Rolling back massagers are OK for relaxing the whole back but I never find they reach my shoulder area. And handheld manual massagers such as the ones supposedly that treat cellulite don’t get deep enough. So I was happy to trial a new massager from HoMedics who identify themselves as ‘an innovative leader in self-care, wellness and personal health products.’

What is Percussion Massage?

The HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager is described as having ‘Percussion action for deep tissue massage’. As I thought percussion was term to describe musical instruments I wasn’t really sure what that means in terms of massage so I did a bit of research, apparently in massage percussion movements are known as tapotement.

The purpose being:

• to vibrate tissues
• trigger reflexes from the skin
• cause widening of the blood vessels (vasodilation).
• disperse fluid and inflammation from an injury
• reduce swelling

Benefits of percussion movements include:

• being very stimulating
• particularly useful to athletes before an event.
• strengthen muscles by stimulating the muscle to contract.
• useful in reducing fatty deposits and flabby muscle areas

Sounded great, although in massage terms as it is described as a cupping action I presumed that this massager was going to work the vibration principle.

HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager is described as compact and light weight. I found that it weighs 850g, around 950g with the plug and cable, and is 33cm long. Not that compact for carrying around, but it is the perfect size for what it is designed for. It is solidly built and if it was lightweight I would feel it wouldn’t be massaging deep enough, just tickling the surface of the skin. It is however not too heavy that you can’t hold it with one hand over your shoulder to massage your trapezius muscle effectively, although after a few minutes held in that position you can feel your hand and arm vibrating on their own. In terms of the length of the handle (25cm) it is ideal for reaching all areas of your body with the appropriate pressure.

It comes with 4 customisable attachments including, soft, medium, firm, although I have to say that I didn’t notice much difference between the various options. Admittedly I didn’t require very deep tissue massage such as after a marathon but I found them effective in easing stiff muscles the following day after a 10k race. There is also a heated attachment, but this requires the vibrating action to be switched on whilst it was heating and I felt I needed a stand whilst it was heating as I didn’t want to just hold it for 5 minutes but if you but it on a table it vibrated off and I was worried about leaving it on a carpet incase it over heated. Luckily it doesn’t heat that much to worry about, just enough to be soothing and whilst it isn’t silent it is no louder than an electric toothbrush.

Whilst I tested the compact massager there is also a version with a width adjustable head. I however was happy with the width of the compact head, it was a perfect size for my arms and what I found most useful was for treating my tarsal tunnel syndrome.  It was the exact width for massaging the base of my calves to relieve my symptoms and especially useful was to use one head with the heat attachment on the base of my heel.

Overall

HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager is easy to use alone, due to the long handle and the solid head allows massaging of deep tissues efficiently.

Has two different speeds offering variable intensity massages for strong and therapeutic relief. The different attachments did not provide obvious differences in massage intensities.

Not particularly lightweight but appropriate for massaging deep muscles effectively.

Soothing heat attachment provides warmth whilst massaging but needs a support whilst heating which takes a while.

HoMedics Compact Percussion Massager RRP £34.99, available from Amazon,  Boots, Sainsbury’s, and Lloyds Pharmacy.

Blistop is described as forming a protective, water-resistant ‘second skin’ which acts as a barrier between the footwear and skin. It has also been awarded the prestigious American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval. All you need to do is spray an even layer of Blistop on to clean, dry skin areas of unbroken skin in the areas where blisters may occur and leave it to dry.

Whilst I didn’t have any blister causing trainers to test the spray with, I do suffer when I wear my girly summer shoes with blisters developing on my heels, little toes and across my foot where the straps rub.

In a highly (un) scientific experiment I applied the invisible spray to one foot in the blister susceptible areas and left the other foot. Not wanting to completely suffer for my science I walked for almost 2 miles in my new shoes until they became painful. Looking at my heel the protective layer provided by the spray had broken and my heel was beginning to get red. The instructions did say reapply as necessary and for brand new girly sandals I was quite impressed with a 2 mile walk especially as I imagine for most women they don’t walk more than a 2 miles through the course of a day at work.

Examples of treating heels with Blistop Anti-Blister Spray. Black line on treated heel is the edge of protective layer after wearing shoes.

I admit there are flaws in my road test: I didn’t wear them till skin broke on either foot; one shoe may have been bigger from being stretched in the shop; and a blister may never have developed in the sprayed areas anyway if left untreated. However, I was impressed. Yes Compeed and similar products are probably best for preventing or treating deep multi layered blisters. But they are quite unsightly to be worn with strappy shoes and can be quite expensive to be just worn as a daily prevention.

The spray however was quick to apply, invisible, cheap and convenient to carry around to reapply as necessary. I would not want to recommend it will protect against blisters on a 26.2mile run after all I imagine the layer would dissolve through the damp socks rubbing against it unless you are happy to keep stopping to dry your foot and reapply. However, for small blisters on the toe or back of the heel or rubbing of straps on sandals I would recommend it.

Overall

Blistop is cheap, easy to apply, invisible and protects against blisters and skin breaking. The  spray is also convenient to take it with you if you have missed a vulnerable spot, and to reapply at the first sign of friction.

Whilst it was great for strappy shoes, for runners it may dissolve in wet socks as it was easily removed by rubbing in water. Also it’s probably not so suitable for long events where you can’t easily re-apply.

Flexitol Blistop comes in a 32.5ml CFC-free can giving 50 applications.

It retails at just £5.99 and is available from Boots,  Amazon and other retailers nationwide.