Do you suffer from severe headaches?
A neck and shoulder massager could be what you need to relax your muscles and get rid of the pain.
Those devices are designed to relieve pain and enhance flexibility and mobility.
Using one of the best neck and shoulder massagers regularly can boost your blood circulation.
Quick Comparison: Top Neck Massagers
#1st Rated
Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
The Mika Shiatsu the best foot massagers that we have reviewed. Click on the red button the check the price.
#2nd Rated
Quinear Leg Massager with Heat Air Compression
A solid allround choice, if you also want to get your legs massaged. Heat air is a nice to have.
#3rd Rated
Theraflow Large Dual Foot Massager
The Large Dual Foot is a very cheap massager. Only buy it if you are on a budget, otherwise take another one.
#4th Rated
Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager
If you don’t want your inner foot to get massaged it is a great choice. However, it takes a while to heat up.
#5th Rated
Neckteck Foot Massager with Soothing Heat
The foot massager from Neckteck is another cheap one, don’t expect much from the quality: It can break easily.
What is a Neck and Shoulder Massager?
A neck and shoulder massager is a gadget that reproduces a massage for your neck and shoulder area.
It comes with inbuilt nodes that roll along with the muscles, just as happens during a manual massage.
Neck and shoulder massagers help reduce pain, aches, tension, and eliminate knots along the shoulder and neck areas.
These gadgets are also designed to facilitate their use in other areas such as the back, legs, and the waist.
Some neck and shoulder massagers come with heat features to promote better circulation of blood in the muscles. This promotes healing and helps you feel more relaxed.
You can customize the functions of a neck and back massager to your own individual needs. These functions include speed, intensity, heat, and vibration
What are the Advantages?
Here we look in detail at the advantages of using a neck and shoulder massagers.
Enhances Mobility
Have you ever experienced a frozen shoulder or shoulders? Frozen shoulder syndrome is a state where the shoulders feel tense and stiff.
This is attributed to scar tissue formation that may appear along the socket joint muscles.
Alleviates Neck Pain
Neck pain can occur for various reasons such as injury, strains, or poor a sleeping position. Using a neck massager, in this case, enhances blood circulation to the affected area.
This relaxes the muscles and reduces inflammation and pain around the neck.
Relieve Stress
Tension and pain along the neck and shoulders can trigger stress. This affects your brain functions and can deteriorate your overall health. Getting a massage helps reduce stress, helping you to relax.
Boosts Blood Circulation
Neck and shoulder massagers ease the body’s blood circulation and this revitalizes your muscles.
A good massage facilitates more nutrients, oxygen, and white blood cells in the body. This reduces knots, soreness, inflammation, pain, and tension.
Alleviates Headaches
Did you know that over contraction of your muscles can result in tension headaches?
You could also experience migraine attacks, which are likely to worsen if action isn’t taken to treat them. You may not realize it but the pain you feel is often muscle contraction along the shoulders and neck.
Many people end up reaching for medication to relieve the pain. In fact, often all you need is a self-neck massage to eliminate the pain.
How Frequently Should You use it?
When executed regularly and properly, a massage can alleviate neck pain.
Research indicates that two or three one-hour sessions of professional massage are ideal for relieving neck pain. When it comes to using a neck massager, you may want to consult your therapist for more guidance.
However, the frequency of use will depend on your individual needs, for example the magnitude of pain.
Choosing the Best Shoulder and Neck Massager
The growing popularity of neck massagers and the number of products on the market has made choosing the best gadget a difficult task. Here is what to look out for when buying a neck and shoulder massager.
Portability
A portable neck and shoulder massager can help relieve pain while on the go. Some neck massagers are built for portability, for instance, having a universal charging system.
This allows you to either plug them into a wall plug at home or the cigarette lighter socket in your car.
You can also opt for a cordless neck massager, which features a rechargeable battery – especially useful when traveling.
Design
Neck massagers are specially structured to be used along the neck and shoulders. Still, some can be used in other areas such as around the feet, calves, and the lower and upper back.
Consider the design of your gadget and establish whether it can be used on other areas of the body for more value.
Number of Nodes
Neck and shoulder massagers utilize balls, also known as nodes. Most gadgets come with between 4 to 8 nodes, which collaborate to massage your muscles.
Gadgets that come with 4 nodes are ideal for larger muscles. This is because they are larger and more segregated. You can use them for the muscles around the upper back, shoulders, and your thighs.
Choose a massager that comes with 8 nodes for areas with smaller muscles such as the neck.
The Correct Neck and Shoulder Massage Technique
There are various techniques of neck and shoulder massage such as kneading and shiatsu. Kneading is executed by putting pressure on soft muscle tissues. This technique enhances blood circulation and relaxes your muscles.
If you experience soreness and tightness along your joints, focus on gadgets that can appropriately execute kneading.
Shiatsu incorporates the use of palms, fingers, and elbows in specific areas to boost blood circulation in the muscles. A neck massager with the shiatsu feature simulates the aforementioned technique.
Shiatsu is ideal when it comes to alleviating severe pain and joint problems. It also increases blood flow toward a specific area to speed up healing and cut down inflammation.
Reviews: Best Neck and Shoulder Massagers on the Market
The following is a review of some of our favorite neck massagers that you can use to help you choose.
#1 Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager with Soothing Heat
The Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager with Soothing Heat comes with 8 deep-shiatsu kneading massage nodes. This helps relieve stiffness in the neck and alleviate muscle soreness.
You can use this gadget to get rid of continuous fatigue.
It comes with inbuilt advanced infrared soothing heat properties to enhance blood circulation.
The Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager will automatically shut off in the event of overheating. You can also switch it off manually. This neck massager comes with 3 strength levels to offer adequate pressure to alleviate pain.
The long straps come in handy to adjust and strengthen the massage position. Further, it is made from comfortable and durable PU leather material which is an absorbent mesh fabric.
The Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager is easy to clean and use, and the zipper is installed to allow it to be used easily. The car and AC adapter mean you can use this massager on the go, in the office or at home.
Pros
- Ideal foot massager for plantar fascia
- 5 easy-to-use level settings
- An effective 15-minute timer
Cons
- The machine gets tight when on use
- Can barely fit up to a size 10
- Radiates low warmth
#2 Naturalico Shiatsu Massager
The Naturalico Shiatsu Massager is a versatile gadget which you can use around your back, shoulders, and even feet. If you’re looking for complete body relaxation, this gadget is designed to deliver it.
Use this massager to achieve deep muscle relaxation, enhance flexibility, and reduce tightness around the muscles.
The Naturalico can be used at home, in your car, or even at work. With multi-massage nodes, the Naturalico Shiatsu Massager gives you the perfect kneading pressure. The four rotating nodes are ideal for supporting, cradling, and relaxing your muscles.
This gadget provides you with a soothing heat that goes deep within the muscle fibers.
This massager is not only for muscle pain, it relieves stress too. The Naturalico Shiatsu Massager will enhance blood circulation and enhance recovery after injuries.
If you have trouble sleeping, the bi-direction movement, which simulates a manual massage and heat therapy, will enhance your sleep.
Pros
- The handheld design makes it ideal for use on the go
- Automatic shutdown, which makes it very safe
- It comes with four massage nodes for enhanced pain relief
Cons
- The rotating peg caps are likely to fall off after using the gadget for some time
- The instructions are difficult to understand
- The lighting goes on and off
#3 TruMedic Instashiatsu Shoulder Massager
With a single charge on the TruMedic Instashiatsu Massager, you can use it for many hours. This lithium-ion battery-powered gadget is versatile and can be used for massages and pain alleviation.
In the box, you will find a new Full Body Shiatsu Massager Unit complete with an AC adaptor. It also comes with a charger cable. The machine needs 2 hours’ charge before use.
To use this gadget, place it on your shoulders and slip your hands under the wrist supports. Use the velcro straps to adjust the straps for a good fit. Proceed to press the ‘on’ the button and as the massager begins rotating, pull your wrist supports down. This will adjust the intensity of the massage.
The gadget comes with a reverse button that changes the direction of the rotation. You can change the intensity and speed of your massager by clicking a button. Press the heat button to switch on the heat.
Pros
- It comes with LED indicator lights
- It supports the wrist comfortably
- Users can easily control the pressure
Cons
- This gadget is slightly noisy
- The short arm strap may create tension in your shoulders
- The battery cannot be replaced
#4 New Five Star FS8801 Shiatsu Neck Massager
The New Five Star FS8801 Shiatsu offers a deep tissue, 3D kneading shiatsu technique for the back, shoulder, and neck areas. You can also use this massager for your feet and legs.
It comes with a massage pillow that has a heat function, and a power cable: the massager doesn’t come with a battery so it needs to be plugged in.
With eight kneading rollers and soothing heat, this massager is designed to relax muscles and alleviate pain.
You can turn the heat on or off as you wish, and you can choose between 3 speeds and two massage directions, all designed to maximize your massage experience.
The New Five Star FS8801 Shiatsu automatically shuts down after 15 minutes of use to prevent overheating, and comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty. In the box you will find a car and an AC adapter, giving you the freedom to use the gadget at home, in the car, or at work.
Pros
- It comes with two massage directions
- It’s robust enough to relieve sore muscles and alleviate pain
- It shuts off automatically to avoid overheating
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a battery, which means you need it constantly plugged in
- Rollers have an abrasive cover, which can be harsh on the skin
- It can be noisy
#5 Naipo Cordlress Massager
The Naipo Cordless Massager can operate for 2 hours on a single charge. It comes with four massage nodes and massage rollers that use a 3D rotation to relax your muscles.
This massager is fitted with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing you to use it on the go. To activate the battery-powered mode, simply press the on and off button for longer.
The hands-free design is perfect for more convenient use. It also features a loop and hook fastener that secures the massager in place. This means you can use the gadget hands-free.
The gadget’s long shoulder straps help to make it flexible for massaging your back and shoulders.
You can also enjoy a 3D 8 deep-kneading shiatsu massage that helps relieve stiffness along the shoulders and neck area. This massager also comes with an advanced heating system that distributes warmth throughout the muscles.
You can easily adjust the massage speed depending on your needs. And with automatic massage direction changes, this gadget will offer you an improved massage experience.
Pros
- It comes with three-speeds, allowing you to customize it for your needs
- You can use it hands-free
- It doesn’t overheat
Cons
- The heating function doesn’t work well
- The netting material falls off easily
- Not the best price-performance
Top Pick: The Best Neck and Shoulder Massager
There are numerous benefits to using a neck massager. From those in our review, we prefer the Naturalico Shiatsu Massager. It’s a versatile gadget that you can use on almost your entire body.
We love that it’s designed to eliminate any tightness or soreness of the muscles and help you relax. With the multiple massage nodes, you can enjoy sufficient kneading pressure.
The fact that it has a handheld design means you can use it on the go with ease. The auto-shutdown function is also ideal as it prevents the massager from overheating and getting damaged.
We recommend this massager if you are looking to alleviate pain in your neck, shoulders, and back.