Heated massagers: Heated massagers apply warmth to the target areas, which helps relax your muscles. A thin layer of lycra covers eight medium-sized shiatsu nodes that rotate in two directions and are surprisingly powerful, giving a satisfyingly deep massage even on the lowest of the three intensity levels. It can take a little experimentation to find the right angle and pressure, but once you’ve adjusted the foam-filled leather straps to a suitable length, it’s pretty intuitive to manoeuvre it into knotted muscles. An added bonus is how quiet this massager is – we almost forgot it was there.

It has a ton of features, including vibration, heating, rolling, and even air massage,” our tester shared. “I was pleasantly surprised by everything it could do and it was fun to use in addition to feeling great.”Key specs – Device type: Wraparound; Massage type: Shiatsu, deep tissue; Power : Mains-powered; Heat option: Yes; Intensity/speed settings : Three speeds Manual massagers: They may not be hands-free, but manual massagers allow you to apply as much pressure as you like. Crawford C, et al. (2016). The impact of massage therapy on function in pain populations — a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: part 1, patients experiencing pain in the general population.

Accessories: We love a carry case! Where possible we selected models that are easy to store in their own bag. Massage and trigger point therapy can help through two mechanisms. First, it works through neurophysiological means, as the pressure from the massage signals the muscle to relax and decrease resting tone or guarding,” he says. “Secondly, this repeated on/off pressure from the massage or trigger point therapy helps pump more blood flow into the region, therefore delivering more oxygen and reversing many of the effects of the acidic environment.”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. You can use the pillow on bare skin, but if that feels too intense (as it did for us) it will work through clothing, too. After a 20-minute treatment, you’ll feel a rush of endorphins and hopefully be more relaxed and at ease. Plenty of people report a reduction in pain and stress, better sleep, increased energy levels and lots of other positive outcomes.

Hands-free or handheld: A hands-free massager makes it easier to totally relax, but it doesn’t give you the same level of control. Zachary Woolever, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedics and clinic director of Pivot Physical Therapy in College Park, Maryland Price: We took cost into consideration, being sure to include devices at various price points including less expensive models that we consider to be a great value for price.Multiple speeds and/or intensities : Being able to play with speed, intensity and rotation direction means every massage will feel different – and you can more specifically target the muscles that need attention. Treat the area with heat and cold by alternating 15 minutes of ice with 15 minutes of moist or dry heat. Style of massage offered : This can range from light and gentle to deep, shiatsu-style kneading. If you love a deep massage, you’ll probably be inclined to lean into the machine – but that can leave red marks and isn’t the best idea. Excess pressure can also slow the mechanism down, making it less effective. 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. Key specs – Device type: Pillow; Massage type: Acupressure; Heat option: No; Intensity/speed settings : None