It has both heating and air compression massage functions. There are two larger heating areas with two heating levels. The 2+2 compression airbags massage your upper calves and lower thighs. You can choose from three professional massage and levels modes.
The size of the Fit King knee massager is adjustable with Velcro so anyone can use it. The package includes two knee massagers, a power adapter, a user manual, and a storage bag.
You can use both knee massagers at the same time or individually. If you’re on a tight budget, you can purchase just one.
QUINEAR Knee Massager with Heat
With QUINEAR knee massager, you can help relax the knee and surrounding muscles. This machine can simulate hand kneading which can relieve soreness and ease stiffness.
It uses airbags along with heat to work its magic. The 2+2 airbags inflate and deflate at your choice of 3 intensity levels. It also has 2 heating levels.
This knee massager is ergonomically designed with separated long straps for upper calf and lower thigh, so it is easier to wear. The velco makes it easy to adjust the wrap size and keep it in place.
There is a built-in control panel with just 4 buttons so it’s simple to use. The functions and levels are dispalyed with different colors. For your safety, it is programmed with a 20 minute auto shut off function.
This knee massager is lightweght, only weighing 2.7 lbs, and comes with a storage bag so it is easy to carry with you. It is not sold as a pair, so you can only use it on one knee at a time (or you need to buy two).
Click here to read more reviews and check the price.
PKSTONE Heated Knee Brace Wrap Massager
This heated knee wrap can help reduce knee pain, whether it’s from a chronic pain or an injury like a meniscal tear. It offers three heating and vibration levels.
This knee massager is made of high-quality neoprene materials which make it fast heating and durable. It only takes a few seconds to heat up to a steady temperature of 113°F – 149°F.
You can use the heat function and vibration massage at the same time or separately. If it gets dirty, it can be machine washed.
PKSTONE sells their knee braces separately, so you can only treat one knee at a time (or buy two). It needs to be plugged into the wall socket to use.
Click here to read more reviews and check the price.
Beurer EM34 2-in-1 Knee & Elbow TENS Unit Massager
Unline the other devices on this list, this knee massager utilizes TENS therapy to give you pain relief. With TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) electronic pulses are sent into your nerves to reduce the pain signals to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles.
This TENS machine only has one channel, but it does have 25 different intensity levels. The display panel indicates if the device is powered and shows the intensity level. It is easy to operate, lightweight, and has an automatic safety shut-off.
The sleeve can be used on either your knees or elbows and has two water contact electrodes, so no gel is needed. It’s ergonomically designed with adjustable hook-and-loop fastening. A belt clip and batteries are also included.
The Best Overall Knee Massage Machine
The HEZHENG knee massager offers the more different treatment options so you can get the customized therapy that is right for you. We love that it is cordless with a powerful battery. It can also provide TENS treatment for other parts of the body.
The Best Knee Massage Machine for the Money
While this device only offers TENS massage, it can still be quite effective in relieving knee pain. It’s easy to use with plenty of intensity levels and also adjustable so can fit any knee size (or elbow).
Are Knee Massagers Safe for Everyone?
In most cases, yes, a knee massager is safe to use, but there are some situations where you should consult your doctor before you do including if you:
- have recently had knee surgery
- have a knee injury
- are pregnant or at puerperium
- use a pacemaker or other medical device that is susceptible to electrical interference
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Is a Knee Massager Worth It?
Knee pain can be debilitating. Sometimes you avoid walking, standing or other movements to avoid the pain. It can even cause issues with your sleep.
A knee massager can help manage that pain and allow you to live a more normal life. If you look at it that way, these knee massager machines are a bargain.
Read Next: The Best Hand Massagers: Reviews & Buying Guide for 2022, Best Home Foot Spa for Large Feet and 7 Best Massage Chair Pads (2022)
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