I think that massagers are not a bad idea as long as they are not pushed too strong and not overused,” says Dr. Kalika. The top piece is a bit bulky and might be difficult to position at first, but once you figure it out you’ll be amazed at the quality of massage this product provides.

If your bedding sags, consider swapping your pillow or mattress for supportive types, like a cervical support pillow and medium-firm mattress. Manual massagers: They may not be hands-free, but manual massagers allow you to apply as much pressure as you like. Of course, you won’t get any heat or vibration with this massager, but if you’re looking for a simple way to target some of your sore trigger points, the LiBa could be a perfect fit. Several users also noted its effectiveness for migraine headaches and fibromyalgia. Accessories: We love a carry case! Where possible we selected models that are easy to store in their own bag.Research from 2017 indicates that massage, including self-massage, can provide short-term pain reduction and benefits such as stress relief. In addition, there’s evidence that the relaxation produced by massage therapy can help reduce pain. Sams L, et al. (2023). The effect of percussive therapy on musculoskeletal performance and experiences of pain: A systematic literature review.

Overall the HoMedics sling is easy to use—press the power button once for high intensity, twice for medium, and three times for low. The heated massage is a nice add-on; however, our tester noted that it took a few minutes to heat up. “Once it did,” she said, “that was a nice added feature.”Although the product does have a heat feature, we found the heat wasn’t very strong and took a long time to warm up. Beyond being an effective massager, it was easy to use: "You just set it down, hit the power button, and lie down on it," our tester said, noting that its small shape made it easy to adjust and position to target specific areas. Rotation: Many electric massagers allow you to change the direction of the massage element for a more comprehensive massage. Electric massagers: These are convenient because they are hands-free, but they also allow you to change pressure and speed.

Although it’s on the pricier side, the chair comes with a 30-day return option if you’re not fully satisfied. To adjust the strength of the massage, you have to adjust your level of pull on the handles,” explained one of our testers. “The massager is very light, so to get a strong massage, you have to pull the handles with a good amount of pressure, which makes it feel a bit like you have to do some of the work.” Multiple power and speed settings are important to get just the right comfort level for the condition you are treating," says Dr. Hayden. If you want a versatile option that can help with various aches and pains, choose one that has power and speed settings. But if you know you like a deep-tissue massage, then aim for a high-power model that goes deeper into your muscles.Shiatsu massagers mimic the traditional Japanese massage therapy which delivers a deep, kneading massage with circular motions. These massagers contain ‘nodes’ that move around and apply pressure, like the fingers and palms of a massage therapist. Shiatsu is great for loosening painful knots, releasing chronic tension and improving circulation, and is a wonderful stress-reliever. Throughout the test, we evaluated each massager for how effectively it relieved muscle tension and provided muscle relief, how comfortable it was to use, how intuitive and easy it was to operate, the different features and how functional they were, and the massager's value. In attention to ergonomics, we noted any devices—and particular settings—that caused pain or discomfort. You’ll find that the best handheld massagers are lightweight and cordless, giving you more freedom of motion while using the massager. The Mighty Bliss weighs only 1.25 pounds and uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide more than 120 minutes of massaging action. Heated massagers: Heated massagers apply warmth to the target areas, which helps relax your muscles. While we can’t always visit a masseuse to work on those knots, having the tools to give yourself a pamper, or expert treatment in the comfort of your own home - and without the hefty price tag - is a welcome solution.