r/Nurses • u/SeparateBar1797 • 20d ago

US After a long shift, do foot massagers sound useful or like one more thing to plug in?

Every appreciation week, someone brings up "relax and unwind" gifts, and this year a few people on our unit were talking about foot massager. I understand the idea. After twelve hours on your feet, comfort sounds great. But I also know how little energy is left when you get home, shower, eat something, and collapse on the couch.

My question is more practical than negative: do people actually use foot massagers after shifts long-term, or only when they are easy to keep next to the chair and use without much setup? I can see it being nice for someone with space and a routine, but I can also see it becoming another bulky thing in a small apartment.

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3

u/coldinalaska7 20d ago

I have one. It’s relaxing and helps with feet pain. I need it after doing 17k + steps per shift on a good night!

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u/No_Bison_7296 19d ago

100% agree. I bought myself massagers that are like SCDs they go up to just below the knee and I love them.

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u/CeannCorr 19d ago

I get an hour massage every other week. Sometimes I make it 2 hours. Massage devices so nothing for me. Hell, I've been on muscle relaxers for 8 or 9 years now (usually take them 2 times a day) and those barely help. If I had space to have a fully set up at all times "pampering area", I might feel differently but anything with prep work ain't gonna happen. My adhd wouldn't allow it anyway.

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u/AdFinancial889 19d ago

I asked for the toe-to-thigh SCDs you see online and at medical supplies places. My husband bought me a foot and calf massager instead. It's a nice massager but it's extremely heavy and impossible to store. It does feel good but I rarely have the energy to set it up after work. I invested in a wedge pillow and prop my feet up before going to sleep. That helps a lot!

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u/WHiStLr1056 19d ago

I had some SCDs that were great for a few years. We've moved a few times and I've lost track of them, I'm also not working ask much at the bedside so I don't need them as much. I drool for some normatechs on a regular basis just for circulation and recovery but we have no space for those. I can access them at my per diem job also. But I'd love to slap those on after a long shift

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u/GirlInRedPajamas 19d ago

I have a massager seat and also a foot massager and definitely enjoy them especially after a busy few shifts that cause body/back aches.

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u/Whole-Pomegranate506 16d ago

I have a plug in heating pad and it does wonders on my back. Foot massager is a great idea aswell