With the many benefits of using a foot massager, it is no big secret that every year more and more people use them for rehabilitation and relaxation. Whether it be recovering from injury, dealing with sore feet, or for pleasure, there are many situations where using a foot massager is beneficial.
However, a foot massager may not be the most appropriate tool in the toolbox depending on the situation. Here at Lifepro Fitness, we aim to make sure you use the right tools at the right time. That is why, in this article, we will show you exactly when and where to use a foot massager for maximum benefit.
More importantly, we will show you when NOT to use a foot massager. With this information, you will know when to stop using a foot massager and turn to other recovery tools or simply allow yourself to rest. Constant massage can be counterproductive, so when you follow this advice, you will be getting more out of your foot massager and be well on your way to relaxation and recovery!
Can You Use a Foot Massager Too Much?
Most experts say that you should use a foot massager no more than 30 minutes a day. That being said, some people are able to use a foot massager longer than others without drawbacks. It varies from person to person. At Lifepro, we have a few standard pieces of advice on foot massager usage.
For one, we agree that you should use a foot massager for no longer than 30 minutes per session. Regardless of if you are treating foot injuries, stress, or just using it for relaxation, a 30 minute session is the safest best as a “catch all” approach.
Knowing how to use different types of foot massagers is crucial for getting the most out of yours. The advice we give applies primarily to Lifepro models. When in doubt, most (if not all) foot massagers will have a user manual that features the maximum usage time which you aim to never exceed. Some models will even turn off automatically after you use them for too long.
How Many Times Can You Use a Foot Massager?
The purpose of a foot massager is to deliver pain relief and relaxation on demand. However, what if you need to use a foot massager more than one time per day? Is that okay? Here at Lifepro we give the same advice most other companies and experts will tell you: 30 minutes per day for no more than three sessions per day.
This means you can safely enjoy up to 90 minutes of foot massage daily. Again, this advice varies depending on the make and model of your foot massager, as well as your body. If you find yourself feeling uncomfortable, consider cutting back on the foot massage.
Of course, this depends on each individual. Are you suffering from certain health conditions? Do you have minor discomfort when using a foot massager? Do you have blood clots? These are just a few questions to think about before you automatically use a foot massage daily. Speaking of which, this brings up the next point:
Is It Good to Use a Foot Massager Every Day?
As a maximum, we recommend using a foot massager no more than 30 minutes at a time for three sessions per day. Keep in mind that this is a maximum. Listen to your body. If you find yourself feeling any amount of pain or discomfort, stop using the foot massager immediately. Also, it is critical that you make sure your body is in good shape to receive a foot massage each time you use it.
You are going to want to make sure you do not have any blood clots when you use a foot massager. A blood clot manifests itself as swelling in your foot. You may mistake it for soreness, so make sure you know how to tell if you have a blood clot. In short, if your foot is red, swollen, and warm to the touch, do not use your foot massager. See your doctor for a treatment plan. By using a foot massager, you risk dislodging the clot and ultimately making your symptoms worse.
When you use a foot massager daily as a habit in and of itself, it can be easy to miss these clots when you start to use your massager for the day. For this reason, it may not be ideal to use a foot massager three times a day as a matter of habit. Listen to your body.
What Areas to Avoid While Using a Foot Massager
Many people mistakenly believe that you can use a portable foot massager anywhere on the foot. While there are many spots on the feet you can use a foot massager, it is still important to avoid specific spots that could lead to further injury and discomfort.
For one, you are of course going to want to avoid any open wounds. Simply targeting the wound can either cause pain or discomfort and, in the worst-case scenario, can even cause infection.
The other common area to avoid applies to pregnant women: the ankles. This increases the risk of blood clots and has, at times, been found to improve the odds of premature labor. There are other pressure points that can cause discomfort as well, although they are highly debated. Here at Lifepro, we promote safety over risk. As such, we recommend pregnant women not to overdo their foot massage use for the duration of their pregnancies.
Conclusion
No matter the reason for getting a foot massager, they provide a pleasant and convenient experience about 99 percent of the time. However, you are still going to want to watch for some specific circumstances where you can potentially overdo your foot massager use.
To keep it simple, do not overdo your foot massager use. Make sure you check your instructions to ensure you are using it for the ideal amount of time. Listen to your body, and make sure to avoid problem areas while you use the foot massager. Following these simple tips alone will improve your safety (and overall enjoyment) of your foot massage substantially.
Author
Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.
They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017
