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. I think that massagers are not a bad idea as long as they are not pushed too strong and not overused,” says Dr. Kalika. 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.” You can lie down on the pillow or attach it to a chair, although some users report that the velcro straps aren’t super sturdy. Deep Tissue Massage for Less.This massager will relieve your muscle pains at a fraction of the cost. It stands as the most budget-friendly on our list here. What We Liked

Use a supportive pillow at night to help with spine alignment, no matter your preferred sleeping position You can then choose between multiple settings to get just the right intensity of massage for that area. You can set its eight Shiatsu massage nodes to massage at three different speeds, with optional vibration and heat for additional pain relief. If you have trouble dropping off to sleep, use this massager to massage your legs while applying gentle heat, then let it automatically switch off after 15 minutes. Overall the HoMedics sling is easy to use—press the power button once for high intensity, twice for medium, and three times for low. The heated massage is a nice add-on; however, our tester noted that it took a few minutes to heat up. “Once it did,” she said, “that was a nice added feature.”

Heat helps to relax tense muscles and make them easier to manipulate, for an even more soothing, beneficial massage. Also good for warming up your muscles on cold days and before stretching. Most cushion, mat and chair-style massagers have a heat option that you can toggle on and off. You’ll find that the best handheld massagers are lightweight and cordless, giving you more freedom of motion while using the massager. The Mighty Bliss weighs only 1.25 pounds and uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide more than 120 minutes of massaging action. While it’s very basic in design, we found it to be incredibly durable. According to the manufacturer, it’s because of the device’s fiber-infused material and single-piece construction. While it’s somewhat oddly shaped for placing it on a shelf or taking it to go, it could slide under a bed or stand upright in the closet.

Shiatsu massagers mimic the traditional Japanese massage therapy which delivers a deep, kneading massage with circular motions. These massagers contain ‘nodes’ that move around and apply pressure, like the fingers and palms of a massage therapist. Shiatsu is great for loosening painful knots, releasing chronic tension and improving circulation, and is a wonderful stress-reliever. Speed: Massagers with speed settings allow you to choose between a slow, rolling massage or faster massage strokes depending on your preference. Sams L, et al. (2023). The effect of percussive therapy on musculoskeletal performance and experiences of pain: A systematic literature review.

If your bedding sags, consider swapping your pillow or mattress for supportive types, like a cervical support pillow and medium-firm mattress. 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. Pregnancy massage, including vibrating massage from a device, is usually safe for most people after the first trimester. Multiple power and speed settings are important to get just the right comfort level for the condition you are treating," says Dr. Hayden. If you want a versatile option that can help with various aches and pains, choose one that has power and speed settings. But if you know you like a deep-tissue massage, then aim for a high-power model that goes deeper into your muscles.

Rotation: Many electric massagers allow you to change the direction of the massage element for a more comprehensive massage. Manual massagers: They may not be hands-free, but manual massagers allow you to apply as much pressure as you like. Unfortunately, this item does not have an auto shut-off option, so make sure you stay awake during use. Konrad A, et al. (2020). The acute effects of a percussive massage treatment with a Hypervolt device on plantar flexor muscles’ range of motion and performance.

Although it’s on the pricier side, the chair comes with a 30-day return option if you’re not fully satisfied. Zachary Woolever, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedics and clinic director of Pivot Physical Therapy in College Park, Maryland Deep-Kneading Massager.This massager has an auto-shutoff feature after 20 minutes of use, making it great to enjoy as you’re falling asleep. What We Liked While we can’t always visit a masseuse to work on those knots, having the tools to give yourself a pamper, or expert treatment in the comfort of your own home - and without the hefty price tag - is a welcome solution. While there are no formal guidelines for how long to use a massager, you shouldn’t use them too long, especially not in one place on your body. “There are reported cases of fascial damage from excessive massager use,” explains Dr. Lev Kalika, owner of New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy. “Patients should understand that massagers are not intended as self-treatment but rather as a supplemental tool. It is very easy to create fascial or cutaneous nerve damage if you use excessive pressure or excessive time under pressure.”

Accessories: We love a carry case! Where possible we selected models that are easy to store in their own bag.

Most Portable

Electric massagers: These are convenient because they are hands-free, but they also allow you to change pressure and speed. Heated massagers: Heated massagers apply warmth to the target areas, which helps relax your muscles. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.