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

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

The excellent news is that when neck ache has you down, there are many at-home cures you may attempt to relieve the strain and discomfort. The higher information is which you can buy a neck massager to present your neck and shoulders some much-needed TLC regularly. We spoke with a licensed therapeutic massage therapist to get machine suggestions and study what to search for, then rounded up 9 of one of the best neck massagers you should use from the consolation of your house. Sayonara, neck ache!

The most effective neck massagers, at a look:

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

Store 9 of one of the best neck massagers

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

A advice of Kyles’, this Shiastu neck massager from NekTeck options eight kneading therapeutic massage nodes, three velocity strengths, and built-in infrared warmth. Simply sling the machine over your neck and shoulders, slide your arms via the holes, and relax for quarter-hour of bliss. The nodes keep comparatively quiet whereas they work (particularly useful because the machine sits so near your ears) so you may 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 characteristic 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 provide a hands-free therapeutic massage
• Quiet

• Not cordless
• Somewhat cumbersome

Greatest 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 provides three speeds (which 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 additional cautious when utilizing a percussive machine like this in your neck—Kyles advises skipping the entrance of your neck or any bony areas (like your collarbones) to keep away from harm.

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 additional warning across the neck

Greatest 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 mild remedy. It additionally comes with 5 completely different head attachments, plus you may tag on a separate chilly attachment ($89) to spherical out your self-care routine. You may even work via guided classes utilizing the machine’s LCD display or by way of the Therabody app. After all, 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 mild remedy
• 3 vibration therapeutic massage settings for delicate areas
• Highly effective

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

Greatest 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 mild warming warmth (as much as 113 levels Fahrenheit). Along with behind your neck, you may slide the pillow down alongside your again to therapeutic massage different hard-to-reach locations. The pillow form makes it an excellent decide in your sofa, desk chair, and even the automobile (it comes with a automobile adaptor!). It additionally has a 15-minute auto-shutoff security characteristic and is available in three colours: grey, black, or blue.

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 have to be plugged in)

• Not cordless
• Could also be difficult to wash

Greatest analog: Tiger Tail, Tiger Ball — $29.00

My husband put considered one of these in my Christmas stocking and I find it irresistible. Positive, you should 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 a couple of 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 just a little extra participation on the consumer’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 measurement
• Rope makes maneuvering the ball simple
• Sturdy rubber and corded polyester
• Moveable and doesn’t require electrical energy

• Requires just a little elbow grease from you
• No colour choices

Greatest 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 stress 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 seemingly not discover these as helpful in your neck *wink wink*). The silicone head is easy, comfortable, and straightforward to wash, and the wand-style deal with makes it simple to know when reaching the again of your neck and trapezius muscular tissues. It is going to run for 3 hours on a full cost (you too can use it whereas plugged in) however powers off mechanically 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 will also be used plugged in
• Versatile

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

Greatest 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 rest, and cut back ache indicators to the mind. This unit from Therabody comes with one rechargeable electrical pod and two electrode nodes (you too can go for a two-pod set, which prices $349). You stick the nodes to the world you’d like to deal with 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 excellent 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 simple to make use of with the Therabody app, which does mainly the entire be just right for you—simply stick on the pads and press “begin.” My sticky pads have additionally lasted a actually very long time (you may order extra by way of Therabody after they begin to lose their stick). {The electrical} currents encourage involuntary muscle twitches, which is an uncommon sensation, particularly in case you’re squeamish. With that in thoughts, this kind of remedy may not be for everybody. It’s additionally not supposed for pregnant of us, or anybody with epilepsy or a pacemaker.

Therapeutic massage sort: TENS

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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 could take a while to get used to
• Not supposed for anybody who’s pregnant, has epilepsy, or has a pacemaker
• Sticky electrode pads want changing after some time

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

This hands-free possibility from SKG provides crimson mild 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 may simply use it at your desk, within the automobile, or chilling on the sofa. When absolutely charged, you will get about ten 15-minute classes out of it. It additionally comes with a companion app to manage the machine, however some of us say it doesn’t work very properly.

Therapeutic massage sort: Vibration

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

• Palms-free and cordless
• Warmth remedy, crimson mild 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

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

For one more budget-friendly however extra labor-intensive decide, take a look at this set off level massager from Voyor. It’s fairly simple: 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 may also 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 may seemingly take it with you on the go.

Therapeutic massage sort: Set off level

Energy supply: Handbook

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

• Requires just a little 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 varieties (extra on that under) however, whatever the design, they intention to assist launch neck stress and relieve ache by making use of strain and stimulating blood circulate to the world.

“Within the steady seek for wellness, at-home neck massagers have emerged as a key software, mixing fashionable know-how 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 machine, recognizing contraindications, and adhering to finest practices to be used, you may safely incorporate therapeutic massage instruments into your wellness routine, fostering higher neck well being and total well-being.”

Kinds of neck massagers

In case you’ve been trying to find a neck massager, you have seemingly seen that they arrive in a wide range of sizes and styles. Under, Kyles breaks down the several types of neck massagers and what they’re finest for.

• Percussion massagers (therapeutic massage weapons): Supreme for deep tissue reduction, identified for enhancing circulation, assuaging muscle stiffness, and growing vary of movement
• Shiatsu massagers: Replicate the soothing Japanese kneading method, and sometimes incorporate warmth to deepen rest results
• Vibration massagers (wands): Supply a lighter, vibrating contact for muscle rest, 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 stress successfully
• Electrical pulse massagers (TENS unit): Use electrical impulses for ache reduction, helpful for stress and discomfort mitigation

What to search for in an at-home neck massager

Irrespective of the kind of massager you purchase, think about the under:

• Adjustability: A spread of velocity and depth settings permits for a personalised therapeutic massage expertise, catering to completely different ranges of muscle stress 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 out there may also help you select a massager that meets your particular reduction wants.
• Security options: Computerized 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 provide seen suggestions and strain monitoring choices to assist in protected utility.
• Battery life and portability: Particularly for wi-fi fashions, think about the battery life and ease of transport (ie. carrying case).

Easy methods to use a neck massager

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

And, in accordance with Kyles, there are a couple of areas to keep away from. “Straight massaging the entrance of the neck, notably 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 encircling muscular areas for security and effectiveness. Take into account beginning on the higher traps and shoulder earlier than shifting 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 therapies; vertebrae are delicate and might simply be pushed out of alignment.”

Who should not use a neck massager?

Whereas house neck massagers are usually protected to be used, Kyles says there are a couple of teams that ought to avoid utilizing them with out the assist of an expert:

Current 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 reminiscent of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), osteoporosis, nerve issues, 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 kinds 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 beneath skilled steering.

5 further neck well being ideas, 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 a giant job to do daily.

1. Keep hydrated. Kyles says that consuming loads of water after a therapeutic massage (or utilizing a massager) helps improve muscle restoration and toxin elimination.
2. Stretch. “Light neck stretches earlier than and after therapeutic massage can additional relieve stress and enhance flexibility,” says Kyles.
3. Preserve good posture. This one is difficult, we all know. Attempt to verify in in your posture often and keep away from straining your neck (ahem, we see you, Textual content Neck).
4. Strive a pre-massage warm-up: “Making use of heat, reminiscent of a heated towel or a heat bathe, can put together the muscular tissues for therapeutic massage, growing therapeutic advantages,” Kyles says.
5. Distinction remedy (warmth and ice): In case you’re already experiencing neck ache, Kyles says that alternating between warmth and chilly therapies may also help stimulate circulation, cut back irritation, and speed up therapeutic. “Beginning with warmth to extend blood circulate and chill out muscular tissues, adopted by ice to scale back swelling and numb ache, this technique boosts the physique’s pure restoration course of,” he says. “Distinction remedy will be utilized via heat baths, heated pads, chilly packs, or ice baths. The cycle usually 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 machine 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 solely).

How usually must you use a neck massager?

Most folk ought to have the ability to use a neck massager for as much as quarter-hour a day, daily. Nevertheless, when you have an harm, it is best to talk together with your healthcare supplier to be sure you’re cleared for normal use. And in case your ache persists after utilizing an at-home neck massager, you may undoubtedly need 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 be sure you observe every machine’s instructions rigorously and, in case you’re injured, get clearance out of your physician earlier than utilizing a vibrating massager at house.