The Best Back Massagers for Finding At-Home Relief From Soreness
The Best Back Massagers for Finding At-Home Relief From Soreness
It seems like nothing feels quite as satisfying as getting a back massage, especially when you have known areas in your body that always seem to be tight and sore. It's no wonder then, that back massager devices — both vibratory and stationary — exist to allow users to find the relief they want around the clock, not just at the spa or at the chiropractor's office.
Generally, the best back massagers are the ones that give users the autonomy to choose the strength of their massage. Here, we’ve rounded up nine types of top-rated back massagers, both electronic and manual, so that you can find the targeted or all-over relief that you've been craving.
2) TRIDUCNA Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager
TRIDUCNA
amazon.com
$39.98
This wearable back massager can be looped around the neck or around your back to allow its eight bi-directional nodes to rotate back and forth on your problem areas. You can also program your preferred speed and heat level for added relief. Its arm pockets allow you to hold the massager in place while you use it.
3) HoMedics Quatro Mini Handheld Massager
Homedics
amazon.com
$4.88
Providing more of a feel-good, relaxing sensation than intense muscle kneading, this battery-operated, handheld back massager has just one vibratory massage mode, but it's under $10! Its handle allows users to hold it in place at the shoulders or lower back, though reaching the upper back with this device may require some assistance.
4) RENPHO Cordless Handheld Back Massager
RENPHO
amazon.com
$41.99
This cordless back massager comes equipped with five interchangeable massage heads and four massage modes that provide either vibratory or percussive sensation in five different speeds. It docks into its charging port when you're done using it in its recommended 20-minute increments, though the device has a battery life of over 2 hours.
The long handle of this device is what makes it a great back massager, as it can get into the tough-to reach spots better than other handheld types can.
5) Chirogun Deep Tissue Massager Gun
Chirogun
amazon.com
If you're looking for something with a little more power behind it for targeted relief instead of all-over relaxation, a percussive massage gun, like this one from Chirogun, could be a good option for you. It has 30 speed levels and a 6-hour-long rechargeable battery, and it comes with six different massage heads to either blunt or concentrate the sensation as needed on your muscles. Its long handle also gives you plenty of flexibility to angle it behind you to different spots on your back, though reviewers use it anywhere from their arms to their chest to their glutes.
6) Theragun Mini Massage Gun
TheraGun
amazon.com
$199.00
How could we talk about back massagers without mentioning the Theragun? Although many massage-gun reviewers on Amazon claim that full-size massage guns from less-expensive brands work just as well as the Theragun Pro, Elite, and Prime models, the Theragun Mini is a comparably powerful option that's far more portable and looks less like a power tool than the others.
The Mini is a more pared-down device in contrast with the aforementioned massage guns, giving you only one massager attachment and three massage modes at 1,750, 2,100, and 2,400 percussions per minute. It's a little over 5 inches long and is ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the hand.
7) Snailax Shiatsu Massage Chair Pad
Snailax
amazon.com
$89.99
You don't need to make an appointment at a nail salon to use a massage chair, and you certainly don't need to buy a full-size massaging recliner when you have this handy chair pad. This plug-in device can be layered right on top of any seat with a back, and it can be operated via its corded remote control.
The four kneading massage balls rotate up and down the back and the seat vibrates, but you have control over the area of the massaging, the intensity of the vibration, and even whether or not you want a little heat on top of it for further relief.
8) Original Compact RumbleRoller
9) LiBa Back and Neck Massager
LiBa
amazon.com
$19.99
This back massager may be analog, but it's no less effective. What it lacks in vibration or percussive therapy, it makes up for in its ease of use, especially if your neck, shoulders, and upper back frequently bother you.
There's no need to uncomfortably reach behind you in order to massage the tight spots in your upper back. Just hook this cane-shaped tool over your shoulder and angle it exactly to where you want it. It provides a very targeted massage to specific pressure points in the body.
10) Qi Mei Spiky Massage Ball
Qi Mei
amazon.com
$6.49
One of the simplest but most effective devices that I've ever used for self-administered back massages are spiky massage balls. They've come recommended from massage therapists that I've worked with on relieving tension in my upper back.
These can be rolled all over the body on nearly any muscle group, but to use on the back, just lean with your back holding it in place against a wall. The firm spikes will press into your muscles to work out the knots, and you can move side to side to adjust positioning. For areas that are nearly impossible to reach yourself (like between your shoulder blades), this under-$10 device is one handy solution.
Plus, an expert weighs in on when you should and shouldn't use these.