What to get, a $30 car buffer or a $600 massage device? Do we need permission from the FDA to massage our muscles?

The answer: it depends on what we are talking about. When it comes to cosmetics, the FDA is in charge of keeping you safe from tainted or dangerous products. We want your skin care products to comply with FDA regulations.

But when it comes to “medical devices” sold for use at home, it is a very different situation. The FDA does not “approve” a device because it is useful or not bad for you. It is “approved”, most of the times, because it is similar to something that is already available for sale. And that is not necessarily good news for your body.

It has become somewhat popular to use some car buffers, those used to polish the wax applied to your car. A $30 car buffer is used routinely in my gym to work on tight muscles, in the back or legs. And it has worked for me. A friend or trainer plugs it in, turn it on and rub it along legs, arms, shoulders or back to release tension.

The equivalent FDA approved device is sold at about $600 and seems to work in exactly the same way. You will find lots of words, plus, sometimes ” FDA registered Class I medical device”. You will be surprised to see how little this means.

https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/Overview/ClassifyYourDevice/ucm051549.htm

In my opinion, unless you have a medical condition that makes a buffer a bad idea, then go for it. Don’t use it on your neck or other “tricky” bits, but your muscles will be happy to try it.