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 may not sometimes discover your neck all through the day, however when one thing feels off, the ache will be laborious to disregard. And it is sensible—we people have greater than 20 muscle mass in our necks, working laborious to carry and transfer our noggins.
The excellent news is that when neck ache has you down, there are many at-home cures you possibly can 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 regularly. We spoke with an authorized therapeutic massage therapist to get system suggestions and study what to search for, then rounded up 9 of the perfect neck massagers you should use from the consolation of your property. 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 residence 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 the perfect neck massagers
Greatest Shiatsu neck massager: Nekteck, Shiatsu Neck and Again Massager — $50.00
A suggestion 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 by means of 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 possibly can 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 characteristic that kicks in after quarter-hour.
Therapeutic massage kind: Shiatsu with warmth
Energy supply: Corded
- Deep strain with infrared warmth
- Three colour choices
- Arm slings supply a hands-free therapeutic massage
- Quiet
- Not cordless
- Reasonably cumbersome
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 affords three speeds (that 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 mentioned attachments, and a charging cable. Whereas it’ll really feel nice in your shoulders, be additional 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 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) offered individually
- Requires additional warning across the neck
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 mild remedy. It additionally comes with 5 totally different head attachments, plus you possibly can tag on a separate chilly attachment ($89) to spherical out your self-care routine. You may even work by means of guided periods utilizing the system’s LCD display or through the Therabody app. After all, 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 offered individually, which is a con)
- Consists of LED infrared mild remedy
- 3 vibration therapeutic massage settings for delicate areas
- Highly effective
- Dear
- Barely heavier than Hypervolt decide (3.6 lbs)
Greatest budget-friendly: Papillon, Shiatsu Again and Neck Massager — $39.00
This pillow-shaped massager options three speeds, 4 Shiatsu-style nodes that change route each minute, and delicate 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 incredible decide on 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 worth
- Straightforward 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 scrub
Greatest analog: Tiger Tail, Tiger Ball — $29.00
My husband put considered one of these in my Christmas stocking and I find it irresistible. Positive, you should 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 a couple 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 received’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 just a little extra participation on the consumer’s finish in comparison with an electrical massager however, since you’re in full management of the strain, you’re much less more likely 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 measurement
- Rope makes maneuvering the ball straightforward
- Sturdy rubber and corded polyester
- Transportable and doesn’t require electrical energy
- Requires just a little elbow grease from you
- No colour choices
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 stress worldwide because the 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 possible not discover these as helpful in your neck *wink wink*). The silicone head is clean, gentle, and straightforward to scrub, and the wand-style deal with makes it straightforward to know when reaching the again of your neck and trapezius muscle mass. It can run for 3 hours on a full cost (you too can 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
- Straightforward to carry and clear
- Rechargeable however can be used plugged in
- Versatile
- Straight wand design is extra limiting for mid-back massages
Greatest at-home TENS: Therabody, PowerDot 2.0 — $199.00
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, aka, TENS, makes use of electrical pulses to contract your muscle mass, encourage leisure, and scale back ache alerts to the mind. This unit from Therabody comes with one rechargeable electrical pod and two electrode nodes (you too can go for a two-pod set, which prices $349). You stick the nodes to the realm you’d like to deal with 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 incredible 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 straightforward to make use of with the Therabody app, which does principally all the 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 possibly can order extra through Therabody after they begin to lose their stick). {The electrical} currents encourage involuntary muscle twitches, which is an uncommon sensation, particularly should you’re squeamish. With that in thoughts, this sort of remedy may not 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 could 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
Greatest infrared neck massager: SKG, Neck Massager with Warmth — $140.00
This hands-free possibility from SKG affords 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 periods out of it. It additionally comes with a companion app to manage the system, however some of us say it doesn’t work very properly.
Therapeutic massage kind: Vibration
Energy supply: USB rechargeable (as much as 150 minutes on a full cost)
- Palms-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
Greatest set off level: Voyor, Twin Set off Level 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 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 muscle mass. You may as well use it alongside your calves or quads, because the plastic hook is sturdy however considerably versatile. It’s form of a humorous form, but it surely’s additionally actually light-weight (lower than a pound!), so you possibly can possible take it with you on the go.
Therapeutic massage kind: Set off level
Energy supply: Guide
- Funds-friendly possibility
- Can be utilized in your legs, too
- Straightforward to maintain clear
- Requires just a little 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 make it easier to therapeutic massage the muscle mass in your neck and shoulders. There are a handful of various sorts (extra on that beneath) however, whatever the design, they purpose to assist launch neck stress and relieve ache by making use of strain and stimulating blood movement to the realm.
“Within the steady seek for wellness, at-home neck massagers have emerged as a key instrument, mixing fashionable 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 aid accessible anytime,” he provides. “By understanding the significance of choosing the proper system, recognizing contraindications, and adhering to finest practices to be used, you possibly can safely incorporate therapeutic massage instruments into your wellness routine, fostering larger neck well being and general well-being.”
Forms of neck massagers
In case you’ve been looking for a neck massager, you’ve got possible seen that they arrive in quite a lot of sizes and styles. Under, Kyles breaks down the various kinds of neck massagers and what they’re finest for.
- Percussion massagers (therapeutic massage weapons): Superb for deep tissue aid, recognized for enhancing circulation, assuaging muscle stiffness, and rising vary of movement
- Shiatsu massagers: Replicate the soothing Japanese kneading approach, and infrequently incorporate warmth to deepen leisure results
- Vibration massagers (wands): Supply a lighter, vibrating contact for muscle leisure, 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 stress successfully
- Electrical pulse massagers (TENS unit): Use electrical impulses for ache aid, helpful for stress and discomfort mitigation
What to search for in an at-home neck massager
Irrespective of the kind of massager you purchase, take into account the beneath:
- Adjustability: A spread of velocity and depth settings permits for a customized therapeutic massage expertise, catering to totally different ranges of muscle stress and sensitivity.
- Ergonomic design: The massager ought to comfortably match the contours of your neck and shoulders, facilitating ease of use with out straining extra muscle mass.
- Therapeutic massage kind: From percussion weapons to Shiatsu massagers, understanding the assorted strategies obtainable may help you select a massager that meets your particular aid 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 supply seen suggestions and strain monitoring choices to assist in protected software.
- Battery life and portability: Particularly for wi-fi fashions, take into account the battery life and ease of transport (ie. carrying case).
use a neck massager
Kyles recommends beginning with 15-20 minute periods a couple of times each day. “At all times take note of your physique’s response, and alter frequency and period to fit your consolation and therapeutic wants. Typically much less is extra!” he provides.
And, in line with Kyles, there are a couple of areas to keep away from. “Instantly massaging the entrance of the neck, notably over the carotid artery and trachea, needs to 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 encircling muscular areas for security and effectiveness. Contemplate beginning on the higher traps and shoulder earlier than transferring into the fragile muscle mass of the neck. And all the time use decrease settings whereas working immediately 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 residence neck massagers are usually protected to be used, Kyles says there are a couple of teams that ought to avoid utilizing them with out the help of knowledgeable:
Current accidents or surgical procedures: People with current fractures, surgical procedures, or acute accidents ought to chorus from utilizing neck massagers within the affected areas.
Medical circumstances: These with circumstances corresponding to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), osteoporosis, nerve issues, 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 extra 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 powerful—in spite of everything, it has a giant job to do each 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 stress and enhance flexibility,” says Kyles.
- Keep good posture. This one is tough, we all know. Attempt to examine in in your posture often and keep away from straining your neck (ahem, we see you, Textual content Neck).
- Strive a pre-massage warm-up: “Making use of heat, corresponding to a heated towel or a heat bathe, can put together the muscle mass for therapeutic massage, rising therapeutic advantages,” Kyles says.
- Distinction remedy (warmth and ice): In case you’re already experiencing neck ache, Kyles says that alternating between warmth and chilly therapies may help stimulate circulation, scale back irritation, and speed up therapeutic. “Beginning with warmth to extend blood movement and loosen up muscle mass, 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 means of 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 aid.”
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 needs to be handled with added warning (or averted completely).
How usually do you have to use a neck massager?
Most folk ought to be capable of use a neck massager for as much as quarter-hour a day, each day. Nevertheless, when you’ve got an damage, it is best to talk together with your healthcare supplier to ensure you’re cleared for normal use. And in case your ache persists after utilizing an at-home neck massager, you may positively need to search the assistance of knowledgeable.
Are vibrating massagers good for you?
Analysis means that vibration remedy is a protected and efficient solution to deal with muscle soreness. Simply remember to comply with every system’s instructions fastidiously and, should you’re injured, get clearance out of your physician earlier than utilizing a vibrating massager at residence.
Effectively+Good articles reference scientific, dependable, current, strong research to again up the knowledge we share. You may belief us alongside your wellness journey.
-
Teoli D, An J. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. [Updated 2023 Jan 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Out there 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
Our editors independently choose these merchandise. Making a purchase order by means of our hyperlinks could earn Effectively+Good a fee.