Best Back Massagers
In an era of long working hours, political upheaval, and increased stress, more Americans than ever are complaining about back pain. From minor aches to more serious conditions, a personal back massager is a great way to help you relax and unwind.
We’ve compiled a list of the best back massagers on the market, so read on to find out how you can relax, unwind, and ease away those stresses and strains.
PUREWAVE™ CM-07 Dual Motor Percussion + Vibration Therapy Massager
This comprehensive massager uses motor percussion and vibration therapy alongside a wide range of applications. It’s an excellent all-rounder.
Pros
- Featuring a 2-in-1 design, this massager has a percussion motor for deep tissue work, and a micro vibration motor for use on the face and scalp.
- It also has six head options, so you can pick the one which is right for your needs.
Cons
- The higher price of this item may put off a first time purchaser.
- Make sure to attach the heads firmly, as they have rarely been known to fall off when in use.
Zyllion Shiatsu Back Neck Massager
Four heated rollers deliver a deep massage to the neck or back area. Changing direction every minute allows you to enjoy a full, satisfying massage.
Pros
- This massager has been specifically designer to focus on the neck and lower back area.
- For those concerned about safety, this has special features including overheat protection, and an automatic switch off.
Cons
- For first timers, you may find it takes a little time to get the position quite right.
- The power cord is on the shorter side which can make it tricky to position.
Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Handheld Electric Massager
This deep tissue massager can help ease back ache, neck pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and sports injuries.
Pros
- This model is particularly user-friendly, with a wide range of intensities and a versatile design.
- Four easy to change attachments for a variety of massage needs make this a powerful massager at a reasonable price.
Cons
- Some people may find this a little heavy to use on certain places.
- It can prove to be a little awkward to position correctly.
Percussion Therapeutic Deep Tissue Electric Massager By LiBa
This percussion massager is nicely designed, at a reasonable price point – and it stacks up well against more expensive models.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use, this massager includes interchangeable heads for versatility.
- Features full-body massage capabilities.
Cons
- This is a little on the noisy side.
- There have been rare cases of heads self-detaching during use.
S Shiatsu Neck And Back Massager With Heat
Using eight rollers, this massager kneads in two directions. The heat output helps to ease stiff muscles, and soothe aches and pains.
Pros
- This massager is versatile, and can be used on a range of areas.
- The optional armrest straps help you to arrange the perfect positioning.
Cons
- It will shut itself down after 15 minutes of use, which may not be long enough for some.
- When it is put directly onto skin, the heat can prove too uncomfortable.
What Kind Of Back Massagers Exist
There are three main types of back massager. Each of these offers something slightly unique, so it’s well worth working out what you feel most comfortable with for the type of massager you’d like.
Shiatsu involves the traditional Japanese technique of massaging balls which knead into the pressure points of your body. It uses rollers which mimic this technique, as well as often having a heat component that helps to relax muscles.
Pillow Massager
As you might expect from the name, a pillow massager is a shaped pillow which typically you would place behind your neck while you are relaxing or sleeping. They’re easy to carry around with you, and are perhaps the easiest to use in terms of providing relief for your neck.
Handheld Massager
A handheld massager allows you to target specific trouble spots, and then hold the massager in place until you feel relief. These give you the most amount of control when it comes to directing the relief, and can be used on most muscles in the body.
The Benefits Of Using A Back Massager
Back pain is miserable, and a back massager allows you to take control of your own pain management without having to instantly reach for medication. There have been recent medical studies which suggest that massage may help to reduce inflammation in the body, and therefore ease conditions such as Crohn’s disease and arthritis.
While the cost of regularly seeing a masseuse makes it an unrealistic luxury for many people, an at-home back massager is the next best thing.
- It can relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- While there may be an up-front cost, it is more affordable than regular visits to a massage therapist.
- They are also ideal for people who don’t have specific back pain, but are looking to just unwind or who suffer from carrying tension around in the back or shoulder areas.
Important Factors To Consider
Searching for massagers can leave you with a massive amount of options which may prove overwhelming. Some factors you will want to consider before investing:
Is it easy to use?
Back massagers are meant to ease your stress, not induce more! It can be tempting to go for something with every possible option, but typically a more straight forward massager will see more use.
Is this the right technique for me?
It’s worth considering which technique you’d like to enjoy, and whether or not the massager can provide you with the right kind of support and technique.
Do I understand all of the settings?
Speed, massage patterns, vibration intensity, and heat are all options which you should consider before buying your massager.
Can I handle the massager?
Remember that, unlike at a massage studio, you are responsible for holding and handling the back massager. It’s important to make sure that you don’t get something which is too unwieldy. It’s also important to consider where you think you will be most using the massager – in the office? At home? Be sure to check the product specs so you don’t find yourself with an unmanageable massager.