Latest news with #Theraguns
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What you didn't know you could use your HSA for
(NewsNation) — A health savings account lets you put pre-tax money aside to pay for your medical expenses, but there are some items that you can buy with your HSA that you might not think about. HSAs do come with an investment option, so any earnings will grow tax-free if you decide to invest. Any contributions are also made with pre-tax dollars. Typically, you will have the option to add an HSA to your health insurance plan through the government or your workplace. Low levels of lead exposure may worsen academic performance: Study Here are some not-so-obvious items that you can purchase with your HSA: Breast pumps Light therapy face masks Massage guns Transportation Medical conferences Improvements to your home Weight-loss programs Alcohol and drug treatment programs Your health insurance plan will typically cover your breast pump and any needed supplies. However, if you don't like the one that is being offered and want a different model, you can use your HSA to purchase one. If you don't have health insurance and just have existing HSA funds, you can use those, but extra bottles for milk storage wouldn't count. Debate rages over RFK Jr.'s MAHA report on root causes of disease HSAs can also be used to help with the cost of breast reconstruction surgery or breast implants after cancer. However, if you just want breast augmentation surgery, you won't be able to use your HSA funds. This one was a bit shocking, but yes! You can use your HSA funds to purchase a light therapy face mask. These masks are typically FDA-approved, and they use red and blue lights to help prevent acne and keep your skin clear. Massage guns can also be purchased with your HSA funds! A Theragun helps with deep-muscle therapy and increases blood flow. It can also help get rid of any tension you might have. These massage guns can run anywhere from $150 to $600. Proposed THC ban in Texas about 'protecting kids,' lawmakers say Theraguns must be used for medical purposes and be purchased with your HSA funds. Your HSA funds can also be used to cover local or long-distance travel, as long as it is essential for your medical care. This can include costs for: Ambulances Buses Rental cars Planes Car services Trains If you are driving a car you own, you do have the option to add up the expenses. You can also use the IRS' rate of $0.21 per mile for 2025. If you are going to a medical conference that is related to a chronic illness, you can use your HSA funds to pay for admission to the conference as well as transportation. The person who has the chronic illness could be you, your spouse, your child or your eligible dependent. RFK Jr. ends COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy children, pregnant women However, you can't use your HSA for the cost of meals or hotels while in town for the conference. If there are improvements that need to be made to your home for your medical care, you can use HSA funds to cover those. This can be for you, your spouse, your child or your eligible dependent. Tips for families traveling with loved one with Alzheimer's Some improvements that would be eligible include: A ramp to get into your home Widening your doorways or hallways Installing handrails Modifying any door handles If you are diagnosed with obesity or high blood pressure (or other related issues), you might be able to use your HSA funds for a weight-loss program. However, gym fees and food would not be covered. If you have a drug or alcohol use disorder and you need treatment, you can use your HSA to cover those costs. This would include a treatment center where you are staying and the meals. You could also include any transportation to meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
WIRED
3 days ago
- Health
- WIRED
The Best Massagers for People Who Don't Have Time to Relax
Skip to main content Don't cancel physical therapy just yet, but these portable, at-home massagers might be the hack you need after stressful days. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. The best massagers shouldn't feel like a luxury reserved for special occasions. Getting some tension out of your shoulders should be as accessible as your morning coffee. After all, between work, workouts, and the existential crisis that is life, who isn't carrying muscle tension somewhere? I've dedicated countless hours to trying (almost) every type of massage tool out there. Testing these contraptions might sound like the dream gig, but it's not all bliss. Some felt like having a personal therapist at my disposal. Others like they were designed to tenderize meat. A few even led me to question the very choices that brought me to this moment. The good news? I've rounded up the best massagers for all bodies and budgets. These options deliver on their promises to soothe, stimulate, and shiatsu. For more wellness recommendations, read our guides to the Best Theraguns and Therabody Tools, Best Posture Correctors, and Everything You Need for Your Yoga Practice. AccordionItemContainerButton I spent eight months (and counting) testing dozens of massagers across a variety of categories, including (but not limited to) percussive therapy guns, foot massagers, and compression goggles. To assess performance in everyday situations, I incorporated them into regular routines: post-workout recovery, desk-bound workdays, and nighttime wind-downs. I evaluated each device based on build quality, ease of use, and overall value. This involved checking motor strength and consistency, battery life (if applicable), the functionality of extra features, and how effectively each massager targets specific muscle groups. I also considered individual body types and sensitivities. Lastly, I prioritized long-term reliability and customer support. This meant reviewing warranty policies, user reviews, and brand transparency. Massage guns provide percussion therapy that enhances blood circulation, alleviates muscle fatigue, and minimizes soreness after workouts or tiring days. I recommend the Hypervolt 2 to everyone who isn't an athlete; if you are, it's worth investing in the Theragun Pro Plus ($625). However, the Hypervolt 2 is much more affordable, weighs just 1.8 pounds, and offers ample power thanks to its brushless 60-watt motor. It features three speed settings and five massage heads (flat, bullet, fork, ball, and cushion) to address different muscle groups. It can connect to the Hyperice app via Bluetooth for guided routines, provides up to three hours of battery life, and is TSA-approved for carry-on. The Theragun Mini ($149) is my favorite mini massage gun. For more Theraguns and percussive massage devices, check out our guides to the Best Therabody Tools and Best Massage Guns. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year Therabody SmartGoggles (2nd Generation) Eye massagers are well-liked for improving blood circulation around the eyes and reducing fatigue caused by long work hours. Therabody's second-generation SmartGoggles provides an ideal solution for weary eyes and headaches. According to the company's study, participants averaged 4 percent more sleep when using them before bedtime, 10 percent reported better sleep, and overall, users noted improved sleep quality. Additionally, 82 percent of users felt less stressed, and 71 percent reported lower anxiety levels. These goggles are a step up from the original model (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and maintain the same three settings: Focus, Sleep, and SmartRelax. The heating feature also encourages tear production, offering relief for dry eyes. Compatible with the Therabody app, users can select specific sessions while enjoying calming ambient soundscapes. I often find myself dozing off during a 20-minute session. Though I don't often suffer from migraines, they would make for an effective blackout sanctuary in a quiet, dark space. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year Normatec Go is a portable version of Hyperice's air compression system. Whether you're a frequent traveler or a dedicated runner, the Normatec Go effectively reduces inflammation and blood lactate levels without requiring a full suit. It is ideal for athletes, individuals experiencing poor circulation, and those suffering from chronic pain. These calf-specific sleeves eliminate hoses and control hubs, offering a mobile solution you can wear while cooking or standing at your desk. Each wrap provides 360-degree dynamic air compression to your calves, utilizing Hyperice's zone-based pulsing to enhance blood flow. With three overlapping compression zones and seven intensity levels, the Go also connects via Bluetooth to the Hyperice app. The Normatec Elite ($1,099) are Hyperice's premium full-length compression boots; we haven't tested them, but they are a luxe choice if you're considering full-leg coverage. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year The Chirp RPM Mini is a handheld massager that combines rolling and percussive therapy. It's essentially like an electric rolling pin for your entire body, featuring three speed settings and a multi-grip handle. This cordless device is equipped with six free-spinning massage heads, 24 massage nodes, and nonabrasive rollers that won't pinch your skin. While it's effective for the whole body, I particularly enjoy using it on my calves, biceps, forearms, and palms. I find it to be gentler and more soothing on my smaller muscle groups compared to percussive guns. The battery life is impressive as well, lasting up to four hours on a single charge. I don't think it justifies the price tag of $150—but it's TSA-approved for carry-on and comes with a portable case. Specs Battery Life ~4 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year Bob and Brad's EZBack Massager is a back massager but also a neck massager, a shoulder massager, and even a lower body massager with a little bit of imagination. It has four kneading nodes with bidirectional movement that mimics a shiatsu massage, three intensity settings, and a heat therapy option that feels nice but probably doesn't do much for your sore muscles. It straps to your office chair for a more ergonomic massage experience, uses a remote control, and is designed with a 15-minute auto shut-off to prevent overheating. You can also omit the straps if you'd like to use them while lounging on the couch, but you'll need to sit near a plug, unfortunately. A cordless version is available, but I have not tested it. Specs Battery Life N/A (corded) Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 2 years If you experience daily aches or a sore lower back, a heated wrap is helpful, and a vibrating one is even better. The Venom 2 Back provides consistent heat distribution across the lower back with three adjustable levels (113, 122, and 131 degrees Fahrenheit) that can be paired with three vibration patterns. It's great for back pain relief and warm-ups before mobility workouts, as it stimulates circulation and loosens the muscles in your lower back. I especially appreciate the auto shut-off function, which lets me sit back and relax, knowing I don't have to worry about turning it off. Too much heat can intensify muscle soreness or cause inflammation, and we don't want that. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 1 year Hydragun Heatpulse Knee Massager Commerce director Martin Cizmar injured his knee while undertaking an 'extremely large and ambitious cleaning project' and endured the pain for nearly a year before discovering a solution. The HydraKnee Pulse from Hydragun wraps around the joint and provides a blend of heat and vibration massage therapy. It can heat up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, is rechargeable via USB-C, and features seven temperature settings along with three massage speeds. Martin mentions that he sets both options to maximum and relaxes until it shuts off automatically (after 30 minutes). The best part is its longer straps, allowing use on shoulders or larger limbs, along with a newly designed buckle suitable for slimmer limbs like elbows. P.S.: Consult a physician or physical therapist before self-treating any injuries. Specs Battery Life ~3 hours Return Policy 30 days Warranty Info 18 months HoMedics Shiatsu + Air 4.0 Foot Massager with Heat for $140: This foot massager combines shiatsu-style kneading and air compression to better your circulation. I pop my toesies in and out (with socks on) of this massage tool during the work day, and it feels fabulous, with three intensities and three patterns. It fits feet up to a men's size 13 and is compact enough to tuck under a desk or coffee table when not in use. The advertised heat function didn't work for me, quite literally; I didn't feel any warmth, but I still appreciate its place under my desk. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today .
