It is mentioned that you can operate it either with the remote control or manually. However, the button on the device only opens or closes it. So, you depend on the remote control. It worked only once and that's it. Changed the battery and still nothing. Returned it. If I receive a new one and it works, I will come back because I believe it does the job.
Update
Everything is fine. The replacement was made, with a little inconvenience. It works exactly as it says, with three massage levels (be careful which one you choose depending on the condition, consult the images, the third one is for a simple massage) and 15 intensity levels. The heat is good enough, depending on each person's tolerance (can be turned on and off from the remote control). But... There seems to be some construction issue with the remote control.... it turned out to be very sensitive.... the decrease button makes/doesn't make contact. So, be gentle with the buttons.... Love and care!

It works with a strange logic and has confusing instructions, it will take a little while to understand what the artist meant and how it works, but once you learn it, it works wonders. Its massage is impeccable and my father (to whom I gave it as a gift due to long-term neck problems) finds relief only with this device (we have tried others, even expensive ones)