3 handheld pulse massagers that will sooth your muscle aches and pain

How do electronic pulse massagers work? Are they as effective as they claim to be? MIA CHENYZE puts three to the test.

By Mia Chenyze - 7 Jun 2016

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Photo: Tomas Anderson

HOW IT WORKS

A pulse massager doesn’t actually give you a massage.

Instead, it stimulates the nerve cells in your muscles with electrical impulses. Just stick the pads on wherever you need relief – like your shoulders or back – and switch the device on. You’ll feel a mild tingling sensation during the session. It takes about 15-30mins for minor aches and pains to subside.

Such devices may not be suitable for pregnant women, people with heart conditions or those prone to seizures. Get your doctor’s advice if you’re unsure about using one.

Start the slideshow for our review of three pulse massagers.

OSIM UGOGO [Editor's Rave]

1/3

$399, available from Osim. Massage durations are in intervals of five, and last from 5-30min. There are 20 levels of intensity.

WHAT I LIKED

Being able to use up to four massage pads at a time – as compared to two for the other brands – made for a more time-saving treatment. I could target the front and back of my shoulders at the same time instead of having to start a second round.

There are two electrode channels, each with two palm- sized pads, which are controlled independently. I could treat my shoulders with one channel and my back with the second.

Its many levels of intensity also made the device exceptionally user-friendly.

The music-sync feature matches the rhythm of the massage to the music on your smartphone or music player. Just plug either one into the Ugogo, which comes with an audio cable.

This feature was well thought out. Instead of trying to match my music beat for beat, the Ugogo simply delivered the impulses at a tempo and rhythm similar to what I was listening to.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

The unit was slightly bulky and there was no way to clip it to something or hang it, so I could not move around when using it.

VERDICT

8.5 A reliable and versatile pulse massager.

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OMRON ELECTRONIC PULSE MASSAGER HV-F128

2/3

$167, available from leading pharmacies, Harvey Norman and Mustafa. One session is 15min by default. There are 10 intensity levels.

WHAT I LIKED

With 10 intensity levels, there’s something appropriate for everyone.

The gadget came with a slim plastic slab to stick the pads on for storage. This was sturdier and more convenient than the flimsy plastic films of the other brands.

The larger electrode pads, about the size of my hands, were easier to stick on and remove, too.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

I found the layout and number of modes confusing. On top of common massage modes, like tapping, there were options such as hyper versus soft for more or less stimulation, and wide versus point to treat both sides simultaneously or alternate pulses between the two sides. I couldn't really feel the difference between them.

Resembling an oversized remote control, the main device was clunky so I needed to remain stationary to use it.

The dial for the intensity levels was also the power switch. To start a second round, I had to slide the switch to “off ”, then slide it back to my preferred intensity level, which I found unwieldy.

VERDICT

7.5 A good and affordable pulse massager to use at home. Pity about the confusing interface.

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OGAWA VIVA TOUCH PULSE MASSAGER

3/3

$228, available from Ogawa. Sessions can be set for 1-15min, with 8min as the default. There are seven intensity levels.

WHAT I LIKED

The only hands-free device among the three here, it came with two macaron-sized discs, connected by a wire, that housed the mechanisms. I appreciated that it was so sleek and small – perfect for a quick massage at my office desk. At home, I could walk around while it worked.

To switch the Viva Touch on, I simply pressed the disc with the power button icon twice. This got the default massage program going, too.

The device can also be controlled via Bluetooth from a smartphone app (Android and iOS). The app’s pictorial guide will tell you where to place the pads to target specific issues such as neck stiffness, insomnia and chronic fatigue. I found the illustrations helpful, but the English explanations were not well translated.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

The electrical pulses were too intense. The default intensity of level two was too vigorous and painful for me. Even level one was too uncomfortable.

It came with a hardcover carrying case, but I couldn’t figure out how to coil the wires into it correctly, so my case was always slightly ajar.

VERDICT

8. You should test how comfortable you are with the intensity levels first.

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