Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage in the extremities of your body. Usually occurring in your fingers, the symptoms can range from numbness of the fingers to burning stabbing pains in the toes.
Peripheral Neuropathy is a common side effect of Diabetes and this means that a huge percentage of the population may have to deal with this problem at some point in their lifetime. (1)
As the world lives a more sedentary lifestyle, stuck at a computer screen for hours on end, poor blood circulation and slow blood flow are also becoming a problem that can lead to Peripheral Neuropathy. (2)(3)
A great way to combat this, increase blood flow and reduce the discomfort and pain that you feel is to use massage. (4)
In the past, this meant finding a qualified masseuse or at the very least, a willing spouse to rub your feet and hands.
Luckily, in this modern age of technology, we no longer have to rely on others for this. Instead, we can purchase a high-grade shiatsu foot massager. Designed to improve blood flow and reduce the symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy, they are quickly becoming an integral part of day-to-day life for millions of sufferers.
In this article, we are going to do some in-depth research. We will be looking at some of the best foot massagers on the market. We are then going to give you a quick insight into what we look for specifically. This means you will be able to make your own informed decision on which product is best suited to your needs.
Let's dive right in then?
Our first products is the MedMassager. This is an 11-speed foot massager designed by medical professionals with the goal to bring affordable medical-grade relief to those that suffer from things like Peripheral Neuropathy as well as a number of other conditions.
By stimulating numerous different pressure points in the major tension lines of your foot you get immediate relief the second you turn it on.
The electric 11-speed settings mean that you have an unrivaled level of control over your machine. Capable of running from 1,000 RPM all the way up to 3700 RPM, you can crank it up on days where you need it.
The goal of the MedMassager is to increase blood flow and blood circulation whilst reducing foot pain.
The MedMassager is a platform-style electric shiatsu foot massager which means you simply place your feet on the pad and turn it on.
Whilst this makes it simple to use, some users may prefer the full cuff style of massager where you place your foot inside a compression cuff.
The MedMassager is great for those with neuropathy because it can be used really quickly to give a quick boost to your blood circulation. This can ease the burning sensation and pain you might feel after a long day on your feet or sat at a computer.
This electric foot massager was created for patients with Diabetic Neuropathy. The team over at MedMsaager have put a lot of effort into making this machine feel professional, and they did a good job.
The build quality is superb and should last you a long time without the need for replacement. There are a huge range of different angles and positions you could use the machine in too.
It stimulates the foot and the leg so that the muscle tension associated with Diabetic Neuropathy can be eased. It also relieves the joint pain and swelling that is prevalent when a person has Diabetic Neuropathy. Furthermore, it increases blood circulation throughout the foot and calf.
Finally, the cherry on top. The MedMassager comes with a lifetime guarantee to sweeten the deal.
Next, we have the TheraFlow Dual Shiatsu Foot Massager. A simple mechanical massager that has taken the world by storm.
Made using a mix of traditional wood craftsmanship and ancient reflexology principles, such as pressure point manipulation, it is a pleasure for the legs and feet.
By placing both of your feet on the wooden board, you can manipulate your pressure points precisely, the more your press the deeper they press.
You can drop it on the floor whilst cooking dinner for some quick pain relief or place it under your work desk for some mid-day kneading.
For such a simple product, feedback from users is overwhelmingly positive. The team at TheraFlow has created a really great lightweight solution for those who might need to take their foot massager with them during the day.
The company will even send you a free gift with your purchase.
The TheraFlow makes use of reflexology to relieve the foot of pain and stress. It provides warmth and tension relief in each foot and a warmth that radiates toward other areas and alleviates a variety of conditions.
It weighs 1.6 pounds, so it is light enough for everyone to carry and was created to last. It's also designed to accommodate every foot size imaginable and is really easy to clean.
The refund policy is great too. Users can return it if they are unhappy with it, and the company will refund their money without asking any questions but we doubt they have seen many of these returns.
With 10 rollers, a lightweight wooden body, and a design based on ancient techniques, this is one of the best pressure point based foot massagers on the market and may help relieve much of the nerve pain associated with Diabetic Neuropathy.
Next, we have an interesting machine. The EMS Foot Circulation Device doesn't use traditional massage to provide pain relief. Instead, this electric massager utilizes EMS. EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation.
EMS sends painless electric signals into the muscles, causing the muscle to contract as if in use. This stimulates the nerve endings found in your feet and legs and can improve blood circulation.
This is a machine designed with a more specific goal. Instead of working to relieve foot pain through muscle tension control, it instead works on improving blood flow and blood circulation.
This makes it a very effective tool for those that suffer from Diabetic Neuropathy. There have been numerous highly-positive reviews from the diabetic world. These users report a massive reduction in foot pain and other symptoms associated with Diabetic Neuropathy.
It also comes with a heat function which allows also boosts blood circulation as well as providing heat and pain relief.
There is also an extra feature that some people may find useful. Inside the packaging is 4 Tens pads. These can be connected to the machine and then placed on the body to provide EMS Tens therapy which can help relieve and reduce pain.
The EMS massager contains four EMS electrode pads that can be placed anywhere to help relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation, which helps relieves foot pain and also strengthens the legs.
It also has an LED screen that is large enough for people with limited vision to use. This electric massagers also has a handle that makes it possible for everyone to carry. The speed settings are adjustable from one to 99.
This is a machine designed specifically for people with Diabetic Neuropathy and it does a great job if you need to relieve pain and improve circulation.
It works on all foot sizes, has a heat feature, and is easy to clean.
Next, we have a Shiatsu foot massager from AREALER.
This foot massager works by using deep kneading and a 6 roller system that ensures every inch of your foot is taken care of.
It is extremely simple to use, simply use the handy remote control to utilize a range of different foot massage speeds and settings.
With the adjustable stand, you have a great level of control over the angle and intensity of the massage too, which makes it good for those suffering from serious neuropathy.
The Shiatsu foot massager works by releasing tension and increasing blood supply. This ensures that your circulation stays high and reduces the symptoms of nerve damage and foot pain dramatically.
This electric massager also comes with different heat settings to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
This Shiatsu massager targets the body's pressure points, utilizing age old techniques that have the effect of restoring your body's balance of yin and yang.
The pressure points on the Shiatsu foot massager stimulate the release of chemicals that relax your mind.
The massager also finds the energy channels located in each foot so that it can apply pressure to these areas. It's just like getting a kneading massage from a Shiatsu masseuse.
Finally, we have the Nekteck, one of the best heated Shiatsu massage styled machines on the market.
This shiatsu massager comes with three separate heat settings designed to cover different levels of pain and relief.
Use the Relax Mode to get a comfortable and soothing massage designed to relieve you of stress.
Or use the Fresh Mode to encourage circulation. This is perfect to use before work or a long day ahead.
Finally, you can use the Healthcare mode to provide instant deep kneading and relief from symptoms of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy or Plantar Fasciitis.
By utilizing compressed air, the Nekteck uses shiatsu massage, mixed with air compressing to massage your feet and provide easy aid to those in need.
As well as the three settings you can also switch it up with six different kinds of massage including deep kneading, air compression, vibrating, scraping, rolling, and heat.
The Nekteck is the perfect addition for those who want a range of different functions from their foot massager.
This massager can be used medically, to relieve the symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy and Plantar Fasciitis in a quick and efficient manner.
It can also be used to help you relax and to relieve stress and tension through the art of shiatsu.
There are hundreds if not thousands of options for you to choose from. This can make it really hard for those who are looking at purchasing their first-foot massager.
This is an important decision, especially if you are looking for a foot massager to help you with medical problems such as neuropathy.
We write these reviews to give you a helping hand but if you want to do your own informed research, here are the things we look for when reviewing the best foot massagers.
When it comes to the best foot massager, you will want to make sure the materials used are high quality and safe. This will ensure that they last as long as possible and work well.
This is a device that will need to take your weight numerous times over its lifetime. It will also use a lot of moving parts in order to massage your feet. Look for sturdy materials and a high level of build quality.
Before going out and finding the best foot massager online, you need to make sure you know exactly what you want from the device.
If you need a foot massager to help alleviate pain and increase circulation, you might want to opt for one that is designed for that purpose as opposed to one that is designed to offer relaxation as its main purpose.
You will want to make sure that the pressure is right for you and that the settings allow you to get the most as you can out of the device.
If you have pain in your calves you might want to opt for a calf massager add-on too.
The best foot massager for Peripheral Neuropathy is going to differ from person to person. Some people will have large feet compared to others. Making sure you read the reviews and the manufacturer's instructions will ensure that you do not waste your money on a machine designed for people with smaller or bigger feet than yourself.
Your feet should fit perfectly in order for settings like kneading shiatsu massage to hit the spots they are designed for.
Then you have the weight. Depending on your exact usage. The best foot massager for you might be one that is lightweight and portable. This means you will be able to take it with you on holiday or to work every single day.
The best foot massage could be one that has the most features and power, but these are usually less portable.
This is one of the most important things in our opinion. There are numerous shiatsu massage machines on the market that come with an over-inflated price tag.
We think that devices like this should be priced correctly so we use a system where we add up the value of different factors and measure it next to the price tag to get a price to performance rating.
The best foot massager doesn't have to be expensive, it just has to work well in our opinion. Number two on our list, for example, is voted the best foot massager for Peripheral Neuropathy by numerous customers, even though it has a relatively low price tag.
There are lots of additional functions that could help you to decide whether a particular foot massager is the best foot massager for you, such as:
When you are spending your hard-earned money on a product that is meant to do a certain job. You want to make sure that is covered by a good warranty. This means that if it breaks, or doesn't do what it claims, you can get your money back or your machine replaced for free.
Our number one option for example comes with a lifetime warranty. That's how confident they are in their product.
Diabetes is a life-long condition that changes how your body reacts to food. In normal humans, food is broken down into glucose before being sent into the bloodstream.
When that blood reaches the pancreas, your body realizes that it is time to release insulin into the blood.
As a diabetic, this process doesn't work properly. This means your body does not create as much insulin as it should or your body stops reacting to the insulin that you do produce.
When this happens, a range of different processes in your body are affected, and this can lead to problems with the kidneys and liver as well as causing Neuropathy.
The symptoms can differ depending on the type of nerve damage that has occurred.
Common side effects are pain and numbness in the hands, legs, and feet as well as problems urinating and digesting.
These symptoms may start off mild and gradually get worse so as soon as you notice them you should make sure you get in touch with a skilled healthcare professional as quickly as possible.
Diabetic Neuropathy is a common problem with diabetics. In fact, over 45% of diabetics will have to deal with complications regarding Neuropathy.
The biggest cause of Diabetic Neuropathy is a raised level of glucose in the body. This causes damage to the nerve endings in your body. The most common form of this is found in the hands and feet.
Shiatsu and Kneading Shiatsu are forms of ancient therapy used for hundreds of years. Originating in Japan, it utilizes kneading, pressing, pulling, and stretching techniques to relieve tension, stress, and pain.
Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy and has numerous benefits on the body and mind.
It can be used to treat a wide variety of problems, from internal to emotional to muscular. For this reason, shiatsu has become one of the most popular forms of non-medical treatment for chronic conditions such as anxiety, headaches, and muscular pain in the neck, feet, and joints.
The principles of shiatsu rely on the use of Qi, which is the energy that flows in the bodies of living things.
By utilizing the pathways this energy is meant to flow through, also known as the meridian lines, blockages and obstructions in the energy flow can be released through shiatsu.
Shiatsu also correlates with reflexology, which is the acupressure treatment of the feet.
By incorporating the ancient art of shiatsu into a foot massage machine, you get the benefits of ancient therapy alongside new-age technology.
This is the reason shiatsu style massage machines have become so popular in recent years. The kneading motions can help with circulation problems as well as providing a relaxing and stress relieving massage.
Massage therapy is becoming one of the most popular ways to deal with the pain associated with Neuropathy and more sufferers than ever are booking in for a foot massage.
Not only does it work wonders in combating common problems like tingling and burning sensations, but it can also release special endorphins that negate pain signals. (6)
Pain and discomfort drastically reduce when muscles are loosened during massage.
Regular massage can actually have a reversal effect on those who are suffering from low mobility too. After the regular foot massage, many people claim they can walk better and with less pain.
The best foot massager for Peripheral Neuropathy is one that can best replicate the feel of a trained masseuse during a foot massage.
There is a range of different ways that you can treat neuropathy in the feet, as well as reduce the symptoms.
The first, as you can probably tell, is to get the best foot massager for Peripheral Neuropathy that you can, and use it regularly, as well as seeing a masseuse for a professional foot massage every now and then.
If you are starting to notice your symptoms getting worse, it could be time to get in touch with your doctor. They may be able to use pain relievers or anti-seizure medications to help you manage your pain and discomfort better.
Physical therapy is also an important aspect in effectively managing Peripheral Neuropathy and Plantar Fasciitis.
In terms of alternative treatments, there are a range of different things you could try:
If you are suffering from diabetes and want to give yourself the best fighting chance when it comes to Neuropathy pain you should listen to the following advice:
Firstly, you should make it a massive priority to look after the health of your feet. Make sure you use high-quality socks made of cotton. Make sure you change them every day and keep your feet as dry as possible.
Next, you should make sure you are exercising regularly. By walking several times a week, you could help keep the pain at bay. Doing low-impact exercises like swimming and yoga can also help.
Another important thing to keep in check is your diet, inflammation is the biggest cause of pain and can flare up if you have a deficiency in certain minerals and vitamins.
Finally, avoid excessive alcohol and stop smoking if you do so. Cigarettes cause major problems in terms of circulation and alcohol has a similar effect. (7)
Unfortunately, the nerve damage caused by diabetes can never be reversed. Nerve tissue cannot be replaced naturally by the body.
You can utilize both heat and cold to reduce pain and symptoms.
Heat raises the rate of blood flow and makes connective tissue more flexible. It also lowers joint stiffness, pain, and muscle cramps. Heatalso helps reduce inflammation and the buildup of fluid in tissues. (8)
Although it has been proven that cold treatment can reduce inflammation too, it does so through the reduction of blood flow. This isn't as useful for those who are suffering from Neuropathy. (9)
Depending on your condition:
Neuropathy - For neuropathy, you should be focusing on increasing your blood flow. To do this you should use your massager between 3-4 times a week for a period of around 25-30 minutes. (10)
Plantar Fasciitis - For this kind of condition, you should be focusing on reducing muscle tension. To do this use the foot massager for 15 minutes every day that you feel pain.
Utilizing vibration, alongside air compression and a heat function allows for the most effective treatment of Neuropathy symptoms without medication.
All of these help massively increase blood circulation. As blood flows to the feet, your foot massager will help you reduce tingling as well as pain and numbness.
This question is hard to answer without information about you and your specific needs. All of the products on our review list are great machines.
Our first option, the MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager is a device designed by medical professionals. It has 11-speed settings, targets the circulation in your legs, and has a lifetime guarantee. This is the best machine overall in our honest opinion.
If you want a cheap and portable device, the TheraFlow is massively popular and only weighs 1.6 pounds!
If you want relaxation and Shiatsu massage, you might want to look at the last two on our list, both have their merits and are based on real-life Shiatsu techniques.
I hope that by reading this article, you have gained the knowledge and information necessary to pick a shiatsu foot massager that suits your needs the most.
We do our research so that you can pick a device from out list without the worry.
If you are still on the fence about which one you want to buy, make sure you look at our buyers guide to see what we look for when we do our own reviews. By using this you should be able to make your own informed decision based on your own research.
If you are still feeling a little bit lost, I highly recommend buying our number one option, the MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager. This is the best all-rounder and will be the most suited item on the list for most of you.