Say “Ahhh” With 9 of the Best Neck Massagers for At-Home Relief

There is a purpose the idiom “ache within the neck” is used to explain one thing tremendous annoying: neck ache is certainly tremendous annoying. You may not sometimes discover your neck all through the day, however when one thing feels off, the ache might be arduous to disregard. And it is sensible—we people have greater than 20 muscular tissues in our necks, working arduous to carry and transfer our noggins. 

The excellent news is that when neck ache has you down, there are many at-home cures you possibly can attempt to relieve the stress and discomfort. The higher information is that you could buy a neck massager to provide your neck and shoulders some much-needed TLC frequently. We spoke with an authorized therapeutic massage therapist to get gadget suggestions and be taught what to search for, then rounded up 9 of the most effective neck massagers you need to use from the consolation of your own home. Sayonara, neck ache!

One of the best neck massagers, at a look:

• Finest Shiatsu neck massager: Nekteck, Shiatsu Neck and Again Massager, $50
• Finest therapeutic massage gun: Hyperice, Hypervolt 2, $199
• Finest for distinction remedy: Therabody, Theragun Professional Plus, $599
• Finest budget-friendly: Papillon, Shiatsu Again and Neck Massager, $40
• Finest analog: Tiger Tail, Tiger Ball, $29
• Finest wand: Magic Wand, Rechargeable, $140
• Finest house TENS unit: Therabody, PowerDot 2.0, $199
• Finest infrared neck massager: SKG, Neck Massager with Warmth, $140
• Finest set off level: Voyor, Twin Set off Level Neck Massager, $22

Store 9 of the most effective neck massagers

Finest Shiatsu neck massager: Nekteck, Shiatsu Neck and Again Massager — $50.00

A suggestion of Kyles’, this Shiastu neck massager from NekTeck options eight kneading therapeutic massage nodes, three pace strengths, and built-in infrared warmth. Simply sling the gadget over your neck and shoulders, slide your arms by way of the holes, and relax for quarter-hour of bliss. The nodes keep comparatively quiet whereas they work (particularly useful because the gadget sits so near your ears) so you possibly can watch TV or maintain a dialog with ease. It additionally is available in three completely different colours (white, black, and blue) and has an auto shutoff security function that kicks in after quarter-hour.

Therapeutic massage sort: Shiatsu with warmth

Energy supply: Corded

• Deep strain with infrared warmth
• Three colour choices
• Arm slings supply a hands-free therapeutic massage
• Quiet

• Not cordless
• Fairly cumbersome

Finest therapeutic massage gun: Hyperice, Hypervolt 2 — $199.00

One other favourite of Kyles’ is the Hypervolt 2 from Hyperice. Weighing in at lower than two kilos (which is extraordinarily light-weight for a therapeutic massage gun), it’s tremendous modern and presents three speeds (that may not sound like very many, however belief us, it’s all you want.) It additionally comes with 5 completely different head attachments, a carrying pouch for stated attachments, and a charging cable. Whereas it’ll really feel nice in your shoulders, be further cautious when utilizing a percussive gadget like this in your neck—Kyles advises skipping the entrance of your neck or any bony areas (like your collarbones) to keep away from damage.

Therapeutic massage sort: Percussive remedy

Energy supply: Rechargeable (runs for 3 hours on a full cost)

• Light-weight and transportable
• Comes with 5 head attachments
• Cordless
• Highly effective

• Warmth remedy attachment ($59) offered individually
• Requires further warning across the neck

Finest for distinction remedy: Therabody, Theragun Professional Plus — $599.00

If distinction remedy and therapeutic massage is what you’re after, look no additional than Theragun Professional Plus. Along with 5 percussive therapeutic massage speeds and three vibration speeds (for extra delicate areas), the Professional Plus options three warmth settings (as much as 131 levels Fahrenheit) and infrared gentle remedy. It additionally comes with 5 completely different head attachments, plus you possibly can tag on a separate chilly attachment ($89) to spherical out your self-care routine. You’ll be able to even work by way of guided periods utilizing the gadget’s LCD display screen or by way of the Therabody app. In fact, the identical contraindications because the Hyperice decide above apply right here, too: keep away from utilizing it on the entrance of your neck or bony areas.

Therapeutic massage sort: Vibration and percussive remedy

Energy supply: Rechargeable (runs for 150 minutes on a full cost, relying on the attachment)

• Attachment for warmth remedy included (chilly remedy offered individually, which is a con)
• Contains LED infrared gentle remedy
• 3 vibration therapeutic massage settings for delicate areas
• Highly effective

• Dear
• Barely heavier than Hypervolt decide (3.6 lbs)

Finest budget-friendly: Papillon, Shiatsu Again and Neck Massager — $39.00

This pillow-shaped massager options three speeds, 4 Shiatsu-style nodes that change path each minute, and delicate warming warmth (as much as 113 levels Fahrenheit). Along with behind your neck, you possibly can slide the pillow down alongside your again to therapeutic massage different hard-to-reach locations. The pillow form makes it an amazing decide on your sofa, desk chair, and even the automotive (it comes with a automotive adaptor!). It additionally has a 15-minute auto-shutoff security function and is available in three colours: grey, black, or blue.

See also  Supplementing Strength Training With Indoor Cycling May Be the Secret to the Strongest Legs and Butt Ever

Therapeutic massage sort: Shiatsu

Energy supply: Corded

• Funds-friendly value
• Straightforward to maneuver alongside your neck and again
• Decrease profile makes it simpler to take with you (though it does should be plugged in)

• Not cordless
• Could also be difficult to scrub

Finest analog: Tiger Tail, Tiger Ball — $29.00

My husband put considered one of these in my Christmas stocking and I like it. Certain, you need to use a lacrosse or tennis ball to therapeutic massage set off factors, however the rope makes the Tiger Ball a lot simpler to make use of. I can use it just a few alternative ways: I both maintain the ropes to glide the ball up and down the again of my neck and shoulders, or place the ball between my again and the wall and use the ropes as insurance coverage that it gained’t go flying throughout the room. Along with my neck, it additionally feels nice on the underside of my toes, hamstrings, and quads. It does require somewhat extra participation on the person’s finish in comparison with an electrical massager however, since you’re in full management of the strain, you’re much less more likely to injure your self within the self-massage course of.

Therapeutic massage sort: Set off level

Energy supply: You!

• Is available in a 2.6 inch or 1.7 inch dimension
• Rope makes maneuvering the ball straightforward
• Sturdy rubber and corded polyester
• Transportable and doesn’t require electrical energy

• Requires somewhat elbow grease from you
• No colour choices

Finest wand: Magic Wand, Rechargeable — $140.00

Admittedly, we love the Magic Wand for different causes. However, along with serving up main O’s, the Magic Wand has additionally helped relieve muscle pressure worldwide for the reason that 70’s. This rechargeable mannequin is a more recent model of the unique Magic Wand and options 4 highly effective vibration intensities, in addition to 4 patterns (though you’ll possible not discover these as helpful in your neck *wink wink*). The silicone head is easy, gentle, and straightforward to scrub, and the wand-style deal with makes it straightforward to understand when reaching the again of your neck and trapezius muscular tissues. It would run for 3 hours on a full cost (it’s also possible to use it whereas plugged in) however powers off routinely after 20 minutes of consecutive use for security.

Therapeutic massage sort: Vibration

Energy supply: Rechargeable (runs for 3 hours on a full cost)

• 4 highly effective vibration settings for a deep therapeutic massage
• Straightforward to carry and clear
• Rechargeable however may also be used plugged in
• Versatile

• Straight wand design is extra limiting for mid-back massages

Finest at-home TENS: Therabody, PowerDot 2.0 — $199.00

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, aka, TENS, makes use of electrical pulses to contract your muscular tissues, encourage leisure, and cut back ache alerts to the mind. This unit from Therabody comes with one rechargeable electrical pod and two electrode nodes (it’s also possible to go for a two-pod set, which prices $349). You stick the nodes to the realm you’d like to handle by way of the included sticky electrode pads, then use the Therabody app to conduct a TENS remedy session. The pads, nodes, and a USB charging cable all match inside snazzy little carrying case, making this an amazing transportable possibility.

As a runner, I’ve used the PowerDot for the previous few years, largely to alleviate knee ache after I’m coaching for a race. It’s extraordinarily straightforward to make use of with the Therabody app, which does mainly the entire give you the results you want—simply stick on the pads and press “begin.” My sticky pads have additionally lasted a actually very long time (you possibly can order extra by way of Therabody once they begin to lose their stick). {The electrical} currents encourage involuntary muscle twitches, which is an uncommon sensation, particularly if you happen to’re squeamish. With that in thoughts, the sort of remedy may not be for everybody. It’s additionally not meant for pregnant people, or anybody with epilepsy or a pacemaker.

Therapeutic massage sort: TENS

Energy supply: Micro USB rechargeable (operates for as much as 20 hours on a full cost)

• Simply transportable
• Guided remedy by way of the Therabody app
• As much as 20 hours of use on a full cost

• The feeling {of electrical} stimulation might take some time to get used to
• Not meant for anybody who’s pregnant, has epilepsy, or has a pacemaker
• Sticky electrode pads want changing after some time

Finest infrared neck massager: SKG, Neck Massager with Warmth — $140.00

See also  What Marathon Runners Can Do When They Encounter Persistent Foot Or Ankle Pain?

This hands-free possibility from SKG presents crimson gentle remedy, three warmth settings (as much as 109 levels Fahrenheit), 4 therapeutic massage modes, and three depth ranges. It’s particularly designed to take a seat round your neck, and the cordless design means you possibly can simply use it at your desk, within the automotive, or chilling on the sofa. When totally charged, you may get about ten 15-minute periods out of it. It additionally comes with a companion app to regulate the gadget, however some people say it doesn’t work very effectively.

Therapeutic massage sort: Vibration

Energy supply: USB rechargeable (as much as 150 minutes on a full cost)

• Fingers-free and cordless
• Warmth remedy, crimson gentle remedy, and vibration therapeutic massage in a single
• Low profile makes it simpler to journey with or stow away

• Companion app isn’t nice
• Can solely be used in your neck

Finest set off level: Voyor, Twin Set off Level Neck Massager — $22.00

For an additional budget-friendly however extra labor-intensive decide, take a look at this set off level massager from Voyor. It’s fairly easy: as soon as the hook is round your neck, you utilize the handles to therapeutic massage the 2 agency silicone balls in opposition to your neck and shoulder muscular tissues. You too can use it alongside your calves or quads, because the plastic hook is sturdy however considerably versatile. It’s type of a humorous form, however it’s additionally actually light-weight (lower than a pound!), so you possibly can possible take it with you on the go.

Therapeutic massage sort: Set off level

Energy supply: Guide

• Funds-friendly possibility
• Can be utilized in your legs, too
• Straightforward to maintain clear

• Requires somewhat elbow grease
• Distinctive form limits your choices for therapeutic massage remedy

What are neck massagers?

Neck massagers are precisely what they sound like—they’re gadgets that make it easier to therapeutic massage the muscular tissues in your neck and shoulders. There are a handful of various sorts (extra on that under) however, whatever the design, they intention to assist launch neck pressure and relieve ache by making use of strain and stimulating blood move to the realm.

“Within the steady seek for wellness, at-home neck massagers have emerged as a key device, mixing trendy expertise with the therapeutic energy of therapeutic massage,” says Clinton Kyles, CMT, a sports activities rehab specialist and nationwide therapist coach at Squeeze. “As a therapeutic massage therapist, I’ve seen these gadgets change how we method self-care, making professional-grade reduction accessible anytime,” he provides. “By understanding the significance of selecting the best gadget, recognizing contraindications, and adhering to finest practices to be used, you possibly can safely incorporate therapeutic massage instruments into your wellness routine, fostering higher neck well being and general well-being.”

Forms of neck massagers

If you happen to’ve been looking for a neck massager, you have possible seen that they arrive in quite a lot of sizes and styles. Beneath, Kyles breaks down the several types of neck massagers and what they’re finest for.

• Percussion massagers (therapeutic massage weapons): Excellent for deep tissue reduction, recognized for enhancing circulation, assuaging muscle stiffness, and rising vary of movement
• Shiatsu massagers: Replicate the soothing Japanese kneading approach, and sometimes incorporate warmth to deepen leisure results
• Vibration massagers (wands): Provide a lighter, vibrating contact for muscle leisure, praised for his or her portability and ease of use
• Infrared massagers: Make the most of deep-penetrating warmth to assuage and heal, concentrating on muscle pressure successfully
• Electrical pulse massagers (TENS unit): Use electrical impulses for ache reduction, helpful for pressure and discomfort mitigation

What to search for in an at-home neck massager

Regardless of the kind of massager you purchase, take into account the under:

• Adjustability: A variety of pace and depth settings permits for a customized therapeutic massage expertise, catering to completely different ranges of muscle pressure and sensitivity.
• Ergonomic design: The massager ought to comfortably match the contours of your neck and shoulders, facilitating ease of use with out straining further muscular tissues.
• Therapeutic massage sort: From percussion weapons to Shiatsu massagers, understanding the assorted strategies obtainable can assist you select a massager that meets your particular reduction wants.
• Security options: Automated shut-off and overheat safety make sure the massager is protected to be used, stopping any potential hurt throughout operation. Many therapeutic massage weapons additionally supply seen suggestions and strain monitoring choices to assist in protected utility.
• Battery life and portability: Particularly for wi-fi fashions, take into account the battery life and ease of transport (ie. carrying case).

Tips on how to use a neck massager

Kyles recommends beginning with 15-20 minute periods a couple of times every day. “At all times take note of your physique’s response, and alter frequency and length to fit your consolation and therapeutic wants. Typically much less is extra!” he provides.

And, in line with Kyles, there are just a few areas to keep away from. “Instantly massaging the entrance of the neck, significantly over the carotid artery and trachea, needs to be averted,” he says. “Equally, keep away from utilizing massagers immediately on or close to the backbone and bony landmarks; focus as an alternative on the encompassing muscular areas for security and effectiveness. Take into account beginning on the higher traps and shoulder earlier than transferring into the fragile muscular tissues of the neck. And all the time use decrease settings whereas working immediately on the neck, and keep away from extended spot remedies; vertebrae are delicate and may simply be pushed out of alignment.”

Who should not use a neck massager?

Whereas house neck massagers are typically protected to be used, Kyles says there are just a few teams that ought to keep away from utilizing them with out the help of an expert:

Latest accidents or surgical procedures: People with current fractures, surgical procedures, or acute accidents ought to chorus from utilizing neck massagers within the affected areas.
Medical situations: These with situations comparable to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), osteoporosis, nerve problems, pores and skin situations (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), and people with pacemakers, most cancers, A number of Sclerosis, spondylosis, or diabetes ought to seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than use.
Being pregnant: Keep away from percussion remedy throughout being pregnant, and for all different varieties of massagers it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than use.
Sensitivity or ache: People with extreme sensitivity, neuropathy, or these in excessive ache ought to use massagers cautiously, if in any respect, and ideally underneath skilled steerage.

5 further neck well being suggestions, from a therapeutic massage therapist

Along with therapeutic massage, Kyles provides that there are a handful of issues you are able to do to make sure your neck stays wholesome and robust—in any case, it has an enormous job to do every single day.

1. Keep hydrated. Kyles says that ingesting loads of water after a therapeutic massage (or utilizing a massager) helps improve muscle restoration and toxin removing.
2. Stretch. “Mild neck stretches earlier than and after therapeutic massage can additional relieve pressure and enhance flexibility,” says Kyles.
3. Preserve good posture. This one is tough, we all know. Attempt to examine in in your posture commonly and keep away from straining your neck (ahem, we see you, Textual content Neck).
4. Attempt a pre-massage warm-up: “Making use of heat, comparable to a heated towel or a heat bathe, can put together the muscular tissues for therapeutic massage, rising therapeutic advantages,” Kyles says.
5. Distinction remedy (warmth and ice): If you happen to’re already experiencing neck ache, Kyles says that alternating between warmth and chilly remedies can assist stimulate circulation, cut back irritation, and speed up therapeutic. “Beginning with warmth to extend blood move and chill out muscular tissues, adopted by ice to cut back swelling and numb ache, this technique boosts the physique’s pure restoration course of,” he says. “Distinction remedy might be utilized by way of heat baths, heated pads, chilly packs, or ice baths. The cycle sometimes lasts for 15-20 minutes, alternating each 2-3 minutes, to successfully improve restoration and supply reduction.”

FAQs

What areas of the neck shouldn’t be massaged?

Whatever the gadget you select, Kyles says to keep away from the entrance of the neck as that is the place your trachea and carotid artery sit. Moreover, any areas that really feel bony or extraordinarily delicate needs to be handled with added warning (or averted fully).

How typically do you have to use a neck massager?

Most people ought to have the ability to use a neck massager for as much as quarter-hour a day, every single day. Nonetheless, when you’ve got an damage, it is best to talk together with your healthcare supplier to ensure you’re cleared for normal use. And in case your ache persists after utilizing an at-home neck massager, you will undoubtedly wish to search the assistance of an expert.

Are vibrating massagers good for you?

Analysis means that vibration remedy is a protected and efficient technique to deal with muscle soreness. Simply make sure to observe every gadget’s instructions fastidiously and, if you happen to’re injured, get clearance out of your physician earlier than utilizing a vibrating massager at house.