Powerful, easy to use and affordable, our expert tester was blown away by this sleek little massager. According to our tester, it’s a pleasure to use from the get-go thanks to its ergonomic design. It’s lightweight (no aching arms here) and the buttons are perfectly placed for easy access mid-pummel. Performance-wise, our massage experience was extremely smooth, with no painful jogging or juddering when it was moved over our joints.

Type of massager: Shiatsu pillow | Speeds and functions: One speed, 4 rotating nodes change direction every 60 seconds | Heat option: Yes 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. It wasn’t the most powerful massager on test – the first speed in particular was extremely gentle – so it’s not one for serious gym-goers, but it’s still great for releasing tension. It moved seamlessly over the skin with no painful snagging, and it scored top marks for noise level, allowing you to treat sore muscles on the go without attracting attention.

AERLANG Massage Gun

If your bedding sags, consider swapping your pillow or mattress for supportive types, like a cervical support pillow and medium-firm mattress. 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. Research from 2017 indicates that massage, including self-massage, can provide short-term pain reduction and benefits such as stress relief. In addition, there’s evidence that the relaxation produced by massage therapy can help reduce pain. If your massager is not specifically meant for this purpose, don’t sleep with it on. You can over-ice or overheat the area. 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.

Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Dedicated athletes, look no further. Though a considerable investment, the new iteration of the Theragun PRO comes with a host of clever upgrades, including a brushless motor for reduced noise, two new attachments, USB-C charging and a high-resolution OLED screen for following pre-set routines – a feature that earned high praise from our tester. There are four routines to choose from on the device, but they recommend connecting to the user-friendly Therabody app for myriad personalised options that target specific aches and pains. 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. 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.These are devices that buzz, heat, and work deep into your muscles. They help to reduce pain and tightness, increase mobility, and aid in the recovery from injuries. If you’re after a small massage gun that still offers versatility, consider this fuss-friendly Boots offering. There are three speed settings and four interchangeable heads (a ball, fork, bullet and flat head) for alleviating aches and pains, whether you need some post-exercise relief or you’ve been hunched over your desk for too long. 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.

Ayan, P. . (2021). Health efficacy of electrically operated automated massage on muscle properties, peripheral circulation, and physio-psychological variables: A narrative review. Type of massager: Cupper | Speeds and functions: Five modes and intensity levels | Heat option: YesDespite its compact size, it has everything its bulkier counterparts offer, including five different massage heads, with each one designed to target a different muscle group. It also scored top marks for ease of use – there’s just one button for speed control and a handy manual that explains what each head is for and how to use it. Your might experience a boost in your general mood, too. The pressure point relief that massage provides has been linked to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), an increase in endorphins (which is altogether more feel-good), plus a lower heart rate. Are there different types of electric massager? Treat the area with heat and cold by alternating 15 minutes of ice with 15 minutes of moist or dry heat. Pregnancy massage, including vibrating massage from a device, is usually safe for most people after the first trimester.

Type of massager: Scarf-style Shiatsu massager | Speeds and functions: 3 speed settings, circular kneading nodes that change direction automatically | Heat option: Yes https://www.wsh.nhs.uk/CMS-Documents/Patient-leaflets/PainService/6290-1e-Chronic-pain-self-management-relaxation.pdf If you can't decide which part of your body you need one of our best massagers to focus on, then this shiatsu pillow massager is your ideal option. That's because you can position it to work on many different parts of your body.Type of massager: Percussive massage gun | Speeds and functions: 3 speed settings, 5 massage heads | Heat option: No