The Best Back Massagers to Help Work Out the Knots at Home

Best Products; Courtesy Zyllion

It seems like nothing feels quite as satisfying and stress-relieving as getting a back massage, especially when you have those same few areas of your body that always tend to get tight and sore.

It’s no wonder, then, that back massager devices exist—like percussive massage guns and shiatsu pads with rolling-ball mechanisms—to allow you to find the relief you want around the clock, not just at the spa or the chiropractor’s office. Our guide to the best back massagers covers all different types to help your aching back find some sweet relief.

The Best Back Massagers

What to Consider

Safety While Using

When considering which back massager to get, safety should be at top of mind. We spoke to Robert A. Hayden, Ph.D., a doctor of chiropractic and a spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association, about the best practices for using a back massager at home, given the wide variety of available products to buy and use outside of a professional setting.

Hayden says, “You should use your back massage device or see your massage therapist for routine or recurrent conditions, such as sore muscles after a workout or yard work. Your body will tell you if the pain/discomfort is something you are accustomed to feeling.”

He adds that you don’t need to splurge on a name-brand back massager to feel quick relief at home either, advising that “the brand you choose is much less important than whether it’s easy to use, has variable speeds, and produces the desired result, which is muscle relaxation.”

Massage Strength

Generally, the best back massagers are the ones that give users the autonomy to choose the strength of their massage, whether the sensation is a kneading shiatsu massage, gentle vibration, or percussive pulse. It’s important to be able to quickly and easily adjust the intensity to not exacerbate an already-strained body part or create a new injury. It’s also a good idea to look for a device with an auto-off feature that can signal when it’s time to give your body a break. Hayden advises users with preexisting conditions to be extra careful.

“Use these instruments with caution if you are taking anticoagulants, as bruising can easily result,” he says. “Where there is decreased sensation due to issues with the spine, diabetes, or other conditions, overuse of a vibrating massager is possible. Use them with caution if you have osteoporosis or any other condition that weakens bone.”

Plug-In Versus Rechargeable Functionality

Depending on where and how often you’re planning to use your back massager, consider whether getting a plug-in device or one with a rechargeable battery makes the most sense.

Rechargeable or battery-powered devices allow you the flexibility to use the device anywhere since you’re not tethered to an outlet. These generally feel like higher-tech devices that offer many different speed levels or massage functions. On the other hand, plug-in devices are more reliable and eliminate the worry of having to charge up the gadget or change batteries. If you’re planning to use your chosen back massager in the same place at home, a plug-in device should suit your needs just fine.

Our guide to the best back massagers covers both electronic and manual devices of varying levels of intensity. Read on to find that targeted or all-over relief that you’ve been craving.