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Best Massagers to Relieve Tension

  1. truMedic Back and Shoulder Massager
  2. Renpho Shiatsu Foot and Calf Massager
  3. QUINEAR Leg Massager
  4. Wahl #4120-1701 Professional Massager
  5. RAKZU Back Massager Shiatsu 3D Pillow Massager
  6. Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
  7. Belmint Deep Kneading Massager
  8. Dual Tapper Electric Handheld Percussion Massager
  9. Acu-Masseur
  10. Body Back Buddy Massager
  11. HoMedics Percussion Action Massager
  12. Jade Stone Trigger Point Massager
  13. TheraCane Massager
  14. HoMedics Extendable Percussion Massager with Heat
  15. Sharper Image MSG-F110 Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager
  16. Pibbs FM3830A Footbath Massager
  17. Human Touch HT-1340 Foot and Calf Massager
  18. Thumper Versa Pro Foot Massager
  19. Carepeutic Acu-Point Therapy Foot Massager
  20. New Thumper Sport Percussive Massager with Free Educational DVD
  21. Waterproof Personal Massager - Handheld Wireless Vibrating Massager
  22. Wahl 4296 Deluxe Wand Full-size Therapeutic Massager
  23. Dolphin Percussion Massager
  24. Oster Stim-U-Lax Massager Twin Pack
  25. Buyer's Guide

The upper part of your body is where you often hold the most tension. Stress, prolonged awkward sitting or sleeping positions or even lugging heavy bundles can cause neck and shoulder pain. There are many options on the market to soothe the pain away. Below are my top picks in the best massagers in 2022 based on comfort, pain relief and ease of use. Oh, and of course price.

Comparing the Best Massager for 2022

truMedic Back and Shoulder Massager - Best Overall

This massager features four deep-kneading massaging nodes that make use of patent-pending technology to simulate the feel of real human hands with virtual thumbs. Each revolving node is created to mimic the calming sensation of a lifelike two-handed Shiatsu massage for high-performance muscular relief. This cordless, chargeable massager has a long battery life and is ideal for travel. You may take it with you to the gym, the office, the airport, or wherever else you need on-the-go massage therapy.

It comes with wrist supports to control the massage pressure. Simply push the on/off button, the reverse button to alter the direction of your message, and the heat button to activate the relaxing infrared heat.

Renpho Shiatsu Foot and Calf Massager - Runner Up

Are you searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift, or trying to treat yourself after a hard day at work? Look no further than the Renpho shiatsu foot and calf massager. This massager heats up and kneads your lower extremities for a calming massage after a long day of standing or walking. It can heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than most other massagers, but you can set a timer that will automatically shut it off, in case you’re worried about any safety issues.

Additionally, it can fit men size 14 feet and has a 7.7-inch wide space so all members of the family can utilize this wonderful machine. You can use it anywhere in your house, from your couch to the bed to elevate your chill time.

QUINEAR Leg Massager - Another Top Pick

Unlike the other massager models we have highlighted, the QUINEAR Leg Massager features a wearable design. You can wrap it around your calves like leg warmers and enjoy the various massage manipulations incorporated into its cycle. It can run on two different modes and comes with a handheld controller that you can use to adjust its settings.

This leg massager set features finely sewn fabric with durable air bags inside. The massager uses these air bags to provide a perfect calf and arm massage experience. It has three intensity levels so you can choose the one that feels more comfortable. Plus, it comes with a mesh storage bag for safekeeping.

Wahl #4120-1701 Professional Massager - Close Runner-Up

The Wahl All-Body Massage Powerful Therapeutic Massager is my top choice for all-over goodness. With 7 attachments, you can customize your massage to suit your needs. And with 2 speed settings, you can choose the high setting for a deep, intense massage of large muscle groups, or choose the low setting for a soothing, light massage of more delicate areas. You can even use it on your face. This lightweight, ergonomic massager fits perfectly in your hand with a multi-grip, ergonomic handle to prevent slipping and to avoid awkward and uncomfortable angles.

Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager - Contender

The iLiving Brand Advanced Tapping Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heated Therapy features 20 automatic massage programs offering different intensity levels. Place this massager around the back of your neck, and the snug body-hugging design gives you a hands-free massage with a one-touch control panel. The penetrating heating function increases blood circulation for more relaxation. This massage is great not only for the neck and shoulders, but for the legs, buttocks, and upper and lower back. Great for relieving tension, stress, pain and fatigue.

Belmint Deep Kneading Massager - Best Kneading Massager

This deep-kneading massager is equipped with 8 nodes and can be used on all body zones! It mimics the Shiatsu (Japanese-style) technique to help you feel more relaxed and works through your tired, worn-out muscles. It offers bi-directional movement, targets specific acupressure points, and provides a deep tissue massage. Plus, the massager is lightweight, comfortable, and does wonders for your shoulder muscles and neck! The massaging speed can be adjusted and it also comes loaded with the optional heat function. It doesn’t come with a battery and has to be plugged in at all times while you’re using it, which to be honest, is a bit of a hassle. Nonetheless, the massager works as advertised and does the job well!

Dual Tapper Electric Handheld Percussion Massager - Consider

The Dual Tapper Electric Handheld Percussion Massager offers a customizable massage experience with knob, accupoint and finger pressure attachments. This handheld massager is equipped with dual heads and a staggered, beating action that soothes tension and pain, while addressing painful knots. With a 2 speed control and interchangeable massage heads, you can go light or go deep. The ergonomically designed elongated curved handle makes it easy to reach hard-to-reach areas. Great for the neck and shoulders, but also rejuvenates your back, legs, buttocks and more.

Acu-Masseur - Best Neck & Shoulder Massager

Acu-Masseur is a portable, versatile massage for the neck and shoulders that tops my list for giving us the ability to take it anywhere. For quick relief of tension and pain at work, while traveling, or on the road, this massager reaches hard-to-reach places easily. Designed by a well known Swedish massage therapist, you can hit pressure and trigger points as well as knots. It can even relieve tension headaches. A great, lightweight device to have for quick relief.

Body Back Buddy Massager - Best Back Massager

Body Back Buddy will be your best friend whenever your back is aching or sore, or when you need to relieve some tension. It is my top pick for many reasons, such as its lightweight design, ease of transportation, effectiveness and price. The unique design comes from years of feedback from chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists. The device is equipped with 11 therapy knots, on a 25” bar that is curved to hit all the trigger points in your back, when slung over your shoulder or around your side. This massager comes with a 12 page booklet, giving you many ways to massage not only your back, but your entire body. Use it standing up, sitting, or lying down.

HoMedics Percussion Action Massager - Best Back Massager

Panasonic Reach Easy Rolling Massager tops my list for its unique elbow-angled design, allowing you to easily access your upper, middle and lower back. With three vibration modes, three massage heads and a point massage for accupressure, this device does does a lot for a small machine. This massager soothes tired, sore or stressed back muscles while increasing blood circulation for an overall good feeling. Easy to maneuver, the light weight and comfort grip, makes it so anyone can use it on themselves or a partner. This massager can also be used on the neck and legs as well.

Jade Stone Trigger Point Massager - Best Back Massager

The Knobble II is probably the most surprising on my list. The size of a doorknob, this little massager does great things. The smoothly rounded tip applies pressure to trigger points in your back, relieving pressure and tension. And the soft band of Santoprene, a non-latex rubber, around the base helps with friction techniques used by therapists. Using your own body weight and your hand, you can get an effective massage similar to the kind you would get by the hands of masseuse. Made of durable polymer, this massager never has down time. No parts to fix, no fuss, and easily stored.

TheraCane Massager - Best Back Massager

The Thera Cane Massager is another deceptive device that really targets the back. It may look simple, but it is one of the most effective self-massagers on the market. With 2 projections and 6 treatment balls, it is easy to administer a full back massage on yourself. Using deep compression, pain is relieved by reaching knotted trigger points and breaking up tension, adhesions in muscle fibers. Muscle function is restored and you are back to your activities in no time. Perfect for recurring injuries or any time your job, play or sleep cause undue stress on your back muscles.

HoMedics Extendable Percussion Massager with Heat - Best Back Massager

The HoMedics Extendable Percussion Massager soothes aching back muscles with a steady beat. With soothing heat and variable speed control, this is one product that you might never want to be without. Two sets of massage heads give you the choice of a soft massage or heated massage using a comfortable rubberized handle for a solid grip. The massage is relaxing and stimulating all at the same time. Like the beat of a drum, you will be turning the beat around and on your feet for some dancing.

Sharper Image MSG-F110 Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager - Best Foot Massager

Sharper Image is known for their unique and effective products. Combining Asian principles of Shiatsu with stimulation of acupressure points in your feet, you get real-feeling thumb action. This infra-red heated foot massager deep kneads with massage rollers and ridged grooves to position your feet just right. And with toe touch controls, you can do it all with your feet without bending over. Your feet will feel soothed and reinvigorated, giving your body an all over boost.

Pibbs FM3830A Footbath Massager - Best Foot Massager

Phibbs Footbath Massager not only massages your feet, but bathes them in warmth for penetrating comfort. Ergonomically designed, the bath has a strong bubbling effect, adding to the pleasure of your foot massage. It also comes with multiple detachable attachments to customize to fit your individual needs. This massager is a popular choice among those who love the feeling of the rotating nodes while their feet soak. A great end of day treat, or anytime your feet need a little pampering.

Human Touch HT-1340 Foot and Calf Massager - Best Foot Massager

We all love the human touch. And that’s why the Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager is a top pick. More pricey than the above mentioned massagers, this device can be well worth it if you work while standing up, or do any activity that puts stress and strain on your calves and feet. The patented Human Touch technology includes the Human Touch CirQlation Foot and Calf Massager, that totally envelopes your calves and feet, mimicking the motion of a real therapist’s hands. This single speed massager features two auto-programs that make you feel like you are at the spa. And the Figure-Eight technology works directly on knots and kinks, for the most relaxed feet you can get.

Thumper Versa Pro Foot Massager - Best Foot Massager

The Thumper Versa Pro Professional-Strength Lower Body Massager quotes itself as “the best total body massager made!” And they could be right. As a top pick for best foot massagers, it features 13 massage settings, self-leveling suspension to adjust to different body parts, and is favored by over 200,000 chiropractors and massage therapists worldwide. With 184 acupressure nodes that are adjustable from 16 to 30 pulses per second, the direct-drive percussions works through shoes and clothing. All you do is sit back and rest your feet on the massager, and it does all the work for you.

Carepeutic Acu-Point Therapy Foot Massager - Best Foot Massager

FootSmart Acu-Point Therapy Foot Massager is one of my top choices for ease of use and all over body health. With four air-filled bags above the feet, 192 acupuncture nodes, and 24 infrared lights, this massager works out knots, soothes muscles and increases blood circulation. This massager features 3 intensity levels and 3 speeds for a customized massage that rivals even the best therapists and masseuses. A great way to pamper your feet and stimulate reflexology, for healthy feet.

New Thumper Sport Percussive Massager with Free Educational DVD - Best Handheld Massager

The New Thumper Sport Percussive Massager reaches deep into the muscle with its patented Thumper percussive technology. This lightweight massager is equipped with a heavy duty DC motor and an ergonomic handle to fit comfortably in all hand sizes. With interchangeable massage heads and variable speeds, you can customize your massage from deep to light, while reaching large muscle groups and even hard to reach smaller muscles. This handy massager is great not only for muscle tension and pain relief, but for improving blood and lymph circulation resulting in better overall health and functioning of all your internal organs.

Waterproof Personal Massager - Handheld Wireless Vibrating Massager - Best Handheld Massager

The Waterproof Personal Massager - Handheld Wireless Vibrating Massager tops my list for ease of use, pain and tension relief, and the ability to use it in water. Fully submergible, this little massager works in up to 3 feet of water. With 2 vibration levels, high and low, you can customize your massage to suit your needs. Use it in the shower, in a bath, in the bedroom, or anywhere. This lightweight, cordless massager is perfect for taking with you when traveling.

Wahl 4296 Deluxe Wand Full-size Therapeutic Massager - Best Handheld Massager

The Wahl Deluxe Wand Full-Size Therapeutic Massager is a lightweight massager with a flexible neck, making it easy to reach all areas of the body. With 3 heads, you get 6 massaging options by using the sides of the heads. And with 2 speeds, you can go from a light, soothing massage to a heavy duty, deep penetrating massage, in seconds. Designed to knead, dig deep, or soothe, this massager increases blood circulation while relieving pain and soreness in muscles all over the body. A top choice for multiple options, great pain relief, and ease of use.

Dolphin Percussion Massager - Best Handheld Massager

Well who doesn’t love Flipper? I know I do and I flipped over the Prosepra Dolphin Massager for its unique ergonomic design. The streamlined handle makes it easy to hold and to position anywhere on the body without straining, even hard to reach areas. The Dolphn has a unique sector wing that works to provide extra pressure on muscles that need that more penetration. The single head massager, features a rounded massage knob delivering 3,000 pulses per minute. And weighing a mere 2.5 pounds, you can take it anywhere and use it anywhere. Great for all muscles in the body and for improving blood circulation.

Oster Stim-U-Lax Massager Twin Pack - Best Handheld Massager

For a professional massage at home, the Oster Professional Stim-U-Lax Massager is a top choice. This heavy duty machine is a single speed massager and is made with a special frame that contours to fit your hand comfortably and avoid hand fatigue. The perfect combination of a hand held and mechanical massage, you will get relief of tension and sore muscles in minutes. A stimulating, yet relaxing massage for tired, sore or aching muscles. Great for use over the entire body and even on the scalp.

Buyer's Guide

Getting the perfect massager isn't exactly an easy proposition, considering the numerous options available out there. In this guide, we will explore all you need to know before you buy the best massager.

Things to look out for before buying a massager

Comfort

The massager should be easy to hold, and you should be able to reach nearly any area without stress. This means that the body message that comes with long handles is usually better because you can also use them for your back. Also, such a massager will be durable and long-lasting.

Power

Another important thing you want is for your massager to come with a strong motor so that it can apply a reasonable amount of pressure instead of just a force on your body's surface. Most muscle tension and pain find their origin deep in your tissue which means you need a massager with enough horsepower to penetrate effectively.

Cordless feature

Massagers that come with cordless features are more convenient to use than the ones that are wired. There isn't anything worse than untangling your cords from your body while you use the massager. Although cordless massagers are more convenient to use than wired ones, you should be careful not to compromise on power. Also, note that the battery-powered massagers usually come with less power than the wired massagers.

Heat

Although you don't necessarily need heat to enjoy a decent massage, research indicates that heat during massage gives some relief from pains. You will find some massagers that come with heating features while many of them do not. If you need to add some more heat to the massage, ensure that you select one with heat.

Multiple-use

Some massagers are designed with more features than others, while some come designed for just one purpose. Massage machines are built to provide you stress relief and relaxation, while others help give you benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved blood circulation.

Portability

Many of the massage machines out there are designed to be relatively light and easy to move around. However, you will still find some products that are not exactly lightweight, and this can be a challenge if you want to move them around. Also, for elderly or weak people, the need to buy a lightweight one cannot be overemphasized as such models are labeled with that in mind.

Cost

The cost of a decent massage machine depends on the features they come with. But note that the more expensive it is, the better the features they come packed with. If you are working with a budget, getting a cheap option may save you some money now, but it may cause you serious issues in the long run.

Variable speed

The best massager will allow you to dictate the speed of the process. What this means is that you can choose for the rate to medium, high or low.

Massage technique

Every massager comes with a unique technique which means you will be able to carry out comprehensive research to know which one can do what you want. Some of the massage techniques out there include:

Shiatsu

This Japanese word stands for figure pressure, and it involves gently manipulating and stretching the muscles using enough pressure to cut down tension and improve blood flow and relaxation.

Tapping

This technique is carried out over a short time before you can move to the following massage schedule.

Benefits of using a massager

Here are some unique benefits of using any of the best massagers out there:

It helps you relax

Correctly using a massage machine will help you relax, and it can help cut down your stress levels while allowing your mind to relax.

Muscular pains

If you are going through muscular pains, massagers are pretty effective in treating it. Usually, they help boost circulation while making your sore muscles relax to relieve your aches.

Helps with back pains

With the right massager, you can easily combat lower back pains. Such massagers help stimulate the flow of blood, which allows the muscles close to your spine receive more nutrients and oxygen. This on its own will boost their ability to repair themselves while also increasing their flexibility and elasticity.

Helps with sleep

Due to their relaxing effect, massagers can help you induce sleep. During the massage session, you will discover that your stress levels have fallen considerably, enabling you to sleep better.

Blood circulation

A good massager should be able to help you stimulate your local blood circulation while activating your muscles. Also, this can assist you in treating sore muscles and painful joints.

It makes your skin radiant.

One unique feature of the massager is that it helps stimulate blood circulation beneath the skin, thus making it look better. Some models even come with attachment heads that function as skin scrapers.

How much does a massager cost?

The cost of the best massager depends on your budget and the features you are scouting for. You can quickly get a decent model for $100, and you may find some that cost up to $1000. However, there are several proper models out there that go for between $200 and $400. Make sure you also consider product durability as you don’t want to buy a massager that will break down after a few months.

FAQs

Q. Are there risks to using massagers?

A. Yes, there are risks associated with using a massager, mainly if not used correctly. Ensure you do not use it on bones, ligaments, and tendons.

Q. Can a massager help improve sore muscles?

A. Yes, they can, as they can give your body enough blood fuel and activity to cut down inflammation while breaking down the knots produced during intensive exercises.

Q. How useful are budget massagers?

A. If you cannot afford the expensive massagers, you could opt for a more affordable one. Do well to check the features before buying.

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