It is great that you are looking to give your feet some “tender loving care”!
But before we get into the best foot massager for seniors, it is most important that you first speak with your doctor to see if there are any risks in massage therapy because of your existing health conditions.
There is nothing like getting a relaxing foot massage to melt away the care and stress of the world! If you have had a long day and have been on your feet for a while, massaging may just be the thing to take away aches and start relieving the stiffness and soreness that you desperately need.
Take Harvard Medical School’s word for it when they say that a regular foot massage reduces tension and improves circulation. The Harvard article also details the do-it-yourself foot massage method which is certainly one way to relax and soothe your feet.
There are also low-tech, budget-friendly foot rollers that can stimulate your feet muscles, and joints that really gets the job done. But then if you are not going to spend the cash to pamper yourself at the foot spa, a good foot massager will end up paying for itself in a very short time. These are the devices that we will be discussing below.
Before we get into it though let’s look at some of the benefits that seniors can enjoy from getting a good foot massage.
Foot Massage Benefits
You probably do not need to be persuaded that a good foot massage feels great but do you know that according to WebMD.com a foot massage can give you a few health benefits as well?
Here are some of the benefits that they mention:
- Minor Pain Relief
- Eases stress
- Perks you up
- Activates the nervous system and releases endorphins
- Increases blood flow
Those were a few general foot care massage benefits but what about foot massage for more specific situations?
Benefits of foot massage before bed
Our feet are simply amazing! According to the Simard Foot & Ankle Clinic, feet have:
Thirty-three joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and tendons hold the structure together and allow it to move in a variety of ways. There are more nerve endings per square centimeter in the foot than any other part of the body.
So feet have a lot going on. Have you ever walked on hot sand at the beach and had to hop, skip and jump to make it to your towel? Are you ticklish when some fun-loving soul starts stroking your tootsies?
The reason for this is because of all the nerves of the foot make them extremely sensitive to touch.
A foot massage before bed generally promotes blood circulation and relaxation. When you help the nerves in the foot relax it helps your whole body to relax as well ensuring a good night’s sleep.
Ok, you’re convinced that a good foot massage provides many benefits but with all of the models available what are some of the important features to look for to buy the best foot massager for seniors?
Foot Massager Features
Foot massagers have come a long way and come with some great features to deliver a near spa-like massage. Keep in mind that a foot massage in a spa usually comes with a big price tag which will soon cover the cost of buying your own foot massager machine. So, in the end, it becomes a good investment in your health.
Easy to Use
It is great to have a multitude of features but if they are difficult to use you will not get the use from your device in the long run. The less stress that it takes to use it will increase the likelihood of enjoyment and long-term use. The best advice that we can help you in this decision is to keep these two points in mind:
The more features that a device has, increases the complexity and potentially makes it harder to use.
Secondly, read through the customer reviews if there are any to get a feel for any general complaints about a product. You should get a feel for how easy and pleasant the product is to use.
The Price
All the electric foot massagers that we reviewed made the Amazon list of Best Sellers in Electric Foot Massagers. The price range of these models runs from under $100 to around $450. So we broke them down for you into two price groups to help you choose according to your budget. The first group is all models $150 or less and the second is over $150. We have listed out the items generally from least to more expensive using the price that was available at the time of writing.
Coverage
The models here are further categorized into their coverage areas. We list the models that are primarily foot massagers and then include calf to full leg massagers thereafter.
Other Bells and Whistles
As you look over the different models, narrowing your choices between price and coverage, keep in mind the other available features that these massagers can carry.
Here are some to look out for:
- Heat function
- Vibration
- Adjustable feet sizes
- Air compression
- Automatic shut off
- Remote Control (Conveniently prevents having to lean to reach tethered controls.)
Massage Techniques
- Shiatsu Foot Massager
- Manual Massage
- Air Compression, Squeezing, or Pulsating
- Water Jets
- Electric Massage Rollers
What Is Shiatsu Massage? – Video
A Shiatsu deep tissue massage is probably the closest feeling to a deep kneading that is performed with human hands.
You can certainly find some machines that use more than one of these techniques.
Be sure to speak to your doctor to discuss which type of movements are acceptable when considering any particular condition or injury.
Avoid a massager that may be too intense for seniors. If there is a control for the intensity level, that may work. If it is too strong it may irritate a senior’s thinner skin and may also give more pain than comfort.
We recommend that all products be used by seniors in a seated position. Some may be used while walking but this will be a serious falling risk to seniors.
Latest Massage Device Technology
It is amazing to see new innovations in technology. There is always something new coming out to solve our pressing needs.
The area of massage devices is no exception with Electrical Muscle Stimulation and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is technology that increases local blood circulation. It also improves foot mobility and increases leg muscle strength.
Electronic Pulse Therapy (EPT) helps to improve local circulation.
Sounds great, right? They may be something that could be quite helpful but read about some potential cautions before purchasing.
Cautions of using EMS and TENS foot stimulator massager
- Do not use EMS or TENS if you have a pacemaker
- Do not use EMS or TENS on vital parts, such as carotid sinus nerves
- Do not use EMS or TENS across the chest, or across the brain
- Do not use EMS or TENS if you are pregnant
- Do not use EMS or TENS if you may have the symptoms of, are being treated for, or have an existing Deep Vein Thrombosis (“DVT”)
Be sure to ask your doctor first if this technology is right for you.
Foot Massagers | Priced $150 and less | |
RENPHO Foot Massager Machine |   | |
Nekteck Foot Massager with Heat |   | |
Snailax 2-in-1 Shiatsu Foot and Back Massager |   | |
Foot and Calf Massagers | Priced $150 and less | |
Nekteck Shiatsu Foot and Calf Massager |   | |
QUINEAR Leg Massager |   | |
FIT KING Leg Air Massager |   | |
Foot Massagers | Priced over $150 | |
Creliver Foot Circulation Plus EMS & TENS Foot Nerve Muscle Massager |   | |
EMS Foot Circulation Stimulator |   | |
MedMassager Foot Massager Machine |   | |
Foot and Calf Massagers | Priced over $150 | |
Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine |   | |
RENPHO Shiatsu Foot and Calf Massager |   | |
Calf & Leg Shiatsu Massager with Vibration |   |
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