The 10 Best Neck and Shoulder Massagers
This wiki has been updated 38 times since it was first published in December of 2016. Stress in the neck and shoulders can bring your whole day crashing to a halt, leading to tension headaches, migraines, and more. If you don't have the time or money to go to a masseuse to get those knots worked out, you can try one of these handy massagers instead. Designed to penetrate deep into trigger points, they offer targeted relief — no appointment (or co-pay) required. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Body Back Buddy
2. Tymo Pillow
3. Pranamat Therapeutic Mat
Editor's Notes
June 19, 2019:
While there are any number of fancy gizmos that promise to rub your pain away, we found that old-fashioned solutions worked just as well, if not better, which is why they took up so many spots at the top of the list.
The Pressure Positive Backnobber II and Body Back Buddy are very similar; we ranked the Back Buddy higher largely due to the fact that it's more versatile. However, the Backnobber II breaks down, so it won't be in your way when it's not in use, and that's an incredibly useful feature. You're not likely to be disappointed with either, nor should you feel like you're missing out on anything.
The Tymo Pillow is an excellent option regardless of where you use it, but the ability to strap it to your car seat or office chair truly makes it stand out. Many of the options here require a dedicated session, likely in the comfort of your own home. The Tymo, on the other hand, can be used during activities that cause most of your stress and tension, like sitting in traffic or suffering through another conference call. When you add in the fact that it's a pretty good pillow even without the massage feature, it's well-deserving of its elevated status here.
Special Honors
Theragun G3Pro If you've always thought that massagers are too wimpy to do any good, try this unit and its impressive 60 pounds of force on for size. Not only is it incredibly powerful, but the four adjustable arm angles ensure that knots won't be able to hide from it, either. theragun.com
Hyperice Hypervolt It looks more like a power tool than a relaxation device — and that appearance could serve as a warning as to just how muscular this machine really is. Despite packing quite a punch, it's also nearly silent, thanks to its Quiet Glide technology. hyperice.com
HoMedics Masseuse Cushion You can control this chair with your smartphone, allowing you to find the perfect relief program in those precious few moments you have in between refreshing Facebook. The neck and shoulder massage nodes can be adjusted to fit your height, ensuring you get relief exactly where you need it. homedics.com
4. Pressure Positive Backnobber II
5. Renpho Portable
6. Gideon Adjustable
7. Naipo Cordless
8. LuxFit Deep Tissue
9. InvoSpa Shiatsu
10. Enowpo Percussion
Why Invest In A Neck And Shoulder Massager?
Additionally, with one of these products, you can enjoy your massage alone, in front of the television, or in bed, without anyone else around.
Usually, getting a massage is a luxury that we only have the chance to enjoy on occasion. Professional massages cost money and eat up time, so it isn't especially practical or economical to indulge in spa treatments on a regular basis.
The good news is, you can still experience the benefits of massage with a personal neck and shoulder massager. These handy devices are the perfect tool for jump-starting relaxation when you get home from work. With frequent use, a massager can improve the way your body feels and functions.
One of the personal massager's main advantages is convenience. When you leave the office, your back is aching but you know you have responsibilities to attend to at home. If you can't stop at a spa in these moments, do the next best thing: power up your neck and shoulder massager. Unlike professional massages, personal massagers are at your disposal at any time of day, so you can work a session into your schedule whenever it's convenient for you.
Even though some of the options on the market cost a pretty penny, in general, investing in a massager is much more cost-effective than purchasing a spa membership or visiting a professional masseuse regularly. Additionally, with one of these products, you can enjoy your massage alone, in front of the television, or in bed, without anyone else around. If privacy is important to you, you'll love owning a personal massager.
In short, neck and shoulder massagers promote good health and relaxation. There's no reason you have to suffer from aches and pains because you can't afford or don't have time to visit the spa. Just pick up one of these massagers and let the soothing begin.
What To Look For In A Massager
There are lots of dynamic neck and shoulder massagers on the market, so how can you tell which one is right for you? Here are some common features to keep in mind as you shop.
First things first: what kind of massage does the device provide? Believe it or not, these products can give several different kinds of massage. You'll want to consider how many massaging nodes the device has and how the nodes move. Think about your specific anatomy and what type of stimulation would be best suited to relieving your unique aches and pains.
Wrap-around options can be used sitting, standing, or reclining.
Many massagers feature more than one setting so you can customize your experience. Speed and intensity modes are another detail to watch for on your hunt. If you're a fan of deep-tissue-style massages, look for a device with nodes that move in a circular motion. Some massagers can be programmed so that the nodes change direction randomly, simulating the sensation of a real massage.
The shape of the device should also inform your decision. The most popular designs are pillow-style and wrap-around. The pillow-shaped massagers are crafted to support your neck as you sit or lie down. Wrap-around options can be used sitting, standing, or reclining.
Anyone who has experienced muscle strain or stress injuries knows that temperature can be an awesome tool for alleviating pain. There are massagers available that have heat settings, so you can achieve a greater degree of pain relief.
If maintenance is a concern, pay attention to the device's exterior material. For simple clean-up, choose a massager made from leather or faux-leather, which can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Porous fabrics may feel more comfortable against the skin, but they can also soak up sweat and oil and are more difficult to clean.
There are a few other things that may impact your decision. For convenience, these products often come with remote controls that allow you to modify the setting without having to remove the entire device. Similarly, take note of how the massager is powered and buy accordingly. For more freedom to move around as you enjoy your massage, find a model that can be charged and that doesn't need to be plugged in during use.
The Benefits Of Massage
Massage is one of the least invasive and most immediate ways to relieve pain. Below, we've outlined a few of the noteworthy applications and benefits of massage.
One of the best things about massage is its ability to relieve stress. Stress can contribute to the development of a range of conditions, including heart disease. With a massager, you'll be able to quickly and easily eliminate stress in the comfort of your home.
Finally, if you've been having trouble sleeping and have tried everything to get yourself to nod off, maybe it's time to experiment with massage.
Another smart use for massage is to treat sports-related injuries. Athletes are prone to suffering strains and sprains, and sometimes the most effective treatment is simply massage. Massaging an injured muscle can help stimulate blood flow and reduce pain.
Massage can soothe other conditions, as well. Studies have shown that it can curb the frequency of migraines and ease digestive issues. Older individuals who have balance problems may find that massage can help with that particular ailment, as well. Of course, it's important to keep realistic expectations and understand that the benefits associated with massage vary by person and condition.
Finally, if you've been having trouble sleeping and have tried everything to get yourself to nod off, maybe it's time to experiment with massage. Personal neck and shoulder massagers can really come in handy for those times you're up late trying desperately to wind down. The relaxing sensations produced by a massager might be what your bedtime routine has been missing all this time.
So, if you don't have the time or money to take a trip to the spa, opt for a personal massager. These products will help relieve your stress and ease you into a relaxed, comfortable state. With a neck and shoulder massager, you can improve both your mental and physical health.
After getting his bachelor’s from the University of Texas, Quincy Miller moved out to Los Angeles, where he soon found work as a copywriter and researcher, specializing in health and wellness topics for a major online media brand. Quincy is also knowledgeable about home improvement, as he’s had extensive experience with everything from insulation to power tools to emergency room trips, sometimes in that order. Sharing a home with three dogs and a couple of cats has forced Quincy to learn as much as he can about pet supplies, animal nutrition and, most importantly, the best ways to tackle the mountains of fur that accumulate in every corner of your home.