There is a cause the idiom “ache within the neck” is used to explain one thing tremendous annoying: neck ache is certainly tremendous annoying. You won’t sometimes discover your neck all through the day, however when one thing feels off, the ache might be exhausting to disregard. And it is sensible—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 cures you may attempt to relieve the strain and discomfort. The higher information is you could buy a neck massager to provide your neck and shoulders some much-needed TLC frequently. We spoke with a licensed therapeutic massage therapist to get system suggestions and be taught what to search for, then rounded up 9 of one of the best neck massagers you should utilize from the consolation of your own home. Sayonara, neck ache!
The very best neck massagers, at a look:
- Greatest Shiatsu neck massager: Nekteck, Shiatsu Neck and Again Massager, $50
- Greatest therapeutic massage gun: Hyperice, Hypervolt 2, $199
- Greatest for distinction remedy: Therabody, Theragun Professional Plus, $599
- Greatest budget-friendly: Papillon, Shiatsu Again 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 Warmth, $140
- Greatest set off level: Voyor, Twin Set off Level Neck Massager, $22
Store 9 of one of the best neck massagers
![nekteck shiatsu massager, one of the best neck massagers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/nekteck-shiatsu-massager.jpg)
Greatest Shiatsu neck massager: Nekteck, Shiatsu Neck and Again Massager — $50.00
A advice of Kyles’, this Shiastu neck massager from NekTeck options eight kneading therapeutic massage nodes, three velocity strengths, and built-in infrared warmth. Simply sling the system over your neck and shoulders, slide your arms via the holes, and relax for quarter-hour of bliss. The nodes keep comparatively quiet whereas they work (particularly useful because the system sits so near your ears) so you may watch TV or maintain a dialog with ease. It additionally is available in three totally different colours (white, black, and blue) and has an auto shutoff security function that kicks in after quarter-hour.
Therapeutic massage sort: Shiatsu with warmth
Energy supply: Corded
- Deep strain with infrared warmth
- Three coloration choices
- Arm slings provide a hands-free therapeutic massage
- Quiet
- Not cordless
- Quite cumbersome
![hyperice hypervolt 2, one of the best neck massagers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/hypervolt-2-black.webp)
Greatest therapeutic 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 therapeutic 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 totally different head attachments, a carrying pouch for stated attachments, and a charging cable. Whereas it’ll really feel nice in your shoulders, be further cautious when utilizing a percussive system 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 sort: 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) offered individually
- Requires further warning across the neck
![theragun pro plus, one of the best neck massagers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Theragun-Pro-Plus-Performance-Recovery-Carousel-Image-6.webp)
Greatest for distinction remedy: Therabody, Theragun Professional Plus — $599.00
If distinction remedy 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 gentle remedy. It additionally comes with 5 totally different head attachments, plus you may tag on a separate chilly attachment ($89) to spherical out your self-care routine. You possibly can even work via guided classes utilizing the system’s LCD display or by way of the Therabody app. In fact, the identical contraindications because the Hyperice choose above apply right here, too: keep away from utilizing it on the entrance of your neck or bony areas.
Therapeutic massage sort: 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 offered individually, which is a con)
- Contains LED infrared gentle remedy
- 3 vibration therapeutic massage settings for delicate areas
- Highly effective
- Expensive
- Barely heavier than Hypervolt choose (3.6 lbs)
![papillon massage pillow, one of the best neck massagers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/papillon-massage-pillow.jpg)
Greatest budget-friendly: Papillon, Shiatsu Again 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 may slide the pillow down alongside your again to therapeutic massage different hard-to-reach locations. The pillow form makes it a terrific choose to your sofa, desk chair, and even the automotive (it comes with a automotive adaptor!). It additionally has a 15-minute auto-shutoff security function and is available in three colours: grey, black, or blue.
Therapeutic massage sort: Shiatsu
Energy supply: Corded
- Finances-friendly value
- Simple to maneuver alongside your neck and again
- Decrease profile makes it simpler to take with you (though it does must be plugged in)
- Not cordless
- Could also be difficult to wash
![tiger tail tiger ball, one of the best neck massagers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tiger-tail-tiger-ball.jpg)
Greatest analog: Tiger Tail, Tiger Ball — $29.00
My husband put one in all these in my Christmas stocking and I like it. Positive, you should utilize 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 a number of other 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 toes, hamstrings, and quads. It does require a bit of extra participation on the person’s finish in comparison with an electrical massager however, since you’re in full management of the strain, you’re much less prone to injure your self within the self-massage course of.
Therapeutic massage sort: Set off level
Energy supply: You!
- Is available in a 2.6 inch or 1.7 inch measurement
- Rope makes maneuvering the ball straightforward
- Sturdy rubber and corded polyester
- Transportable and doesn’t require electrical energy
- Requires a bit of elbow grease from you
- No coloration choices
![magic wand rechargeable, one of the best neck massagers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/magic-wand-rechargeable.jpg)
Greatest wand: Magic Wand, Rechargeable — $140.00
Admittedly, we love the Magic Wand for different causes. However, along with serving up main O’s, the Magic Wand has additionally helped relieve muscle pressure 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, smooth, and straightforward to wash, and the wand-style deal with makes it straightforward to know when reaching the again of your neck and trapezius muscular tissues. It should run for 3 hours on a full cost (you can too use it whereas plugged in) however powers off routinely after 20 minutes of consecutive use for security.
Therapeutic massage sort: 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 can be used plugged in
- Versatile
- Straight wand design is extra limiting for mid-back massages
![power dot uno tens unit, one of the best neck massagers](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PowerDot_Uno_Red_Carousel_06.webp)
Greatest 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 cut back ache alerts to the mind. This unit from Therabody comes with one rechargeable electrical pod and two electrode nodes (you can too go for a two-pod set, which prices $349). You stick the nodes to the world you’d like to handle by way of 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 a terrific transportable choice.
As a runner, I’ve used the PowerDot for the previous few years, largely to alleviate knee ache after I’m coaching for a race. It’s extraordinarily straightforward to make use of with the Therabody app, which does mainly the entire give you the results you want—simply stick on the pads and press “begin.” My sticky pads have additionally lasted a actually very long time (you may order extra by way of Therabody after they begin to lose their stick). {The electrical} currents encourage involuntary muscle twitches, which is an uncommon sensation, particularly for those who’re squeamish. With that in thoughts, such a remedy won’t be for everybody. It’s additionally not supposed for pregnant people, or anybody with epilepsy or a pacemaker.
Therapeutic massage sort: TENS
Energy supply: Micro USB rechargeable (operates for as much as 20 hours on a full cost)
- Simply transportable
- Guided remedy by way of the Therabody app
- As much as 20 hours of use on a full cost
- The feeling {of electrical} stimulation might take a while to get used to
- Not supposed for anybody who’s pregnant, has epilepsy, or has a pacemaker
- Sticky electrode pads want changing after some time
![skg neck massager with heat](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/skg-neck-massager.jpg)
Greatest infrared neck massager: SKG, Neck Massager with Warmth — $140.00
This hands-free choice from SKG presents purple gentle remedy, three warmth settings (as much as 109 levels Fahrenheit), 4 therapeutic massage modes, and three depth ranges. It’s particularly designed to take a seat round your neck, and the cordless design means you may simply use it at your desk, within the automotive, or chilling on the sofa. When totally charged, you will get about ten 15-minute classes out of it. It additionally comes with a companion app to manage the system, however some people say it doesn’t work very properly.
Therapeutic massage sort: Vibration
Energy supply: USB rechargeable (as much as 150 minutes on a full cost)
- Palms-free and cordless
- Warmth remedy, purple gentle 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
![voyor trigger point neck massager](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/voyor-neck-massager.jpg)
Greatest set off level: Voyor, Twin Set off Level Neck Massager — $22.00
For one more budget-friendly however extra labor-intensive choose, take a look at this set off level massager from Voyor. It’s fairly easy: 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 sort of a humorous form, but it surely’s additionally actually light-weight (lower than a pound!), so you may seemingly take it with you on the go.
Therapeutic massage sort: Set off level
Energy supply: Guide
- Finances-friendly choice
- Can be utilized in your legs, too
- Simple to maintain clear
- Requires a bit of 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 units that show you how to therapeutic massage the muscular tissues in your neck and shoulders. There are a handful of various varieties (extra on that beneath) however, whatever the design, they purpose to assist launch neck pressure and relieve ache by making use of strain and stimulating blood movement to the world.
“Within the steady seek for wellness, at-home neck massagers have emerged as a key instrument, mixing trendy know-how 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 units change how we strategy self-care, making professional-grade reduction accessible anytime,” he provides. “By understanding the significance of choosing the proper system, recognizing contraindications, and adhering to greatest practices to be used, you may safely incorporate therapeutic massage instruments into your wellness routine, fostering better neck well being and general well-being.”
Varieties of neck massagers
If you happen to’ve been trying to find a neck massager, you have seemingly observed that they arrive in quite a lot of sizes and styles. Beneath, Kyles breaks down the various kinds of neck massagers and what they’re greatest for.
- Percussion massagers (therapeutic massage weapons): Very best for deep tissue reduction, recognized for enhancing circulation, assuaging muscle stiffness, and growing vary of movement
- Shiatsu massagers: Replicate the soothing Japanese kneading approach, 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 appease and heal, concentrating on muscle pressure successfully
- Electrical pulse massagers (TENS unit): Use electrical impulses for ache reduction, useful for pressure 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 spread of velocity and depth settings permits for a personalised therapeutic massage expertise, catering to totally different ranges of muscle pressure 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 sort: From percussion weapons to Shiatsu massagers, understanding the varied strategies obtainable may also help you select a massager that meets your particular reduction wants.
- Security options: Computerized 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 strain monitoring choices to help in protected utility.
- Battery life and portability: Particularly for wi-fi fashions, contemplate the battery life and ease of transport (ie. carrying case).
The best way to use a neck massager
Kyles recommends beginning with 15-20 minute classes a few times each day. “At all times take note of your physique’s response, and modify frequency and length to fit your consolation and therapeutic wants. Generally much less is extra!” he provides.
And, in accordance with Kyles, there are a number of areas to keep away from. “Straight massaging the entrance of the neck, notably over the carotid artery and trachea, ought to be averted,” he says. “Equally, keep away from utilizing massagers straight on or close to the backbone and bony landmarks; focus as an alternative on the encompassing muscular areas for security and effectiveness. Take into account beginning on the higher traps and shoulder earlier than shifting into the fragile muscular tissues of the neck. And all the time use decrease settings whereas working straight on the neck, and keep away from extended spot therapies; 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 a number of teams that ought to avoid utilizing them with out the assist of an expert:
Current 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 circumstances: These with circumstances resembling Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), osteoporosis, nerve problems, pores and skin circumstances (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 beneath skilled steerage.
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 any case, it has an enormous job to do every single day.
- Keep hydrated. Kyles says that consuming loads of water after a therapeutic massage (or utilizing a massager) helps improve muscle restoration and toxin elimination.
- Stretch. “Mild neck stretches earlier than and after therapeutic massage can additional relieve pressure and enhance flexibility,” says Kyles.
- Keep good posture. This one is tough, we all know. Attempt to test in in your posture repeatedly and keep away from straining your neck (ahem, we see you, Textual content Neck).
- Strive a pre-massage warm-up: “Making use of heat, resembling a heated towel or a heat bathe, can put together the muscular tissues for therapeutic massage, growing therapeutic advantages,” Kyles says.
- Distinction remedy (warmth and ice): If you happen to’re already experiencing neck ache, Kyles says that alternating between warmth and chilly therapies may also help stimulate circulation, cut back irritation, and speed up therapeutic. “Beginning with warmth to extend blood movement and chill out muscular tissues, adopted by ice to cut back swelling and numb ache, this technique boosts the physique’s pure restoration course of,” he says. “Distinction remedy might be utilized via heat baths, heated pads, chilly packs, or ice baths. The cycle sometimes 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 system 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 ought to be handled with added warning (or averted completely).
How typically do you have to use a neck massager?
Most people ought to have the ability to use a neck massager for as much as quarter-hour a day, every single day. Nonetheless, in case you have an damage, it is best to talk together 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 positively wish to search the assistance of an expert.
Are vibrating massagers good for you?
Analysis means that vibration remedy is a protected and efficient strategy to deal with muscle soreness. Simply you’ll want to observe every system’s instructions fastidiously and, for those who’re injured, get clearance out of your physician earlier than utilizing a vibrating massager at house.
Nicely+Good articles reference scientific, dependable, latest, sturdy research to again up the knowledge we share. You possibly can belief us alongside your wellness journey.
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Teoli D, An J. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. [Updated 2023 Jan 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Obtainable from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537188/ -
Lupowitz, Lewis. “Vibration Remedy – A Medical Commentary.” Worldwide journal of sports activities bodily remedy vol. 17,6 984-987. 1 Aug. 2022, doi:10.26603/001c.36964
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