These days, massage therapy is well-known to offer a wide range of health benefits, in addition to being an incredible way to relax and reduce stress. When massage therapy first became popular with the mainstream populace in the early 1980s, it was seen primarily as an extravagance—a luxurious way to pamper ones body and mind. However, as the field of touch therapy became more advanced, numerous studies have shown that massage also offers quite a few valuable medical benefits, including providing relief from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, sport's injuries, and even as a way to boost one's immune system. So whether you're looking to simply relax and unwind after a stressful day, maintain health and wellness, or seeking relief from a medical condition, massage therapy is an excellent practice to take advantage of.

With the evolution of the massage therapy business, however, there's also been a fairly significant increase in its cost. Most massage therapists change between $80 and $120 dollars per massage session, which can be economically unfeasible for many people. Moreover, some people aren't comfortable with disrobing in front of a massage therapist or may not be okay with a complete stranger having such intimate contact with their body. But today, advances in technology have provided for the development of therapeutic kneading massage devices that can be used at home, offering many of the same benefits as traditional manual massage without the cost or intrusion of privacy.

Owning one of these massage devices is like having your own private therapist available within your own home or office. Therapeutic kneading massagers are small, highly portable and can be

effectively used with nearly any high-back chair. The leading devices feature a compact, square body that houses fabric-covered massage "thumbs," which provide the actual massage. Much like the fingers of a live massage therapist, these thumbs move and rotate in controlled patterns across your muscles to provide deep massage to the neck, back, legs, hips, arms and feet, depending on where you place the device.

Furthermore, the top therapeutic kneading massagers also come with a digital handheld controller for easy operation of the device. The controller allows you to adjust the direction of the thumbs' rotation and program the machine to a deliver massage following a variety of preset timer settings, all without having to get up from your chair. 

If enjoy the relaxation and/or wellness benefits of massage therapy, but don't always have the time or money to visit professional therapists, therapeutic kneading massage machines can bring these bodywork services to your home, where you and your family can enjoy a delightful massage any time you want. And because they're portable and easy to use, the devices are also great for use in the office or while traveling. By using these massagers regularly, you'll not only feel more relaxed and less stressed, but you'll be taking an important step in maintaining your health and vitality.

 

Chris Towery is the former associate editor of MASSAGE Magazine and is currently a full-time freelance journalist. He has written hundreds of articles for more than 20 different magazines, newspapers, and custom publishers. Much of his recent writing has been for the complementary and alternative healthcare industry. To contact Chris, email cmreuben@yahoo.com.