by Philip |
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Jane often gets jolted while riding her skittish horse, and I often overwork myself digging holes in the garden. When we are billionaires we’ll hire a live-in masseuse to be on hand to soothe our pains, but until then a neck massager is a more realistic option!
These neck and shoulder massagers do a good job of easing tension. They are an affordable pick-me-up and really do refresh and rejuvenate those tired muscles.
Typically, they have rotating heads which mimic a real massage, plus most offer heat. They run for 15 minutes and automatically shut down. Many of them have adaptors so you can use them in the car, but personally I think it would be crazy to use one while driving.
The Best Neck and Shoulder Massagers
The Best Soft Massage: Brookstone Massager
All these neck and shoulder massagers come with a wall plug and a car charger. The Brookstone, however, is cordless which makes it convenient and easy to use. It’s easier to relax when you don’t have cords attached to you limiting your body movement.
It also has heat and the auto timer is set for a long-ish 20 minutes. This helps you enjoy its 8 Shiatsu massage nodes to the max.
If you are petite and/or prefer a softer massage, then this would the perfect model for you. If you are bulky and have more mass, we’d recommend the next massagers on our list.
One downside is the price. It is significantly more expensive than other popular massagers. However, the Brookstone is a solid investment. You’ll be worrying less about your purchase suddenly shutting down or not working after a month or so.
- Deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes soothe aching muscles, relieve tightness, and help promote muscle recovery
- Rolling massage nodes travel the full length of your back-including onto your shoulders-stimulating muscles on both sides of the spine
- Vibration seat massage with 3 levels of intensity can be used independently or combined with other massage functions
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The Best Deep Kneading Massager: Neckteck
The Neckteck massager is a teensy bit more expensive than the regular items on our list but it does come with 8 massaging heads, 2 massage directions, and three custom speed modes especially for users who want a custom deep tissue massage. As the name implies, the specialty of this massager is its deep-kneading action that you can use anywhere on your body.
It also has heat and a 10-minute auto shutoff mechanism. On the up side, this keeps you and your massager safe. On the down side, it will shut down 5 or 10 minutes earlier than other models and brands.
- 8 Powerful Deep-Shiatsu Kneading Massage Nodes. Our neck massager help you better with alleviate muscle soreness, ease neck stiffness,...
- Easy and Safe to Use. Built-in infrared advanced soothing heat function, the massager will improve your blood circulation, and it is settled...
- Adjustable Intensity. This shoulder massager has 3 speed strength level, so you can personalize the pressure to relieve muscle pain and the...
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 17:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Best Massager for Lower Back Pain: Naturalico Shiatsu
The Naturalico has 4 massage nodes to help you relax your neck and shoulder muscles. You can have the rollers go in one direction or going back and forth between directions. It also comes with heat and an auto shut-off feature for safety purposes.
Buyers report using this for their lower back pains and achieving great results. Whether you have neck, back, or shoulder pain, you can relax on your couch with this baby and enjoy a warm and relaxing DIY spa at home.
It is not supposed to be used for lying down though and the rollers will stop if you attempt this and put your body weight on this massager. Also, if you are on the sensitive side, you might want to check out lighter massagers. A handful of users says the massage hurts while others say it is delicious as they prefer the deep massage.
- DEEP MUSCLE RELAXER – Add heat and intensity to hard-to-reach muscle groups for a relaxing massage that helps reduce tightness and improve...
- MULTIPLE MASSAGE NODES – We’ve created the ideal amount of kneading shiatsu pressure with four rotating nodes to cradle, support and...
- WARM, COMFORTING HEAT – The Naturalico heated back and neck shiatsu massager also offers a soothing heat that reaches deep into muscle...
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 17:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Best Overall Value for Money: Naipo Shoulder Massager
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This is a neck, back, and shoulder Shiatsu massager with 8 nodes to help relax and soothe your tired and aching muscles. It has heat function which warms your tight muscles and improves overall blood and lymph circulation.
This Naipo model is very easy to use. The hand straps give perfect control so that you can keep it over areas you need the massage. The motors are also heavy duty and it also has an auto shutoff feature. It is amazing value given its low price.
The only downside would be a few lemons that a handful of unlucky buyers received. Maybe this is why the distributor is offering refunds within 30 days of purchase and a 24-month warranty for quality issues.
This is the one that we own. We’re very happy with it.
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The Best of the Rest
Five Star FS8801
The FS8801 is a corded, bi-directional massager that offers eight roller heads for a professional neck and shoulder massage experience which can be extended across the whole body.
It is easy to use and comes with an in-car charger, so you can give yourself a soothing, rewarding once-over before you leave for work, or set off for the comfort of home after a demanding day.
However, the cord is quite short, which does mean you will need to be seated close to a power socket – not always an option, and the roller action isn’t particularly smooth, which you might find uncomfortable.
- Note: This is not cordless. There is no battery in it. It must be plugged in for it to work.
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 17:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Gideon Portable Massager
The Gideon Portable offers multi-directional deep tissue massage with eight massage heads, together with optimal heat therapy to repair damaged, strained muscles.
The Gideon is probably best-suited to women as it doesn’t work all that well for those with broad shoulders.
- RELIEVE STRESS, ACHES & TENSION – The Gideon Portable Shiatsu Massager with Therapeutic Heat penetrates deep into your muscles and tissues...
- HEAT THERAPY - Features an optional heat therapy, radiating gentle warmth, to help soothe and loosen tight muscles.
- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL – Features eight (8) multi-directional and deeply penetrating massaging nodes, mimicking the vigorous penetration of a...
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 17:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Why Massage?
When done properly, either by a qualified professional or with a suitable quality massage device, massage serves vital functions. It relieves tension and helps repair damage caused to muscles by the stresses and strains and constant, awkward positions of everyday work and life.
Massage is not just a relaxing indulgence. In today’s stressful environments, we can even call it a need — one that helps balance the body and mind. With the proper tools and a little know-how, massage can be part of your wellness kit arsenal.
So, Can I Replace My Spa Visits?
Not completely. The best thing about going to a spa is the fact that you’re out of your house, probably with your phone in a locker. That fact alone doubles the health benefits! You’ll also be able to easily pop between the sauna, pool, and steam room.
But this site is all about bringing as much of the spa experience into your home as possible, and our neck massager is probably the piece of home spa equipment we use the most, after our salt lamps.
Author: Philip Andrew
A writer and teacher who enjoys lazing around and building winter nests out of duvets. “Most are too itchy. You’ve got to be picky.” His goal is to create a complete home spa for 24/7 access to rest and relaxation. Next on the agenda: a barrel sauna for the garden. Connect with Philip on Twitter @completehomespa.