9 Best Neck Massagers for 2024, Plus Tips for Relief

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

The excellent news is that when neck ache has you down, there are many at-home remedies you possibly can attempt to relieve the stress and discomfort. The higher information is that you may buy a neck massager to offer your neck and shoulders some much-needed TLC on a regular basis. We spoke with a licensed therapeutic massage therapist to get gadget suggestions and be taught what to search for, then rounded up 9 of the most effective neck massagers you need to use from the consolation of your private home. Sayonara, neck ache!

The most effective neck massagers, at a look:

• Greatest Shiatsu neck massager: Nekteck, Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager, $50
• Greatest therapeutic massage gun: Hyperice, Hypervolt 2, $199
• Greatest for distinction remedy: Therabody, Theragun Pro Plus, $599
• Greatest budget-friendly: Papillon, Shiatsu Back 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 Heat, $140
• Greatest set off level: Voyor, Dual Trigger Point Neck Massager, $22

Store 9 of the most effective neck massagers

Best Shiatsu neck massager: Nekteck, Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager — $50.00

A advice of Kyles’, this Shiastu neck massager from NekTeck options eight kneading therapeutic massage nodes, three pace strengths, and built-in infrared warmth. Simply sling the gadget over your neck and shoulders, slide your arms by way of the holes, and sit back for quarter-hour of bliss. The nodes keep comparatively quiet whereas they work (particularly useful because the gadget sits so near your ears) so you possibly can 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 kind: Shiatsu with warmth

Energy supply: Corded

• Deep stress with infrared warmth
• Three coloration choices
• Arm slings provide a hands-free therapeutic massage
• Quiet

• Not cordless
• Fairly cumbersome

Best 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 massage gun), it’s tremendous smooth and presents 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 mentioned attachments, and a charging cable. Whereas it’ll really feel nice in your shoulders, be further cautious when utilizing a percussive gadget like this in your neck—Kyles advises skipping the entrance of your neck or any bony areas (like your collarbones) to keep away from damage.

Therapeutic massage kind: 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) bought individually
• Requires further warning across the neck

Best for contrast therapy: Therabody, Theragun Pro Plus — $599.00

If contrast therapy 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 possibly can tag on a separate cold attachment ($89) to spherical out your self-care routine. You’ll be able to even work by way of guided classes utilizing the gadget’s LCD display screen or through the Therabody app. In fact, 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 kind: 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 bought individually, which is a con)
• Consists of LED infrared mild remedy
• 3 vibration therapeutic massage settings for delicate areas
• Highly effective

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

Associated Tales

Best budget-friendly: Papillon, Shiatsu Back 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 possibly can slide the pillow down alongside your again to therapeutic massage different hard-to-reach locations. The pillow form makes it an important decide to 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 kind: Shiatsu

Energy supply: Corded

• Funds-friendly value
• Simple 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 tough to wash

Best analog: Tiger Tail, Tiger Ball — $29.00

My husband put certainly one of these in my Christmas stocking and I find it irresistible. Positive, you need to 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 just a few 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 ft, hamstrings, and quads. It does require a bit extra participation on the consumer’s finish in comparison with an electrical massager however, since you’re in full management of the stress, you’re much less prone to injure your self within the self-massage course of.

Therapeutic massage kind: Set off level

Energy supply: You!

• Is available in a 2.6 inch or 1.7 inch dimension
• Rope makes maneuvering the ball simple
• Sturdy rubber and corded polyester
• Moveable and doesn’t require electrical energy

• Requires a bit elbow grease from you
• No coloration choices

Best wand: Magic Wand, Rechargeable — $140.00

Admittedly, we love the Magic Wand for other reasons. However, along with serving up main O’s, the Magic Wand has additionally helped relieve muscle rigidity worldwide for the reason that 70’s. This rechargeable mannequin is a more moderen 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 clean, tender, 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 would run for 3 hours on a full cost (you may also use it whereas plugged in) however powers off mechanically after 20 minutes of consecutive use for security.

Therapeutic massage kind: Vibration

Energy supply: Rechargeable (runs for 3 hours on a full cost)

• 4 highly effective vibration settings for a deep therapeutic massage
• Simple to carry and clear
• Rechargeable however may also be used plugged in
• Versatile

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

Best 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 scale back ache indicators to the mind. This unit from Therabody comes with one rechargeable electrical pod and two electrode nodes (you may also go for a two-pod set, which prices $349). You stick the nodes to the realm you’d like to handle through 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 important transportable possibility.

As a runner, I’ve used the PowerDot for the previous few years, principally 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 possibly can order extra via Therabody once 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, one of these remedy won’t be for everybody. It’s additionally not meant for pregnant of us, or anybody with epilepsy or a pacemaker.

Therapeutic massage kind: TENS

Energy supply: Micro USB rechargeable (operates for as much as 20 hours on a full cost)

• Simply transportable
• Guided remedy through the Therabody app
• As much as 20 hours of use on a full cost

• The feeling {of electrical} stimulation might take some time to get used to
• Not meant for anybody who’s pregnant, has epilepsy, or has a pacemaker
• Sticky electrode pads want changing after some time

Best infrared neck massager: SKG, Neck Massager with Heat — $140.00

This hands-free possibility from SKG presents 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 sit down round your neck, and the cordless design means you possibly can simply use it at your desk, within the automobile, or chilling on the sofa. When totally charged, you may get about ten 15-minute classes out of it. It additionally comes with a companion app to manage the gadget, however some of us say it doesn’t work very nicely.

Therapeutic massage kind: Vibration

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

• Fingers-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

Best trigger point: Voyor, Dual Trigger Point Neck Massager — $22.00

For an additional 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 employ the handles to therapeutic massage the 2 agency silicone balls towards 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 form of a humorous form, however it’s additionally actually light-weight (lower than a pound!), so you possibly can seemingly take it with you on the go.

Therapeutic massage kind: Set off level

Energy supply: Handbook

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

• Requires a bit 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 provide help to massage the muscles in your neck and shoulders. There are a handful of various sorts (extra on that beneath) however, whatever the design, they intention to assist release neck tension and relieve ache by making use of stress and stimulating blood move to the realm.

“Within the steady seek for wellness, at-home neck massagers have emerged as a key instrument, mixing trendy expertise 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 strategy self-care, making professional-grade reduction accessible anytime,” he provides. “By understanding the significance of selecting the best gadget, recognizing contraindications, and adhering to greatest practices to be used, you possibly can safely incorporate therapeutic massage instruments into your wellness routine, fostering larger neck well being and total well-being.”

Sorts of neck massagers

If you happen to’ve been looking for a neck massager, you’ve got seemingly seen that they arrive in quite a lot of styles and sizes. Under, Kyles breaks down the various kinds of neck massagers and what they’re greatest 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 infrequently 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, focusing on muscle rigidity successfully
• Electrical pulse massagers (TENS unit): Use electrical impulses for pain relief, helpful for rigidity and discomfort mitigation

What to search for in an at-home neck massager

Regardless of the kind of massager you purchase, contemplate the beneath:

• Adjustability: A variety of pace and depth settings permits for a customized therapeutic massage expertise, catering to completely different ranges of muscle rigidity 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 kind: From percussion weapons to Shiatsu massagers, understanding the assorted strategies obtainable can assist you select a massager that meets your particular reduction wants.
• Security options: Automated 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 stress monitoring choices to assist in protected software.
• Battery life and portability: Particularly for wi-fi fashions, contemplate the battery life and ease of transport (ie. carrying case).

Tips on how to use a neck massager

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

And, in accordance with Kyles, there are just a few areas to keep away from. “Instantly massaging the entrance of the neck, significantly over the carotid artery and trachea, must 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 encompassing muscular areas for security and effectiveness. Think about beginning on the higher traps and shoulder earlier than transferring into the fragile muscular tissues of the neck. And at all times use decrease settings whereas working immediately on the neck, and keep away from extended spot remedies; 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 just a few teams that ought to avoid utilizing them with out the assist of an expert:

Latest accidents or surgical procedures: People with latest 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 forms 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 below 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 spite of everything, it has an enormous job to do daily.

1. Keep hydrated. Kyles says that ingesting 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 rigidity and enhance flexibility,” says Kyles.
3. Keep good posture. This one is difficult, we all know. Attempt to test in in your posture repeatedly and keep away from straining your neck (ahem, we see you, Text 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): If you happen to’re already experiencing neck ache, Kyles says that alternating between warmth and chilly remedies can assist stimulate circulation, scale back irritation, and speed up therapeutic. “Beginning with warmth to extend blood move and calm down muscular tissues, adopted by ice to cut back swelling and numb ache, this methodology boosts the physique’s pure restoration course of,” he says. “Distinction remedy will be utilized by way of 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 gadget 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 must be handled with added warning (or averted completely).

How typically must you use a neck massager?

Most folk ought to be capable of use a neck massager for as much as quarter-hour a day, daily. Nevertheless, if in case you have an damage, it is best to talk along 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?

Research suggests that vibration remedy is a protected and efficient option to deal with muscle soreness. Simply you’ll want to observe every gadget’s instructions fastidiously and, in case you’re injured, get clearance out of your physician earlier than utilizing a vibrating massager at house.