Your hands are the one of the most hand-working parts of your body. It’s no wonder so many people have repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Those that don’t have injuries most likely are dealing with some level of pain.
There is an easy solution. Get a massager for your hands. It’s worth it because it will do more than just relieve the pain you may feel. A hand massage is one of the most relaxing treatments that you can do at home.
Let’s take a look at how hand massagers work and learn more about the benefits. Then I will review the best hand massagers so that you can choose the right one.
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Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
How Do Electric Hand Massagers Work?
For most types of massage you need to use your hands, but with an electric hand massager it does all the work. Simply place one hand inside the massager, and it applies compression, kneading, vibration and other massage styles to your hand. Repeat with your other hand.
The hand massager stimulates the nerve endings on your palms that help other parts of your body relax. (If you want to learn more about hand reflexology, check out this book.) You get all the benefits of a massage without having to do any manual work.
Benefits of a Hand Massage
Hand massages feel good. Once the massage starts, your whole body will feel more relaxed because there are reflexology points. The benefits of a hand massage don’t stop there. Regular hand massage can also provide the following benefits.
- Loosens hand muscles to give you a greater range of motion.
- Improves circulation. With the increased flow of oxygen to your hands, they are less likely to feel stiff or crampy.
- Reduces Pain. If you have experienced a recent hand injury, massages will aid in the recovery. It can also help with arthritis and scar tissue.
- Enriches your night’s sleep. Even a quick hand massage will help you to relax and sleep more soundly at night.
- Eases Headaches. The reflexology points connect to areas on your head which targets tension headaches and migraines.
If you have any serious medical conditions or chronic pain, please consult your healthcare provider before beginning a massage therapy program.
What to Look for in a Hand Massager
There are a few key features that should be considered when choosing the right massager for your hands.
Type of Massage
Most hand massagers use air compression to apply pressure where needed on your hands, but it is not the only option. There are also massagers that use a roller or vibration.
If you are not sure which type of massage you like best choose a massager that offers multiple options like the HoMove Hand Massager.
Heat
Heat is a nice feature to have on any massager because it helps relax your muscles and make the massage more effective. Most hand massagers do include a heat function but it may not be as intense as with other massagers.
If you like things very hot, it might be best to go with a steam option like the Conair Hand Sauna.
Portability
It is convenient if you can take your massager with you wherever you go. Most hand massagers are small and light so they are portable. Some hand massagers are more portable than others.
If you plan on transporting your massager frequently, look for a hand massager that is cordless, doesn’t take too long to charge, and has a long battery life.
Coverage
One big difference between the top hand massagers is the amount of your hand that it can reach. Most do a reasonable job targeting your palm and fingers, but there are some that don’t reach your thumb or wrists.
Depending on your needs this could be ok, but if you have thumb or wrist issues pay close attention to this. Also, consider getting a forearm massager that can target your wrist and arm.
Price
Like many products, hand massagers vary in price, but the good news is that there is something for every budget. When deciding how much you want to spend on a massager for your hands, think about the money you might spend if you don’t buy a hand massager – professional massages, pain medicine, etc.
Buying a hand massager to reduce pain and stress naturally is probably a wise investment.
Best Hand Massagers
Now that you understand how a hand massager works and the benefits it can provide, let’s take a look at some of the best electric hand massagers on the market. The table below provides a summary and there are detailed reviews that follow.
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Brand |
Key Features |
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|---|---|---|
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iReliev  |
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HoMove   |
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Lunix   |
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Breo   |
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Comfier   |
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iVOLCONN   |
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CINCOM   |
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Conair   |
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iReliev Hand & Wrist Massager
If you are looking for a powerful hand massager that can help with pain, this iReliev product is a great option. It also provides optional heat to soothe and relax your muscles.
Pockets of air inflate and deflate to provide pressure at specific reflexology points which in turn relieves pain. You can add vibration too, but there aren’t any rollers.
With the iReliev hand and wrist massager, you can choose from six different massage programs and two different vibration options. There are also six intensity levels so that you can get the customized treatment you need.
The battery charges quickly and is long-lasting, so that you can use this massager anywhere. It has an auto-shutoff feature after 15 minutes for your safety.
It comes with a handy travel bag, USB charging cable, and instruction manual. The device fits all hand sizes as there is a hole on the other end for longer fingers.
If you are not completely satisfied, you can return it within 30 days of purchase. It comes with a 2-year warranty too.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
HoMove Hand Roller Massager
The HoMove hand massager uses roller, air pressure, and warm compress massage technology to create a professional massage experience at home. It kneads the acupressure points on the fingers and palm simultaneously, but if you are looking for a massager that targets your thumb, this is not for you.
The air pressure and rollers have three levels of intensity for your comfort. There are specially designed dimples to provide just the right amount of coverage to your hands and fingers. The wrist area massage simulates the method of blood transfusion in Chinese medicine which is very relaxing for your palm.
With the press of a button, you can add heat to your massage. If you get cold hands, you will love this feature. The massager won’t get too hot, but the heat does help to promote blood circulation, soothe the muscles, reduce hand fatigue, soreness, and numbness.
If you are not satisfied with this hand and wrist massager, you can return it within 30 days and get a full refund. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Lunix Cordless Electric Hand Massager w/Compression
The LX7 hand massager uses air pressure, heat, and vibration to help relax and sooth the tense muscle instead of the traditional rolling technique. It offers six levels of intensity, six program modes, and two vibration options, so you can adjust it to get the perfect massage for you. The soft interior cushion keeps your hand comfortable.
The sleek design fits well in a home or a professional office setting. Alternatively, take it with you on the go. Charge it once and it can be used for hours without worrying about cords or outlets.
As a bonus, each box also includes a roller finger massager which will soothe tired fingers and help with blood circulation. Lunix also provides a lifetime warranty, if you are not 110% happy, they will provide a full refund.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Breo iPalm520 Shiatsu Hand Massager
This Shiatsu hand massager combines air pressure and heat compression technology to increase circulation and relieve hand pain in a soothing way. It is designed and made by Breo, one of the top manufacturers when it comes to massagers.
The iPalm520’s rhythmic massage motion encourages oxygen-rich blood to flow into stiff and sore areas. There are hundreds of specially designed dimples that provide just the right amount of coverage and pressure to the acupoints on the hands and fingers.
To use this hand massager, you need to put your hand in the glove that it comes with, put your hand into the machine, and turn it on. It’s easy to control all functions including time, air pressure, and heating (98F or 107F) modes.
This hand massager is cordless and powered by 4 AA alkaline batteries which are included along with a 6-volt DC adapter to save on battery power. You can purchase this massager for your hands with confidence as they offer a full refund within 30 days if you are not fully satisfied.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Comfier Wireless Hand Massager with Heat
The Comfier Electric Hand massager is specially designed to use air pressure and compressed hot air to pamper every part of your hand. It helps get rid of any knots, relieve pain, and provide the maximum hand relaxation
Customize your massage by choosing from three pressure modes and three levels of intensity. The air pressure inflates and deflates on all the sides of your hands for a wide-ranging massage. The purposefully designed modes use different sequences that rhythmically pressurize the whole hand starting from the wrist to the palms and fingers. This massager also has three different heat settings which help keep your hands warm and soothe the muscles.
The Comfier massager is wireless and can be taken wherever you go. It has a built in Lithium Ion battery that never needs to be replaced and is rechargeable using a provided USB cord. If this hand massager tool does not meet your expectations for any reason, you can return it for full refund within 30 days.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
iVOLCONN Hand Massager
The IN-006H electric hand massager gives your whole hand an acupressure massage and even gives your fingers a stretch. It also uses gentle heat to relax the muscles.
You can customize your hand massage using the control panel on top. This massager offers three different levels of air compression intensities and three timer settings (5, 10, or 15 minutes). There are also three automatic massage modes:
- Refresh massages the top of the hand and the wrist equally
- Recover concentrates the massage on the top of the hand
- Relax focuses on the palm of the hand and wrist
Each mode will alternately compress and release pressure on the hand in various ways to massage muscles and relieve stress.
It is lightweight and cordless, so you can use it anywhere. Just recharge it using a USB cord or an AC adapter. Fully charged, the massager will last 2-4 hours depending on how it is used.
The iVOLCONN massager can be returned for any reason within 30 days for a full refund. They also offer a 24-month guarantee to handle any quality issues. This makes a thoughtful gift for any friend, family, or co-worker.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
CINCOM Rechargeable Hand Massager
This hand massager uses massage heads, airbags, and heat to get out all the tension in your hands. It targets various acupuncture points using four massage heads while the top and bottom airbags rhythmically press along your fingers, hands and wrists.
Unlike other massagers, your thumb and finger tips stick out of this device. Some people find the five-finger design more comfortable because you can move your thumb. The device will work for both the left and right hands.
It offers three different massage modes, two heating levels, and three strength options so you can customize for you comfort level. The infrared heat (104 – 122℉) is soothing and helps to promote blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and warm your cold hands.
The CINCOM hand massager has a built-in 2500mAh rechargeable lithium battery that can last 60-90 minutes after a full charge. It has an auto-off feature to save power after using it for 15 minutes. You can take it with you anywhere as it comes with a storage bag.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Conair HydroSpa Massaging Hand Sauna
Unlike other hand massagers on this list, this one uses warm steam to deliver moisture to soften skin on dry hands. It’s like getting a massage and a skin treatment at the same time.
In addition to the steam, this massager uses gentle vibration and infrared heat to provide an all-natural, spa-quality treatment that relieves stress, pain, and muscle tension. The steam, vibration, and heat can be used alone or combined for a customized treatment.
It’s ergonomically designed with a soft rubber palm rest for tired hands. The steam will last up to 20 minutes with each fill up. Unfortunately, you cannot use essential oils in this hand massager machine as it could damage the motor. Using distilled water will help the hand sauna last longer.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
What is the best massager for hands?
Whether you are looking for a massager for hand pain or a device to give your a pampering spa treatment, there are several good options available. We have looked at all the data, and here are our recommendations for the best hand massager.
The Best Overall Hand Massage Machine
The HoMove Hand Massager is one of the few massagers that offers a roller in addition to air compression and heat which makes it effective for many different types of pain. It easy to use and customize.
The Best Hand Massage Machine for the Money
The Conair hand sauna gives you a steam treatment in combination with a massage. While the massage is not as intense as other massagers, it still gives you a soothing and relaxing experience.
Is a Hand Massager Worth it?
Yes. When you take into consideration all the benefits you get from a hand massage (better sleep, headache relief, etc), these hand massagers are a bargain. It’s nice to be able to do a hand massage at home.
RELATED: 5 Best Handheld Massagers Reviewed (2022)
Tips for Using a Hand Massager
Your hand massager will quickly become one of your favorite gadgets. Here are a few tips for making sure you get the most out of your hand massager:
- While hand massagers are easy to use, it is still important to read the user manual for the one you buy. Each machine can be different and it’s best to follow directions to maximize its useful life.
- Don’t overuse the massager. While you can use it daily, limit each session to a maximum of 20 minutes. If you use the massager for long you may run the risk of over massaging a sore muscle and reduce the lifespan of the tool.
- Take off all rings and bracelets before using your hand massager.
- Only use one massager at a time. Don’t try to save time by using several massagers simultaneously. You won’t be able to apply the same amount of pressure on both of your hands with the different massagers, which will result in using too much pressure on one of your hands and not enough pressure on the other one. So both massages will be inefficient. It’s best to focus on one area at a time.
- Be very careful if your hand massager is an electric one. Keep in mind that your safety comes first. Keep the device away from water. If there are even some small drops of water on it, turn it off and dry it thoroughly before you turn it on again.
- While some massagers have a safety auto-off feature, if you stop using the machine early remember to switch the massager off.
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