Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager Review for Plantar Fasciitis Pain in the Heel
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This Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager review is for people who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis and want an effective home foot massager.
It is sold as a therapeutic massager for pain relief and relaxation, so does it stand up to closer inspection?
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Is the Miko Shiatsu foot massager effective for treating Plantar Fasciitis?
The mechanism of the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager targets the problem area in the heel and bottom of the foot. However, this depends on your sitting position and size of your feet. Most instances of Plantar Fasciitis will reduce over time without any intervention.
Recovery time is reduced after massaging the tender areas of the foot. This increases blood flow and nutrients, breaking up scar tissue and releasing contraction of the connective tissues. The Miko is very effective for Plantar Fasciitis pain relief..
The design of the Miko foot massager makes it very accessible for most people. It is relatively light and portable so can be moved around and used when and where is convenient.
If your work involves spend hours on your feet as a teacher, nurse, hairdresser these machines are amazing.
Or if you are a runner you may find you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis. A regular massage can be very beneficial but going to a professional massage therapist daily would be prohibitively costly!
This is one reason foot massaging machines for home or office use have become so popular in recent use. By having access to one of these massagers at home you can avoid the cost of going to a professional. You may also may avoid taking medication for pain relief.
They are also fun to use!
Specifications of the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
- Foot size – up to size 12
- Frequency – 50-60 Hz
- Heat – Yes
- Size of unit = 43 x 40 x 20 centimeters (16.9 x 15.7 x 7.9 in)
- Weight – 12lbs
- Voltage – 110 – 240v
- What is included – Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager, Power adapter, Two wireless remotes, Manual
Warranty – one year limited so any repairs or replacements are honoured within the first year.
Using the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
How easy is it to use?
As it only weighs 12lbs it is relatively easy to move to where you want to use it. It can take some time to find the most comfortable sitting position with your feet in the massager.
To get your feet in the correct alignment with the massaging mechanism try out a few different positions.
The Miko, supplied with 2 remote controls. is straightforward to change the massage programme without having to bend down to the unit during a massage.
The illuminated control panel makes it easy to see in a darkened room. or if you have poor eyesight.
Is the Miko Foot Massager effective?
The reviews mixed about the strength and effectiveness of the Miko.
Your posture, size of your feet and your own pain/discomfort levels will determine how comfortable the foot massager is. For some it is too strong for others it is not powerful enough.
It appears to be a bit of a learning curve to use it effectively, especially if your aim is to treat foot ailments such as Plantar Fasciitis or neuropathy due to diabetes etc.
How effective the massage will be seems to be dependent on the above factors and your own expectations of the machine. There are very few massaging tools which can replace the effectiveness of a professional massage by a trained therapist but this one gets pretty close!
Is the Miko relaxing to use?
If you are continually badgering your partner to massage your feet after a long day then this compact foot massager will be a godsend. If you need relief from heel pain it is convenient and cheaper than a professional massage or a grumpy reluctant partner.
Is the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager well built?
It is robust and well manufactured with very few complaints as to the mechanical and aesthetic aspects. It has been one of the most popular foot massagers on the market over the last few years and a majority of reviews being positive.
Bad points:
- If you have smaller feet you may not experience the level of massage you want. The massaging mechanism and heating facility needs to surround the foot to be effective.
- As with all these foot massagers it can be hit and miss with the amount of pressure and consequent pain you experience. It is obviously not like having a massage therapist massaging your feet who you can tell – ‘less or more intensity’ but you do have a number of programmes to choose from so finding the best intensity for you.
- It may take some experimenting with sitting posture to achieve the optimum foot massage as it depends on correct positioning for the rolling mechanism to work effectively – this may be difficult if you have other physical issues.
- The Miko isn’t very noisy though some people do think it is. This is a personal issue, foot massage machines are an electrical product with moving parts and produce levels of noise. The level of noise produced whilst using the Miko will be too loud for some whereas others will not be bothered by the level of noise.
- If you have wider or fatter feat you may find it difficult to fit your feet into the holes.
- The heating programme is more of a warming rather than intense heat but who wants to cook their feet!
Good Points:
- It is supplied with 2 wireless remote controls. This makes it very easy to change the settings, intensity and heat without bending down all the time. Once you have your posture correct you can just sit back and let it do its work.
- Many people who have bought it specifically to treat their Plantar Fasciitis report positive results. They are happy with the intensity and ability to target the specific area of the foot causing the pain.
- It’s a shiatsu massaging machine. Giving a deep kneading massage which is vital to reach the affected structures of the foot which are inflamed and or damaged. The damage causes the pain of Plantar Fasciitis.
- The massage ‘boot’ covers your feet entirely so all areas are massaged. This is great to to relieve tension in the Achilles tendon and Plantar fascia. The mechanism promotes blood flow and the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and bring nutrients to damaged tissues.
- The heat function enhances the effectiveness of the deep massage but is also great to just help relaxation!
- It has a washable cloth cover.
- 5 Different adjustable pressure levels to suit most people
- Fits up to size 12 shoe size
- 15 minute auto shut-off. So if you fall asleep or are elderly you will not over do the massage due to forgetfulness or tiredness.
- Customer service on the whole is proactive and answers complaints and issues with the unit relatively quickly.
- Most of the actions of the massage mechanism happens on the bottom of your feet. This is ideal for Plantar Fasciitis sufferers.
- The two separate massage chambers massage each foot independently.
Conclusion: is the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager worth the money?
The Miko is not the cheapest foot massager on the market but you often get what you pay for. For people who have Plantar Fasciitis and or neuropathy this is a great product.
It can take time to get used to and you have to persevere with it for the first few tries . When you are starting off with pain in your foot it can be off-putting. But if you stick with it and find the optimum massage programme for your needs it will help loosen and heal the affected structures.
It is portable and easy to operate. The safety cut off after 15 minutes is reassuring, plus it does look quite space agey. It’s functional and does what it says it does.
The Miko is one of the most popular foot massage machines available. It has a vast amount of positive reviews from buyers with Plantar Fasciitis and neuropathy.
The design obviously means it will not massage your calf muscles. But you could combine it with a calf massager for a better overall lower body massage.
Alternatives to the Miko
If the Miko is out of your budget there are a couple of alternatives you could consider;
Read the full review of foot massagers for Plantar Fasciitis
