The Best Back Massagers For Personalized Pain Relief - Forbes

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If stubborn back knots and tight muscles mean your masseuse is on speed dial, you might want to consider saving some dollars by investing in one of the best back massagers. These nifty devices come in several categories for all budgets and needs—massage pillows, wearables, chair covers and traditional massage guns. Plus, they level up the traditional foam roller experience by using high-frequency vibrations for a more powerful massage that pinpoints areas of tension and muscle stiffness.

“Back massagers target muscles to loosen up your joints, promote a wider range of motion in everyday activities and alleviate pain,” says Heather Jeffcoat, DPT, owner of Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy. “The massage helps to stimulate circulation and decrease muscle tension, to help you move with greater ease.”


Knead out the knots in no time with this nifty portable back massager.

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This guide has scoped the best back massagers for whenever (and wherever) the need strikes. Whether your desk job leaves your back stiffer than a cupboard (in which case a quality office chair is a must), or if you’re the type that’s constantly on the go, read on for our top picks in each category.

Best Back Massager Overall​

A Percussion Massager That Delivers In Power, Speed and Precision​

Weight: 2.9 pounds | Battery Life: 5 hours | Heat: No

The 5th and latest generation of Theragun, an industry leader in massage guns and arguably the sleekest design on the market, the Theragun Pro is an app-enabled device that delivers in function and design. Its QX150 Professional-grade motor packs a powerful punch, with six attachments targeting the hardest-to-reach spots. And, its 60-pound no-stall force (how much pressure it can withstand) is higher than most on the market for a penetrating massage that can target the most wrung-out muscles.

Five built-in speeds ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 rotations per minute (RPM) work in tandem with four arm positions that change at the push of a button, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. It also boasts 300 minutes of total battery life (with wireless charging), superlative to similar devices on the market.

Pros:

• Rotating arm for improved comfort
• Powerful motor delivering up to 2,400 RPM
• Long battery life
• App integration

Cons:

• Expensive relative to other massage devices
• Noisier than most other electric massages

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Best Budget Back Massager​

A Cordless Massager That Performs At A Fraction Of The Cost​

Weight: 1.87 pounds | Battery Life: 100 minutes | Heat: No

The Vivreal Electric Massager is an inexpensive solution for a massage on a budget. Its six interchangeable nodes include a back and neck attachment for a deep tissue massage to keep the knots at bay. You can also adjust the percussion massager’s intensity across six speeds and modes to match the intensity you’re after.

Despite its modest price tag, the ergonomic motor tops out at 3,200 pulses per minute (PPM), on the higher end than others on the market. With a smart battery display, you can see how much power is left, and the battery runs for 100 minutes for multiple massage sessions on one charge.

For reasons related to safety, the device times out after 15 minutes of use to prevent overheating.

One reviewer comments that although dense, “The extra weight prevents you from having to use your own strength to bear down, which would cause you to tense up too much to get any benefit if you were massaging your back.”

Pros:

• Cheaper than most other massage devices
• Six speeds and six modes to alter its intensity
• Delivers up to 3,200 PPM

Cons:

• Relatively short battery life
• Some reviews suggest attachments are unforgiving

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Best Pillow Back Massager​

Versatile And Compact For A Seated Back Massage​

Weight: 4 pounds | Battery Life: Wired Connection | Heat: Yes

The Zillion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager (ZMA-13) is a handy cushion to relieve tension from fatigue, working out and receptive strain. Its 3D massage nodes change direction on a one-minute cycle and glide across muscles in a motion that mimics the natural touch of a manual shiatsu massage.

The cushion flaunts a vegan leather design that contours snuggly to your upper and lower back, and is versatile whether for the office, car or living room. It also features a soothing heat function that claims to promote blood flow and circulation throughout your body.

One of the drawbacks is its one-speed setting which may deter those with a preference for switching up the intensity.

Pros:

• Entry-level price
• Heated massagers
• Overheating protection

Cons:

• Must be plugged in
• One speed setting

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Best Massage Chair Pad​

Unwind The Knots At Work And At Home​

Weight: 15.5 pounds | Battery Life: Wired Connection | Heat: Yes

The Snailax Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager can help relieve tension if you’re sitting for long periods of the day. Its design, which fits against virtually any chair, allows for a massage on the sly at work, or a moment of relaxation at home.

Controlled by the press of a button via remote control, the multi-functional features deliver on various fronts. Whilst the four-node Shiatsu back massager features adjustable rolling massage nodes that rotate both clock and counterclockwise to work the length of your back, the spot massage pinpoints tougher knots across three zones—the lower, upper and entire back, with a in-built heating pad to enhance your relaxation. You can also enjoy a rolling back massage with nodes traveling straight up and down your back, and its adjustable massager can tackle neck cranks to alleviate the pain that strikes from a bad night’s sleep.

In case you need it, there’s also a two-level vibration seat massage that works your hips and thighs.

Pros:

• Heated design
• Three massage zones
• Versatile

Cons:

• Heavier than a massage cushion
• Wired connection required

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Best Back Massager For Gym-Goers​

Relieve Achy Muscles Post-Workout In No Time​

Weight: 2.2 pounds | Battery Life: 2 hours | Heat: No

Based on price point and functionality, the Theragun Prime provides the best bang for your buck from the Theragun brand. Its smart percussive therapy delivers a powerful performance in the form of a deep tissue massage, despite being the lightest model in this range. Its QX65 brushless motor uses QuietForce Technology to limit the noise level to 65 decibels. Keep in mind, some reviewers have noted it’s louder than expected.

Just like the Theragun PRO, the Prime model has five built-in speeds ranging from 1,750 to 2,400 RPM, wireless charging and smart app integration via Bluetooth—although it comes with two less interchangeable attachments.

A sleek ergonomic handle for those hard-to-reach spots on your back is designed to reduce any strain on your hands and wrists. It also has an amplitude (stroke length) of 16mm, faring on the higher end of most electronic massage tools on the market.

Incorporating the brand’s key features in a polished design, thousands of 5-star reviews concur the Theragun Prime showcases sleek technology and high-level performance.

Pros:

• High amplitude
• Ergonomic design
• App integration

Cons:

• Relatively high price tag
• Noisy

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Best Battery Life Back Massager​

Provides Up To Fifteen Hours Of Battery Life On A Single Charge​

Weight: 2.2 pounds | Battery Life: Up To 15 Hours | Heat: No

The Dacorm Y8 Pro Max delivers an unparalleled battery life among massage devices of up to 15 hours (rechargeable via a USB cable) to keep up with the most avid of gym-goers. With seven speeds reaching up to 3,200 RPM to knuckle-down on lactic acid build-up, it doesn’t skimp on power either. Track your speed, start time, battery charge and pressure (it has an amplitude of 14mm) via an LCD display, and alternate between 12 attachments—two of which are specifically for the back, alongside others for muscles, bones and soft tissue—which tuck neatly into a carry case.

At 40 decibels, it emits little racket and is quieter relative to most others on the market.

When used in unison with other muscle groups, the device claims to enhance both blood flow and range of motion. And, it has a 10-minute auto turn-off for safety and battery life preservation.

Pros:

• Exceptional battery life
• Portable design
• Seven adjustable speeds

Cons:

• No heat
• Charging plug not included

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Best Wearable Back Massager​

A Handsfree Back And Neck Massage​

Weight: 4.6 pounds | Battery Life: Wired Connection | Heat: Yes

The multi-purpose Nektech Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager conveniently drapes over your shoulders to hone in on areas of tension in the upper and lower body. With built-in hand grips to hold in place, its eight kneading massage nodes work in tandem with its infrared heat system to restore tight muscles and inject soothing warmth, changing directions automatically at one-minute intervals. Or, loop around your lumbar (lower) back to loosen rigid muscles.

Its three-speed setting allows you to alter the intensity, whilst multiple users have commented you can increase the pressure by pulling down on the hand grips. An automatic 15-minute shut-off prevents it from overheating.

Pros:

• Safety auto shutoff
• Three speed strength levels
• Deep tissue massage

Cons:

• Wired connection
• Not handsfree

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