You know, that massager from the Facebook ads.

Maybe it’s just because I do web searches related to back pain. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, and Facebook knows these old bones don’t work like they should. But every single time I check my Facebook or Instagram app, I get some version of this ad:

As someone with chronic back pain, the slow-mo ripples of skin from the massager is a very appealing image. Looking at what I’ve just written, that doesn’t really sound appealing, does it? Anyway, I finally broke down and bought myself one a couple of months ago.

Although the single-speed CM3 model is the most cost effective option, I didn’t choose it as I wanted more control over its intensity. I chose the CM7 model, which includes the facial massager. I didn’t really have any particular plans to use the facial massager — I didn’t really know what it was for — but I figured it would be nice to have the option. The CM7 is $125, which I couldn’t really see being reasonable if I didn’t intend to use it on a daily basis, but since I do, I don’t consider it to be totally outrageous (The CM5 is virtually the same as the CM7, but without the facial massager and costs $100).

When it arrived, I immediately tore it out of the box and started using it (even though the instructions say to charge it before use, mine was fully charged). I started on trapezius at the lowest speed with the cushion stick attachment because I wasn’t too sure how strong it was or how my body would react to it. To be honest, I was so surprised at how gentle it was. Not weak, but not painful or unpleasant either. I cranked up the speed. Ooooowwwww… but a good ow. An ow that gets the job done. I decided to brave the point stick attachment. OOOOWWWW! But a great ow! An ow that actually felt like it was improving rather than simply relieving or numbing.

And now for the ultimate test: my lower back. It’s kind of an awkward angle to reach on my own, so I asked my mom to be my stand-in physical therapist. I lay on my stomach and braced myself.

You guys.

You. Guys.

It hurt like hell.

And I do NOT mean that in a bad way. I mean that in a “I would normally pay a professional $150/session for this but I can have it anytime 24/7” way.

Yes, I am fully and inescapably aware that this does not give anything like the same quality of care as, say, structural integration would. And yes, I know that, without due care and attention, using such a device exclusive of any medical attention could do far more harm than good. But as a supplement to more expensive medical treatment, it’s a game-changer.

I use it all the time: the point stick during morning stretches, the six-head stick before bed on particularly strained areas, the scalp massage stick on thinning areas (but that’s another post for another day), the body massage oil stick to apply body balm to hard-to-reach areas. The only one I really don’t use is the facial massage stick. Since buying the PureWave, I have discovered that the point of a facial massager is rejuvenate facial tone. Personally, I don’t really care about keeping a youthful face, but I decided I’d give it a go. To be blunt, I don’t like it. I’ve used it a couple of times, and I just don’t care for it, and I don’t care to continue. However, I have also read that facial massage is good for migraines, and while I get them fairly frequently, I haven’t had any while I’ve had the PureWave. I will try it next time I have one and will report back.

So now all that’s left is my rating. As I said, I don’t care for the facial massager, and if the only option of multi-speed was the CM7, I would give 4.5 stars. That is the model I’m reviewing, so technically, that is my rating. However, I shouldn’t have bought the CM7. I should have saved my $25 and bought the CM5, but I didn’t research the use and purpose of the facial massager, and I just can’t fault Pado for that. Therefore, I must give the Pado PureWave CM7 (and the CM5): 5/5

Yes, it’s pricey, but as a supplement to even more expensive physical therapy and/or structural integration, it pays for itself very quickly, allowing for maximum pain alleviation.

Have you ever used any of the Pado PureWave devices? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!

~M

Not sponsored. All opinions are my own. I am not a medical professional. Do not use my review as a substitute for medical attention.