Are you on a quest to find the best neck and shoulder massagers for neck and back pain?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- Benefits Of Having Your Own Shoulder And Neck Massager
- Neck & Shoulder Massagers Buyer’s Guide
- Massager Types
- Tips And Caution
- …
I will also answer some common questions.
- What is a Neck and Shoulder Massager?
- What are the Causes of Shoulder and Neck pain?
- Are Massagers Just for Women?
- Can a Massager Replace Your Spa Visits?
- …
Without further ado, let’s begin!
You’re likely to suffer from pain and aches, whether you’re getting older, living a busy life or staying active. Currently, pain has become a common occurrence for many men and women. It is attributable to the fact that many people spend a lot of hours in front of a computer screen. Additionally, more people are engaged in different types of exercises and also end up sleeping or laying down incorrectly in a couch or bed. Neck or back pain is also caused by a serious injury or a chronic condition.
Studies have revealed that at least 85% of people always experience some form of neck, shoulder or back pain in their lifetimes. After a long day of hard work, it’s common to experience some discomfort in the shoulders or the lower back. It’s very bothersome, distracting and hard to get rid of completely. One of the proven remedies to soothing such pain involves the use of a shoulder and neck massager. The market is full of different models and it might be tough to find the right one to match your needs.
Regardless of the cause of your shoulder, neck or back pain, these massagers relive it using heat and vibration. Additionally, they use Shiatsu massaging balls that act like a real therapist. You can operate the massagers very effortlessly and get immediate relief. The vibration and heat feature discharges the tension and any stress in the muscles. The shiatsu balls work deeper in the tissues reaching the extremely tense muscles in the neck or back to guarantee a very relaxing experience.
What is a Neck and Shoulder Massager?
Currently, if you sign up for a massage from a professional therapist, you should expect to pay $65. You should even expect to pay a little more than that if you visit a spa or some US cities. Certainly, the high cost of getting a massage as well as the lack of time to visit a spa forces people to choose the next best alternative. That’s where massagers come in handy.
Shoulder and neck massagers are very affordable, costing about $100. They are designed with different features that release tension in different parts of your body. Just like a massage chair or a travel neck pillow, the shoulder and neck massager is a good device that keeps you relaxed, kicking away the pains and aches in specific areas of your body. Getting one of these massagers is just the same as paying for a massage in your local spa. They can work out the knots and kinks in your neck resulting from an injury, strain, illness or daily activity. If you’re suffering from extreme and chronic pain, you can use a massager to get the best relief.
Note that, different massagers employ varying techniques and methods to provide back, shoulder and neck pain relief. These include the following:
- Vibration that reduces muscle tension .
- Rollers which recreate the shiatsu massage effect.
- Heating elements that warm the muscles thus relaxing them.
- Acupressures which are placed on the soft points to stimulate different areas of the body experiencing pain.
The massagers are either operated manually or through electric. Depending on the type of massage you prefer, you can always choose one of the two. Note that, the manual models are cheaper but you need to have enough flexibility and mobility in your arm for the best results. Anyone with severe arthritis or any other condition that restricts movement in the arms will definitely find it hard to use the massager. Electric massagers are more popular since they run automatically. Additionally, they can provide percussion or shiatsu type of massages with just a click of a button.
Benefits of Having Your Own Shoulder and Neck Massager
You can always use the massager comfortably in your own home and getting relief in hard to reach areas such as the back, the sides of your neck or the muscles in your upper back. Additionally, you can count on a more isolated and hands-on massage treatment, if you’re using these devices. You can bring it with you when you’re travelling or at work. You can also use it when you’re standing or sitting down according to your preference. Use it anytime and anywhere to get the best relief from neck, shoulder or back pain.
Getting a massage helps with the following:
- It speeds up muscle recovery
- Relieves pain in the muscles
- Reduces heart rate
- Boosts your flexibility
- Improves your sleep cycles
- Increases overall blood circulation in the body
People who don’t have enough time or money to get professional massages on a regular basis always rely on these massaging devices, that’s why they have become quite popular. If you have knots, muscle spasms, tight muscles or any pain in the shoulder or neck, you will have a hard time performing daily activities. That means you will have a hard time driving, playing sports, performing your job and anything else. With a good massager, you can get rid of the pain comfortably, wherever you are!
Best Neck & Shoulder Massagers Comparison Table
Best Neck and Shoulder Massagers for Neck and Back Pain
- Body Back Company’s Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Therapy Self Massage Tool
- Zyllion ZMA13BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat for Car, Home, or Office
- LiBa Shiatsu Neck Back Massager Pillow, Shiatsu Massager w/ Heated Balls Car Massager
- Gideon™ Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow with Heat / Massage, Relax, Sooth and Relieve Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain
- HoMedics HHP-350 Percussion Action Massager
- Pure-Wave CM7 Extreme Power Massager Body + Facial (Dual Mode) for Foot, Legs, Neck, Back, Shoulders
- WAHL 4290-300 Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
- Shiatsu Back Massager – Shiatsu Neck Massager – Foot Massager – Kneading Massage Pillow w/ Heat
- Naturalico Shiatsu Massager – Kneading Massage Therapy for Foot, Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain – Relieves Sore Muscles – Total Body Relaxation
- New Five Star FS8801 Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager with Heat – Shoulder – Foot Massager – Kneading Massage Pillow With Heat
1. Body Back Company’s Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Therapy Self Massage Tool – Best Budget
- Designed to be the only massage tool you need to achieve fast, simple...
- Made in the USA. The original 2 hook design from 1995 reaches every...
- 11 knobs in 3 shapes soothe painful muscle knots in your back, neck, &...
- Strength You Can See - New Long Fiber infused material creates marbled...
- Up to 30% stronger than competitors. Won't bend or break. Sturdy...
The Body Back Buddy Self-Massager is an effective tool for people who want to treat some specific sore spots and knots in their shoulders or back. This cane-like tool features 11 massage knobs, which can be used on sore muscles to loosen knots and reduce spasms on the trapezius muscle.
The tool is top rated, easy to use, and does what it’s supposed to do. You can apply significant pressure on the problem area along the shoulders, neck, and upper back. Since the tool is manually operated, you can choose the different areas of your body that you want to massage, and at what strengths. This makes the tool ideal for people suffering from pain caused by log hours spent on sitting position in front of the computer, and bad posture. If you enjoy controlling your massages, you will definitely love the Body Back Buddy.
- It’s one of the most affordable shoulder and neck massage tools available in the market.
- The Body Back Buddy is ideal for letting the trigger points along the neck and between the shoulder blades go.
- The construction is made from hard plastic, which makes it durable, and won’t break easily or flex even when
- heavy pressure is applied.
- It’s made from high quality polyethylene that is free from PBDE, BPA, and TBBPA, which essentially makes it a hypoallergenic tool that can be used even in the shower.
- Besides the lifetime guarantee the manufacturer provide a 30-day moneyback guarantee, just in case you’re not satisfied with the product.
- Some users may find manual massager a challenge to use, particularly users that are suffering from extreme pain, or the older ones.
- The tool lacks a mechanism to make it more portable.
- It doesn’t feature shiatsu or heat massage functions.
2. Zyllion ZMA13BK Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat for Car, Home, or Office – Editors’ Choice & Best Seller
- Relieves Sore Muscles: Powerful 3-Dimension Deep-Kneading Shiatsu...
- Versatile: Ergonomic and compact pillow massager fits perfectly behind...
- Makes The Perfect Gift: Give the gift of high-end, high tech comfort...
- Needs To Be Plugged In: The massager needs to be plugged into a wall...
- Reliable Seller: Your 100% satisfaction means the world to us. There...
Coming at a reasonable price, just like our first product, this massage pillow provides a wide range of features and benefits for its price. It’s also a great choice for those looking for a small device that can be used at home, in the office, or even inside your car.
When it comes to professional shoulder and neck massagers, the Zyllion Shiatsu Pillow Massager with Heat is the next best thing. The slim pillow has four powerful hiatus massage balls, and it can be strapped on the back of a chair, to place it right behind the shoulder and the neck. You can also position it to relieve thigh and back pain, making it a very versatile machine for massage.
With four different deep kneading rotating nodes, the cordless shiatsu neck and back massager can effectively relieve muscle tension, knots, and aches. It’s also ergonomically designed to fit into the small of your neck or back, and you can just sit back and press the “on” button to let the device melt the stress away. With its overheat protection and 20-miutes auto shutdown, the device ensures that you use the massage safely.
This model is one of the most budget friendly massage devices you can find on the market today. It’s versatile, affordable, and has a better bang for your buck. It proved to be a great first neck massager, and an inexpensive solution for people who are just looking for basic relaxation. There are thousands of users that have raved how the Zyllion Pillow changed their lives. Many users suffering from chronic spasms and pain have greatly benefited using the massager.
- Beautiful design, lightweight, and a car charger is included.
- A durable construction that can last for many years.
- It’s very affordable.
- Compact and ultra-slim in design, and only takes about 3.5 inches of space.
- The 4 deep kneading rotating nodes for the Shaitsu massage reverses the directions for each massage session
- The overheat protection feature switches off the massage pillow automatically when it goes over the working temperature.
- The heating feature essentially enhances the blood circulation, which effectively eases aching muscles
- It’s made of top-notch quality leather, which is easy to clean.
- It comes with a 20-minute auto-shut off to enhance the safety.
- The massager lacks heat adjustment options
- It doesn’t offer deeper than average massages
- It’ quite noisy
- Might have trouble working on parts of the body that aren’t flat
- Putting too much weight slows down the motor, and might even break the plastic parts
3. LiBa Shiatsu Neck Back Massager Pillow, Shiatsu Massager w/ Heated Balls Car Massager
- ERGONOMICALLY REDESIGNED - Ergonomic U-design back massager fits...
- HOT STONE MASSAGE - Advanced heating function with smart circuit over...
- PORTABLE SHIATSU MASSAGER – Easy to carry and use in the car,...
- AUTOMATIC ONE MINUTE TIMER - Automatically changes direction each...
- NO HASSLE GUARANTEE - Includes a 3 YEAR WARRANTY with our 90 day “No...
If neck pain is stopping you from doing your daily tasks, this heated shiatsu massage from Liba is one of the best solution for relieving your pain. Inside the massager, are heated balls that work as shiatsu rolling, which help to sooth the pain on your neck. It ca effectively penetrate deep down into the area of the muscles where the discomfort clings. The device comes with an amazing level of comfort, since the surface is constructed from premium quality materials, and is nicely soft to lie with. You also don’t need to worry about falling asleep very fast. The massager will shut itself down automatically after the first 20 minutes, so that only an adequate level of massage is applied.
This model is great for use at home and in the car, though it might take some space up when placed on a car seat. Overall, it’s quite heavy, so strapping should be done with care and ensure it’s tied tightly. The Liba heated shiatsu massager comes with a 3-year extensive warranty.
- Ideal for home, car, and office use
- Great value for money
- Advanced heating option that works well to melt the tension on your neck muscles away
- Very portable
- Constructed with high quality leather on the outer surface
- Has an automatic turn-off feature, that turns the massager off after the first 20 minutes of use
- The automatic one-minute timer lets you switch the direction of the rollers after each minute of use, providing a sensation of balance as you are being massaged
- It’s a little bulky
4. Gideon™ Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow with Heat / Massage, Relax, Sooth and Relieve Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain
- RELAX AT HOME, CAR & OFFICE – The Gideon Massage Pillow with Heat...
- MIMICS REAL MASSAGE THERAPIST HANDS – Specially designed 3D...
- PERFECT MASSAGE SPOT & INTENSITY - The pillow can be easily positioned...
- CORDED HAND CONTROL - Convenient and easy-to-use corded hand control...
- SPECIFICATIONS: Use in car or office; plugs into an AC outlet or DC...
The Gideon Shiatsu Massager offers you an infrared 4-ppoints of the heated massage to relax and soothe your muscles, in order to relieve your neck, shoulder, and back pain in a short time. Coming in a soft gray color, this model lets you relax and enjoy the pleasure of massage at your home, in the office, or in your car. It comes with 4 kneading heads, which provides deep Shiatsu massage to relax and sooth your neck, shoulder, and back muscles, while enhancing your blood circulation.
Its soft, gentle warmth effectively soothes and helps you release all the stress, tightness, and muscle knots. The massage is so realistic, so much so that you might think a massage therapist is working his/her hands on you. The deeply penetrating kneading provides your muscles with jut what they need to calm you down and let you feel energized, while keeping the noise to a minimum.
You can place the pillow massager anywhere you want to massage and adjust the intensity level to suit your needs, and use it on your lower back, neck, back, legs, shoulders, and calves. You can sit on a sofa, a recliner, or lie on your bed for the sessions. The device allows you to adjust the intensity to your liking, based on how hard or soft you want it to be. it also rotates right and left at certain intervals that you can easily switch with its hand control.
- Incredible value for money
- Comes with a lifetime warranty and detailed instructions
- The outer surface has premium quality leather
- The unit includes an adapter for your vehicle
- It’s relatively portable
- The heating feature soothes aching muscles and enhances blood circulation
- It’s not ideal for small necks
5. HoMedics HHP-350 Percussion Action Massager
- LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE: This Handheld Heated Massager is lightweight...
- SOOTHING HEAT FEATURE: This deep kneading handheld massager has an...
- DUAL PIVOTING MASSAGE HEADS: The dual pivoting massage heads operate...
- SIMPLE TO USE: Simply press the POWER button located on the top of the...
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One HoMedics Percussion Massager with Heat. Two...
This model gives you a different experience. It’s ideally a handheld percussions massager that uses the tapping technique rather than vibration. This functionality is achieved through the pivoting heads that hits your sore muscles like a hammer.
The dual-pivoting heads provide the tapping or percussion massage that relieves muscle soreness on the different areas of your body. there are multiple speed settings that lets the user adjust the percussion massage’s intensity, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. The rubberized handles allows for easier handling/grip, of the massager. The heat function is activated by pressing a button located right above the intensity bars at the top of the handle.
If you want the maximum heat, you can remove the attachments to expose the red heat nodes. There’s a 15-minute automatic shut-off timer that let’s you enjoy the benefits of the massage while preventing the overheating of the device. The tapping action is ideal for those suffering from pain in their necks, shoulders, calves, and thighs. But since it’s a heat-based component, it’s not recommended for patients with sensory deficiency or diabetes.
The manufacturer warns users not to use the product directly on inflamed areas of the skin, and right before sleeping, since it has a stimulating effect.
- Produces minimum noise
- Has a 2-year limited warranty
- The rubberized handle is well designed to be ergonomic that makes up for a breeze experience
- It’s versatile, and can work on the back, neck, arms, shoulders, thighs, and calves
- It can take a while to warm up, and the heat is nothing to write home about.
- It’s a bit too large to fit in most luggage.
6. Pure-Wave CM7 Extreme Power Massager Body + Facial (Dual Mode) for Foot, Legs, Neck, Back, Shoulders – Editors’ Choice & Professional’s Choice
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The Pure-Wave CM7 cordless body and facial massager gives you even more reasons to come home after working hard all day at the office. The powerful high speed cordless percussion massager comes with a variable speed dial that is used for adjusting the vibration or percussion as needed. It is ergonomically designed and lightweight with a handle that is easy to hold and helpful for getting to areas that are hard-to-reach.
The Pure Wave personal massage has 6 different massage heads for choosing the firmness and style of the massage. It also comes with an extra facial vibration motor in the handle that run at up to 10,000 RPM utilizing specially designed scalp and facial massage attachments.
- Cordless rechargeable and powerful percussion back massager
- Speed dial to adjust percussion or vibration intensity as necessary
- Percussion motor runs up to 3700 RPM and the facial vibration motor runs at up to 10,000 RPM
- Back massager comes with 6 total attachments
- 6 massage sticks to massage various areas of the body
- Specially designed scalp and facial massage attachments
- Easy-to-follow instructional videos included
- Easy to reach and lightweight design comes with extra long handle
- Percussion attachments are uniquely design to relieve knots, pains, aches and muscle tension
- The rotator head might break after limited use
- Poor customer support
- Some have complained of a plastic burning smell after the massage was turned on
- Some find that the Pure-Wave CMZ is awkward and heavy for use on lower back
7. WAHL 4290-300 Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
- Purchase Now – Enjoy all the benefits this handheld variable...
- Variable Intensity – Features a variable speed dial for gentle to...
- 4 Unique Attachment Heads – Flat disc for extra wide coverage,...
- User Friendly – Sleek, long handle for all-over muscle comfort for...
- Long 9 feet Power Cable – Increased length gives you greater...
The WAHL 4290-300 is another percussion style massager. It is excellent for self deep tissue massage. It is a very powerful machine, and you don’t have to apply very much pressure in order to feel the penetrating deep massage. The amazing (up to) 3500 pulses per minute make it among the most powerful of all handheld massagers available in the marketplace.
The WAHL 4290-300 has 4 attachment heads that come with it, 2 which are excellent for deep muscle tissue. For the ‘Prep’ stage on the Deep Tissue massager, the larger rounded head is perfect. The head may also be utilized as a general massage tip. After the Accupoint attachment has been warmed up it may used for running along muscle fibers.
The 4 Finger Flex and Flat are the two other attachment heads. They are both great and treat different areas. There is a larger head on the Flat for broader muscles and the 4 Finger Flex has been designed for replicating how a finger massage feels. It is ideal for the Shiatsu massage style.
- Due to being electric powered, the WAHL is able to generate more power, which results in a deeper and harder massage.
- Has excellent long handle that doesn’t strain the hand and feel nice to hold
- Larger rounded head is perfect for the Deep Tissue massager ‘Prep’ stage
- Excellent for Shiatsu massage style
- The WAHL is a corded massage, which is kind of annoying
8. Shiatsu Back Massager – Shiatsu Neck Massager – Foot Massager – Kneading Massage Pillow w/ Heat
- ✿ FOUR ROLLER MASSAGE with AIR BUBBLE OXYGEN ADDING: Four massage...
- ✿ AUTOMATIC INFRARED HEATING AND INSULATION: The highest temperature...
- ✿ FASHION DESIGN with ATTRACTIVE OUTLOOK: it is designed with basket...
- ✿ SMART and EASY: It is designed with a sealing cover and non-slip...
- ✿ All-in-one - Heating therapy, oxygen bubbles massage,...
The massager features a very solid design. It has bi-directional movement that ensures a smooth transition whenever positions are switched and it mimics any person’s movement. It is a very long unit, which makes it very easy to cover any body part that you want to place it on. It comes with 4 evenly placed Shiatsu massage nodes to provide a relaxing and thorough massage. These nodes move in two different directions that the user can choose from. The unit has deep tissue capability as well, meaning the unit can apply the proper amount of pressure and is ideal for chronic muscle tension being released.
There is an optional heat mechanism along with its solid design. Typically the feature is used to loosen up sore muscles and provide a heated massage that is perfectly pressured. The heating component enables your muscles to expand and that releases the tension. It is definitely not a typical massager. This is one for individuals who have real stress and muscle tension. The deep tissue capabilities increase the flexibility and strength of your fascia. This is the protective and connective tissues that encase several internal organs and your muscles.
Although an outlet is needed for the Shiatsu Back, Neck & Foot Massage to work, it also does come with a 12V DC power supply that it comes with to allow capabilities for a mobile massage. What that means is that when you get home after a rough day at work, you will be able to enjoy a calm, nice massage while you are in your car. The 15 minute auto-shutoff mechanism is another handy feature on the unit which is good for saving on battery life particularly when you invariably fall asleep after receiving one of the finest massagers you can possibly get.
Every unit is backed by a 90 day guarantee of your complete satisfaction or money back. So if you aren’t 100% satisfied, you can just request a refund. That kind of dedication really can’t be beat. In addition to the 90 day guarantee, a 3 year replacement warranty is also provided to assure you that your device is going to remain functional for many years after you buy it.
- The massage is easy to maneuver from shoulders to neck and mid back since arms are in a sling
- Comes with 3 year replacement warranty and 90 day guarantee
- 15-minute auto shutoff feature
- May be used in two directions for soothing shoulders, waist, back and neck
- 4 massage nodes for reaching deep into the tissues, creating a professional spa experience
- Selectable heat feature for loosening tight muscls
- 2 power supplies (car adapter and AC adapter) allow you to use the massage in your car as well as at home
- Some have complained the unit melted within one hour’s of use
- Heat isn’t very effective or noticeable
- Must plug in to use because massager doesn’t run without a power source
9. Naturalico Shiatsu Massager – Kneading Massage Therapy for Foot, Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain – Relieves Sore Muscles – Total Body Relaxation
- DEEP MUSCLE RELAXER – Add heat and intensity to hard-to-reach muscle...
- MULTIPLE MASSAGE NODES – We’ve created the ideal amount of...
- WARM, COMFORTING HEAT – The Naturalico heated back and neck shiatsu...
- IMPROVED RECOVERY TIMES – Healthy massage is a fantastic way to help...
- MORE RESTFUL SLEEP – Using bi-direction movement that mimics the...
Naturalico Shiatsu massager gives you heat and kneading for your whole body. You will be longing for the soothing relaxation you get for your sore, tight and knotted muscles in your feet, ankles, hips, calve muscles, lower and mid back, scapula, shoulders, side of neck and neck. Getting your deep muscle tissues massage can provide you improved agility, flexibility and balance.
8 silicone balls are used by 4 massage nodes. These balls rotate and provide you with the warmth that releases tension and pain. The balls rotate and it is infrared heat that is used. The control unit is located on the upper left and has buttons for direction, heat and on/off. It feels like a real massage therapist’s fingers and you love how it feels when it moves counterclockwise as well as clockwise.
A 12-Volt D/C adapter is included for using in light port in vehicles. It isn’t rechargeable, doesn’t use batteries and isn’t wireless. It comes with a Lifetime Warranty. The massager shuts off automatically after 20 minutes of use and it can be turned on again by just pressing a button.
- Auto shutoff feature for added safety
- Comes with car adapter and AC adapter for using on the go, work or home
- Handheld and lightweight design that works your entire body
- Its bi-directional movement induces more restful sleep
- Uses assistance of multiple massage nodes for relaxing muscle and kneading pressure with Shiatsu massage
- A little on the bulky side, so might be somewhat uncomfortable to use while you are sitting
- Isn’t cordless
- Not a lot of movement choices
- Power cord is too short
10. New Five Star FS8801 Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager with Heat – Shoulder – Foot Massager – Kneading Massage Pillow With Heat
- Note: This is not cordless. There is no battery in it. It must be...
- 8 deep-3D-Rotation kneading Shiatsu massage nodes. Soothing heat...
- The combination of massage and heat therapy will help increase blood...
- Premium PU leather and soft mesh material. Durable and high quality....
- UL listed. 3 year warranty. Return within 30 days. Satisfaction...
The Five Star FS8801 is another good massager that comes with wrist support. It performs quite well and has 8 rollers for the finest shiatsu massage experience particularly on the shoulder and neck. It is a multi-purpose massager meaning it may be used on a majority of the body’s parts. The heating function is an excellent addition that will help you feel relaxed although you cannot adjust it to your preferred temperature. What makes the massager portable is its handy DC and AC adapters. You can use the massager anywhere you go – car, office or home. It has an auto shutdown feature that kicks in after using it for 10 minutes. It can be turned back on by pushing on the power button to give it 10 more minutes of use.
The heating feature can be used for massaging your neck, back, shoulder and foot. There are eight kneading rollers, and the heat can be turned off and on with just one touch, and you can change its rotational direction as well. The products works the best for individuals who have chronic neck pain. Another thing it is ideal for is long trips since a car adapter comes with it. So while your friend, wife, husband, father or mother are driving, you can have a nice massage in the backseat.
- Auto shutdown feature
- 30 days no-questions asked refund policy and 3 year factory warranty
- A portable unit that can be used conveniently in the car, office or home
- 4 massage zones for apply appropriate pressure when massaging various body parts
- 4 massage programs and 3 massage speed choices
- Heating feature can be used for soothing lower back pain
- 10 vibration motor for thigh, back, shoulder and neck massages
- Not cordless
- Hard to use while driving
- At times rollers make annoying sound
- AC adapter cord kind of on the short side which can be inconvenient when you are not close to a power outlet and want to use it
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Neck and Shoulder Massagers
A massager for the shoulders and neck can go a long way toward easing pain and relieving stress. The market for these sorts of devices is quite a diverse one, and you face a lot of different options to consider. Do you want something with integrated heat therapy? Perhaps shiatsu massage is your top priority. In order to make sure you get your money’s worth and experience full satisfaction with your purchase, you need to consider it carefully in advance. This guide will help you get a handle on the features and functions available to you.
Massager Types
* Handheld
These small, straightforward massagers can typically be used with a single hand. They can be used either on yourself or on another person. There are both battery-operated and manual models available in this sub-category. Electrical massagers typically rely on a built-in vibration feature.
* Neck and Shoulder
This type of massager consists of a firm core wrapped in a soft covering for comfort. Operating it is as simple as draping it around your neck with the sides over your shoulders. When activated, the neck and shoulder massager will knead, vibrate, and possibly even heat up in order to relieve tension.
* All-In-One
The all-in-one massager is packaged with a range of different attachements to increase its flexibility. These can be used on the back and other parts of the body in addition to the neck.
* Pillow
Pillow massagers are shaped either like an ordinary pillow or a U-shape that wraps around your neck. There are massaging units beneath the pillow’s soft external cover that deliver relaxing feelings when switched on.
Manual Vs. Electric
This is an important question to consider before picking out your ideal massager. Most units run on battery power, but some are entirely manual. This latter sort is ideal for use while you travel, and many users assert that manual massagers do the best possible job of pinpointing the exact level of pressure you want to apply. Electric massagers are easier to use, but they do of course rely on their power supply.
Massage Techniques
Today, shiatsu massage is something of a standard in home massagers. There are alternative techniques available on some products, though, such as kneading and beating. It’s worth considering just what sort of massage will work best for your individual needs. Percussion massagers basically use hammers to send deep vibrations into your muscles. Vibration massagers are rather the opposite; they vibrate on the surface of the skin and knead the muscles beneath.
Heat Therapy
Heat is excellent for muscle recovery thanks to the way it improves the circulation of the blood. Better blood flow makes for faster waste elimination and nutrient delivery in the healing tissues. That’s why high-end neck and shoulder massagers frequently offer heat features. Versatile massagers that offer a range of different therapeutic techniques make for excellent stress-busters. Introducing a little variety to your massage activities can keep them from getting stale.
Design and Functionality
There are a lot of different design types in the neck massager market today. Some massagers are built to wrap around the neck from behind; others are essentially pillows. Manual massagers are often manufactured in the style of canes with pressure point knobs. Electric massagers are available that use both battery and plug-in power. Consider the full range of designs available before making your selection.
Alternate Uses
Effective neck massagers provide a lot of relief, but what about dealing with aches in other parts of your body? Many different massagers are versatile enough to work on lots of other areas. To get the most out of your investment, you may want to seek out a massager that can deliver the benefits of massage from head to foot.
Massage Settings
There are a lot of different sorts of muscle pain out there, and you may well experience very different types yourself. A multifunction massager that offers you a lot of different settings can come in very handy when you’re not sure where your next pain will strike.
Size and Weight
In this area, the most important consideration in choosing a massager is where and how you intend to use it. Lightweight massagers that fold up to fit snugly in work or travel bags are great if you intend to carry your massage with you while traveling or working. Size and weight make a difference when it comes to operation, too. Lighter massagers are generally easier to use and cause less fatigue.
Additional Features
Timers are a particularly useful feature for massagers that are designed in such a way that it’s easy to fall asleep while using them. An automatic cutoff will prevent accidents and bruises and minimize electricity usage once you’re done using the massager. For hand-held electric models, take a careful look at the length of the power cord offered. If you prefer greater versatility, battery power is probably the way to go.
Convenience
Ideally, neck massagers should be easy to use with minimal study. Look for clear controls where each function has its own button; massagers that require you to press buttons multiple times are inconvenient. If you’d like to have your hands free while using your massage, make sure you go with a non-handheld model. Massagers that attach to your chair or drape over your shoulders will allow you to do whatever you like without interrupting your massage.
Cost
The price of a massager can range anywhere from $10 for a good manual product to hundreds of dollars for a innovative, full-featured electronic model. While it’s important to set a reasonable budget for your massager, make sure you don’t end up sacrificing quality and durability for a slight break in the cost.
Warranty
It’s reasonable to expect your massager to work as desired for quite a while, even with the most complex electronic models. If you’d prefer full peace of mind and freedom from worry about repairs and replacements, look for a massager with a robust warranty plan.
Customer Feedback
Checking out reviews from prior customers is one of the biggest advantages of buying your massager online. You can take a look at what a given model has been able to do for users suffering from similar shoulder and neck pain issues. As a general rule of thumb, products that accumulate plenty of positive reviews are more likely to leave you as a satisfied customer when you buy them.
Tips and Caution
- Before using the massager, you should read the instruction manual to learn about the cleaning and proper usage techniques.
- If you have long hair, tie it properly and keep it away from the electric massager.
- Avoid using the electric massager in the bathtub or anywhere else with water to avoid electrocution.
- Massagers are for adults only so avoid using them on toddlers or children.
- When using these devices, you should remove necklaces, neckties or scares to avoid dangerous accidents.
- If you’re travelling outside the country with the massager, make sure you bring the right adapter to avoid blowing up the sockets.
- If you’re pregnant, have a pacemaker, suffer from chronic illnesses (such as phlebitis, diabetes or thrombosis), you need to avoid using these massagers. The same goes for those who have an increased risk of developing blood clots, have artificial joints or pin and screws in the body. In any of these cases, it’s advisable to consult a medical practitioner about using the massager before any use. Check with the manufacturers to inquire about the safety concerns of using the device on your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Causes of Shoulder and Neck pain?
The neck is a delicate structure that supports the head and everything inside. It is made up of bones, ligaments, muscles and cervical discs that guarantee proper movement and function. You’re likely to experience stiffness in your neck if any of these parts don’t work together. Some of the common causes of neck pain include poor posture, wrong sleeping positions and also sports related injuries. Other causes include trauma from accidents (often referred to as whiplash), tumors, degenerative diseases (like arthritis) or any abnormality in the neck joints or bone.
In most cases, any pain in the neck also goes down to the shoulders since they are connected through the trapezius muscle. Note that, the shoulders are more vulnerable to injuries because of the extensive mobility of the ball and socket joint. Some of the common causes of shoulder pain include overuse that causes tendonitis, fractures (dislocation), frozen shoulders, strains especially from contact sports or exercise and also radiculopathy (pinched nerves).
You can treat neck and shoulder pain using massage and other complementary therapies. However, a traditional approach is always required in some cases. You should consult a doctor immediately if the pain persists for more than a week and also comes with alarming symptoms.
Q: Are Massagers Just for Women?
That’s a common misconception but they can be used by anyone. High performance athletes and boxers always incorporate massage into their training routines. A lot of men are involved in jobs that include heavy lifting and proper neck and shoulder massage comes in handy to keep them in a peak condition. On the other hand, men always focus on presenting a confident and strong posture. Therefore, excellent shoulder and neck condition is always required and a significant strain is always put on these areas. Getting a massage isn’t a sign of weakness but it’s taking proper care of your body and allowing you to do your job and project a strong image effortlessly.
Q: Can a Massager Replace Your Spa Visits?
Yes it can. All you need to do is invest in a good massager and learn how to use it properly. Eventually, you will save more money massaging your neck and shoulders than visiting the spa every other weekend and spending a ton of money. With as little as $100, you can invest in a good neck and shoulder massager that you can bring with you anywhere, whether at work or in the house. Now you can enjoy massages on the go and keep your neck and shoulders free from any pain.
Conclusion
To alleviate any pain in your body, you should use a massager for at least 10 to 30 minutes three times every day. They will stimulate proper blood flow since they improve circulation. You can also count on reduced tension in the neck, shoulders and back. They will also remove any knots in your shoulders. These massagers are perfect for everyone whether young or old. Note that, if you want a full body experience, you should consider getting a massage chair. If you want to target your back, you should think of a massage cushion for the best results.
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I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API