To help navigate the many options, we spoke with Lisa Jamison, holistic massage therapist and owner of Lift Performance Enhancement. Below, she shares what neck massagers are, how to use them, and how to choose the best one for your body and needs. Plus, find our list of the best neck massagers of 2023. According to Jamison, “Neck massagers should be used when you are addressing the soft tissue, or the muscles of the neck. It should not be used for nerve pain or to change the alignment of the spine.” Athletes experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can also benefit from massage and vibration therapy3. Jamison says people who “feel like they have a pinched nerve or need an adjustment from a chiropractor,” should seek medical advice before using a neck massager. “In addition, if you suspect a fracture or have a condition that causes brittle bones, stay away from a neck massager until you get a professional opinion.” When in doubt, consulting with a professional is always your best bet. As for how often you should use it, “more is not always better,” Jamison advises. That said, “Neck massagers can be used as part of a daily movement and recovery program.” They are best used “regularly, before you are in ‘crisis mode’.” If you’ve recently purchased a neck massager and aren’t sure how or how often to use it, speak with a chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist, or physician to determine the best routine for you. However, overuse can result in “inappropriate pounding, which can be detrimental.” Jamison advises, “If you are a ‘more is better’ person, stay away from the tools when you are in pain.” With this in mind, it’s important to remember that while tools like neck massagers can offer great relief when used appropriately, they are not a magic fix for any underlying conditions or injuries. When fully charged, this massager runs for 140 minutes and automatically shuts off after 20 minutes to avoid overuse. It weighs 1.8 pounds, which some older users do find heavy and difficult to manage. Despite being a bit heavy, it has amassed over 40,000 perfect 5-star reviews. One happy customer who has used it for four years calls it “one of the best massagers on the market,” and that “it stays charged for months at a time.” The device has seven speeds of percussion therapy and comes with 12 interchangeable massage heads for multiple body parts. An RU8 chip processes the data of each impact and automatically adjusts for optimal relief. By hitting 14 millimeter-deep muscles, it is designed to alleviate lactic acid through deep-tissue massage. What’s more, the 40 decibel noise level makes this device quiet enough to use in public. The handle has a comfortable silicone grip, so users can easily apply the desired level of pressure. With over 10,000 5-star reviews, many people rave about this massage gun’s effectiveness on the whole body, even their feet. Most say it is “great for pain relief,” and many focus on the great range of motion the device provides. Some users feel the massager wasn’t quite powerful enough, saying they have to press harder to effectively hit their muscles, but those reviews are few and far between. The passive device is designed to rest on the back of the neck with two long, wide straps hanging down on either side. Each strap has a built-in loop, which you can pull down on for a deeper massage. On the left-hand strap, four buttons enable you to easily control the functions—one of which is infrared heat. When activated, the massager emits moderate heat for increased circulation and muscle relaxation. Although most reviewers note significant relief, some petite users felt this device was too big for their body, with the nodes not being placed in the optimal position on their necks and shoulders. Three intensity settings and three massager tips make this device versatile enough for multiple areas of the body, but reviewers find it especially effective on their neck and shoulders. For added convenience, it runs on a rechargeable battery and comes with a traveling pouch and charging cable. There’s also a Bluetooth feature, so you can use app-guided routines on your phone. The respected brand name comes at a higher price, but many people consider it a worthwhile investment, including our commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, who says, “This massage gun is one of my most-used products. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in muscle soreness over the past two years when implementing regular use of my Theragun Mini after long runs or intense weight training. While it’s not as powerful as the Theragun Prime and is a bit more difficult to grip and position, it is significantly less expensive and does still provide that hurts-so-good relief for muscle knots and neck stiffness.” For additional comfort, you can activate the built-in heat function. Many people appreciate this feature and find it enhances their overall experience, although some feel it isn’t hot enough. Four simple buttons allow users to control and customize the functions as needed. A sleek carrying bag is an added bonus that adds portability to the massager’s list of benefits. This device uses four nodes to deliver a Shiatsu massage at low, medium, or high intensity. For the user’s safety, it shuts off automatically after 15 minutes. However, it’s easy to restart with the included remote. For those who enjoy a warm massage, this pillow has two heat zones (each with two heat settings) for optimal comfort. Compared to other options, users say the heat on this massager is quite strong. One reviewer who suffered from chronic back and neck issues laid on this massager for “five minutes” and felt like their “chakras realigned.” Others say this device helps with chronic tension headaches. The simple design is easy to use for people of all ages. Its plastic construction is lightweight and manageable, but definitely less durable than other options. Some users say theirs broke after six months to a year of use. However, the same reviews tend to praise the brand for its “first-rate customer service” and quick product replacements. This massage cane has amassed thousands of 5-star reviews and seems to be an effective tool for people suffering from muscle pain. One person describes how no one could hit his knots right, but with this cane, he can “control the pressure and work that knot out rather quickly.” On the left side, four control buttons allow you to pick from three intensity modes and set the infrared heat function. As expected, some users felt the heat didn’t get hot enough. To prevent muscle injury, the device automatically turns off after 15 minutes. Although the corded design limits portability, the massager comes with a car adapter for more versatility. The roller ball is designed to combine the benefits of cryotherapy and myofascial release. After freezing for two hours, it stays cold for up to six hours, providing soothing relief to sore muscles after a workout. If you want heat, simply place the roller ball in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes before using. Number of Users: If you plan to use the device on yourself, Jamison recommends “a tool you can handle. Big tools can be difficult to hold in one hand, and one would rarely have both hands free to work.” Size: As Jamison points out, “These tools are designed for the average person. If you have a larger, more narrow, or shorter neck than what manufacturers consider ‘normal’, the massager may not fit you. This is particularly true of the passive machines that you rest upon.” Lifestyle: A portable massager is a great option for someone who is constantly on the go. Alternatively, if you spend a lot of time sitting in an office chair, you may benefit most from a chair cushion or draping device. Athletes often prefer massage guns, such as the Theragun Mini, for their intensity. Jamison says, “More expensive does not mean better. Some products are designed for commercial use, not home use.”
