If you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of massage and are looking for a session every now and then, you may be wondering which one is more cost effective – stop by your favorite massage spot every now and then or just take the plunge and purchase a massager for personal use.
Well, that’s what we’re trying to find out here, so let’s get started right away.
How do massage devices compare in terms of cost with in-store massage services?
To advance our discussion, we have collected some data for a rough comparison between massage devices and massage services.
We compare how massage devices measure up to massage services in terms of cost. In order to have a reasonable frame of reference, we have made the following assumptions:
- Total costs for massages over a year with one session per month
- Massage costs range from mass market franchises to world class spas
- The cost of massage equipment ranges from lesser-known budget labels to premium high-end brands
As you can well imagine, the comparison is by no means statistically correct.
Depending on your particular circumstances, needs, preferences, and budget, your results and conclusions may be different.
| Massager cost | Massage costs (1 year for 1 session per month) | |
| Neck and shoulders | 50 to 200 S $ | Per session: $ 25 to $ 90 (20 to 30 minutes) Annually: $ 300 to $ 1,080 |
| Calves and feet | 250 to 700 S $ | Per session: $ 35 to $ 50 (60 minutes) Annually: $ 420 to $ 600 |
| Full body | 650 to 8,000 S $ | Per session: $ 80 to $ 230 (90 minutes) Annually: $ 960 to $ 2,760 |
Neck and shoulders
Massagers: $ 50 to $ 200
Massages, one year: $ 300 to $ 1,080
Neck and shoulder massages are usually promoted as a quick and easy way to relax tense muscles and achieve some stress relief.
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They typically sell for around $ 30 for a 20-minute session, but that affordability can be deceiving. If you get a neck and shoulder massage once a month, you can easily spend $ 300 or more per year.
In contrast, you can buy a neck and shoulder massager instead for $ 50 to $ 200.
These are usually shaped like pillows that you lie on or come with straps that you can use to hold them over and against your neck and shoulders.
Pre-programmed mechanical rollers move beneath the surface of the fabric to provide the massage action.
Therefore, if you are often looking for neck and shoulder relief, you should at least go to the nearest Osim point of sale. This way, you can potentially make huge savings.
Calves and feet
Massagers: $ 250 to $ 700
Massages, one year: $ 420 to $ 600
When it comes to calf and foot massages, neither massage devices nor massage services have an advantage over each other, at least in terms of cost.
While you can find a lower leg massager for as little as $ 250, getting a foot reflexology massage once a month isn’t much more expensive in comparison.
And if your massage therapist has magic hands that no machine can beat, spending a few hundred dollars more over the course of a year probably doesn’t matter.
Full body
Massagers: $ 650 to $ 8,000
Massages, one year: $ 960 to $ 2,760
Full body massagers or massage chairs come in a variety of styles and configurations, and offer any number of surfaces, features, and functions, from light and sound therapy to head-to-toe massage rollers and more.
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Really, the sky is the limit when it comes to these devices, and that goes for their prices too.
You can get a massage chair for several hundred dollars or several thousand dollars.
In contrast, you will find it hard to spend more than $ 3,000 total even if you complete 12 monthly visits to a high-end spa for a 90-minute full-body pampering.
Think about it.
And if you want the bells and whistles, you can always refill add-ons to enjoy along with your massage – and most likely still ahead of the game financially.
On the other hand, if you really enjoy settling in your own state-of-the-art massage chair with the latest features after a long day at work and you have the means to pay for it, go ahead and indulge yourself.
Should you get a massage chair or visit a massage service?
| Massage chair or machine | Massages |
| On-demand massage, unlimited use | Limited duration per session |
| Massage from the comfort of your home | Gotta commute |
| May not properly target problem areas | Can work with a therapist to address specific health concerns |
| The cost efficiency depends on the frequency of use | You get what you pay for |
Ultimately, the decision to buy a massager or to have a massage depends on your personal preferences, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
The obvious benefit of a massage chair or massage machine is freedom and convenience. You can give yourself a massage whenever you want and for as long as you want.
You can also do everything from the comfort of your home.
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However, massage devices may not provide the relief you want, especially if you need a hard massage or need to work on an area that your device cannot properly reach.
Even if you don’t use your massage chair or machine often enough, you simply won’t get your money’s worth (especially if you opt for the expensive models).
No matter how fanciful your massage chair is, you will eventually get tired of it. At some point your massage chair will turn into an eyesore that will overflow your living room.
On the flip side, spending money on a massage from a professional therapist is your only option to get exactly the treatment you want and even to be able to address any health concerns you may have.
Of course, you have to go to the trouble of scheduling a visit to the massage place. (Or you could pay extra for an outcall.)
However, you only have to pay for the sessions you choose and don’t have to make huge financial commitments if you don’t want to.
What massage equipment can you get for massages at home?
| Massage machine | Target areas | costs |
| Maxkare neck and back massager | Neck, shoulders and waist | $ 41.99 on Amazon |
| Cloud massage Shiatsu foot massager | Calves and feet | $ 299.99 on Amazon |
| Except for uSqueeze 2 | Feet, calves and thighs | $ 649 at Osim.com |
| Except for uDream | Whole body, from head to toe | $ 7,999 at Osim.com |
Maxkare Neck and Back Massager – $ 41.99
This small, pillow-shaped device is designed for use in the neck, shoulder, back and waist areas.
It comes with an elastic strap that you can use to attach it to your home or office chair or car seat if you want a massage on the go. You can also put it under your body and lie over it.
The massager has four massage buttons that can be turned clockwise and counterclockwise and has various settings that you can use to adjust your comfort. It also has a heating function to further relieve pain and has an automatic shutdown function after 15 minutes of continuous use.
ALSO READ: 10 Best Massage Places in Singapore for Low, Medium and High Budgets
Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager – $ 299.99
The Cloud Massage Shiatsu foot massager is designed to relieve tired feet and sore calves. It has a clever, space-saving design that takes the strain off your feet or calves (though not both at the same time).
The compact machine is preprogrammed with five different functions: rolling massage, compression therapy, joint loosening fluctuations, heat therapy and a quiet relaxation mode.
It also offers three levels of intensity so that you can further customize your massage session.
Except uSqueeze 2 – $ 649
Most lower leg massagers for the feet and calves look like a sad cross between Santa’s old boots and Iron Man’s early rejections.
But not the Osim uSqueeze 2.
This sleek, seductively colored device stands out not only for its good looks, but also for the rare ability to work on your feet, calves, and down to your thighs.
This is made possible by a pair of rotating extensions that fold up to knead your thighs while seated so that you can enjoy a full lower body massage.
ALSO READ: Best Massage Guns For Kneading The Muscle Pain
Except uDream – $ 7,999
The uDream is as forgiving as a massage chair (although we wouldn’t be surprised if this isn’t even the most extravagant model), so much so that manufacturer Osim calls it a “feel-good chair”.
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This high point of massage technique offers everyone a full body massage from head to toe.
The uDream is more than just mechanical kneading. It offers a complete experience where your five senses are fully immersed in the ultimate in self-managed relaxation.
As if that wasn’t enough, the device also has smart sensors that allow you to measure your body’s stress and tension and monitor your readings so you can better manage your health.
Sounds just like the massage chair you need after paying your credit card max.
This article was first published on SingSaver.com.sg.
