Neck and shoulder massagers can alleviate pain and improve your mobility. Not only will these massagers improve your muscles’ mobility and flexibility, but using them regularly will also improve your blood circulation. Did you know that using a neck and shoulder massager can reduce your headaches, too Finding the best neck and shoulder massager can be difficult. That’s why we decided to make a list of the top 10 models currently available on the market and provide a helpful buying guide.
We’re certain that after reading neck and shoulder massager reviews, you’ll be able to find the right product for your needs.
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What is a Neck and Shoulder Massager?
A neck and shoulder massager is a massage pillow that’s specially designed to target the muscles in your shoulders and neck. They have a design similar to that of airplane pillows, which allows them to massage your neck and shoulders without taking up too much space.
These units use a variable number of massage nodes to produce the massage. Their massage nodes do not roll up or down. Instead, the massage nodes rotate around their axis to produce the massage. These massage nodes are specially designed to simulate the hand movements of professional masseurs or masseuses, so they will provide a good massage experience.
Neck and shoulder massagers come with handles that allow you to keep them balanced or move them in a different position. This will also confer the massagers some portability, so you will be able to move around while using them.
Benefits of Having Neck and Shoulder Massages
Having a neck, shoulders, and head massage can be very helpful. Let’s take a quick look at some of the benefits these massages offer.
Upper Back Tension Relief
The upper back is one of the tensest parts of your body. Whether you spend a lot of time exercising, doing physical labor, or sitting in front of a computer or in a car, your upper back will suffer. Most people suffer from upper back pain because of their bad posture. Instead of keeping your shoulders straight at all times, you most likely slump when you’re tired. This can lead to increased tension in your upper back muscles, and it can even lead to knots forming in your muscles. If you’re also looking for a back massager and need help sorting them all out, our back massager reviews should help.
A neck and shoulder massage can be very helpful for relieving your muscles of tension and knots. As your muscles are massaged, they will relax and stretch. This will relieve the tension and make all the knots go away.
Better Sleep
Neck and shoulder massages are not only good for your neck, and shoulders. They’re also good for your brain. These massages will make your muscles relax, so you will feel better.
Thanks to the fact that you’re feeling better, the stress your brain is exposed to decreases. Due to the lower stress levels, you will be able to sleep better.Increased Blood Circulation
The neck and shoulder massagers stimulate your muscles. When your muscles are stimulated, your local blood circulation is increased. The increased blood flow brings more oxygen, nutrients, and white blood cells to your muscles and nearby joints. The increased supply of oxygen will have a vitalizing effect on your muscles. Thanks to the fact that they’re receiving more nutrients, your muscles will start to regenerate themselves. The white blood cells play an active role in reducing any inflammation process they encounter.
People suffering from muscle aches and painful joints will benefit the most from the increased blood flow. This can lead to improvements in your mobility, pain relief, and an increase in your muscles’ vitality.
Lowers Your Neck Pain
Neck pain can have multiple causes. Some people suffer from neck pain because of whiplash or inflammation, while others suffer from neck pain because they slept in the wrong position or they moved suddenly without warming up their muscles. Neck pain can be a real nuisance, even if it’s merely a dull ache.
Neck and shoulder massagers are specially designed to wrap around your neck and massage it from different angles. The massage nodes will work on different muscles on their clockwise rotation than the counterclockwise rotation. This is a good thing, as the massage session will stimulate most if not all the muscles in your neck. Thanks to the muscle stimulation and the increased blood flow, your neck pain will gradually disappear through massage therapy.
Reduces Headaches
Muscle contractions in your head and neck areas can lead to headaches. These headaches are called “tension headaches” and they’re very dangerous for your well-being because they are recurring. Some people get them once or twice every month, while others get them for more than 15 days each month.
Sure, you can take pills to numb the pain, but you might suffer from another headache the following day. The best way to get rid of tension headaches is to get rid of their cause. This means you’ll have to treat the muscle contractions that cause these headaches. This is where the neck and shoulder massagers become helpful.By massaging your neck and shoulder muscles, the massager will make them relax and relieve the tension. Once they’re relaxed, the muscles won’t cause the headaches, so you will be cured without taking a single pill.
Increases Shoulder Mobility
Some people suffer from frozen shoulders. This is a serious condition, and a frozen shoulder can last for up to 24 months if it’s not treated correctly. Neck and shoulder massagers can improve your frozen shoulder condition and they can lead to pain relief and an increase in your shoulder’s mobility.
One of the things doctors recommend when you suffer from a stiff shoulder is to stretch the muscles daily and to massage them. Not only will the massagers stretch your muscles during the massage session, but you can also use the heated massage feature that will stimulate your blood flow, bringing more white cells in the area to reduce the inflammation.
If you’re suffering from a medical condition, you should always check with your current physician before using a neck and shoulder massager.
Best Neck and Shoulder Massagers Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Naipo Neck Massager Shiatsu Shoulder Massager |
| View On Amazon | |
Brookstone Cordless Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager |
| View On Amazon | |
Nekteck Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow |
| View On Amazon | |
Mo Cuishle Neck Shoulder Back Massager with Heat |
| View On Amazon | |
Five Star FS8801 Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat |
| View On Amazon | |
Neck & Shoulder Shiatsu Massager By Bruntmor |
| View On Amazon | |
ATMOKO Neck and Back Massager |
| View On Amazon |
Best Neck & Shoulder Massager Reviews (Updated List)
1. Naipo Neck Massager Shiatsu Shoulder Massager
The Naipo massage pillow is a good model that comes at a decent price. This model provides a good massage experience, and it comes with a car adapter as well.
One of the best things this massage pillow has to offer is the adjustable intensity setting. This is a very good setting because it will allow you to change the massage’s intensity as you move it around your body. If you like your massages rougher on your back, you can use the maximum intensity. If you like them softer on your feet, you can use the lowest.
All in all, this is a good neck & shoulder massager, even if its fabric can feel rough if you place the unit directly against your skin.
Read more: Naipo Neck Massager Shiatsu Shoulder Massager
2. Brookstone Cordless Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager
The Brookstone cordless neck and shoulder massager is one of the best models you can find at the moment. This massage pillow uses 8 massage nodes and 3 adjustable massage intensity settings to provide exactly the type of massage you’re looking for.
Being cordless, this unit is highly portable. You can use it while you’re working around the house, or you can even use it while you’re at work. The massager runs silently, so it’s suitable for an office environment.
Overall, this is one of the best neck and shoulder massager models available on the market.
Read more: Brookstone Cordless Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager
3. Nekteck Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow
The Nekteck massage pillow is a top of the line product that incorporates most of the features you would expect to find in such a product. This massage cushion uses 8 shiatsu massage nodes to relieve the tension out of your muscles, and it also has a heated massage feature.
A great thing about this model is that it comes with a car adapter. This will allow you to connect the massager to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter for power. This can be a very helpful feature for people who spend a lot of time in their vehicles, such as truckers or people driving RVs.
Overall, this is a good model, and it provides a nice massage experience.
Read more: Nekteck Shiatsu Deep Kneading Massage Pillow
4. Mo Cuishle Neck Shoulder Back Massager with Heat
The Mo Cuishle Shiatsu Massager is a neck massager with eight deep tissue kneading nods. It is designed to relieve stress in your neck and back muscles after a massive day of work or exercise, improves your nervous system, and boosts blood circulation. Use it to relax on your sofa, in bed, at your office, or even in your car.
The massager is easy to carry and can be plugged in both at home or in your vehicle, using the adapter. The heat function allows you to opt for a unique experience, resembling that of the hot stone massage, known as shiatsu. With a built-in 3-step speed control setting, the user can choose the level of speed and pressure applied by the unit. The massager is multi-functional and can also be used for the legs or lower back. The product comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a 3-year warranty.
5. Five Star FS8801 Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager with Heat
One of the advantages of using the FS8801 massage pillow is that it comes with 8 massage nodes. The nodes can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise, and the direction of their rotation really changes the massage experience and makes them hit different spots on your shoulder and neck.
Another good thing we liked about this product is that it comes with a power cord that’s 10 feet long. This can be an advantage because it offers you a small degree of mobility, so you won’t have to get a massage right next to a power outlet.
The bottom line is, this is a capable massage pillow, and using it can be very enjoyable.
Read more: NEW FIVE STAR FIVE S FS8801 Shiatsu Kneading Massager
6. Neck & Shoulder Shiatsu Massager By Bruntmor
One of the best things the Bruntmor has to offer is its design. This unit’s design makes it perfect for everyday use. Despite its title, this is not only a neck and shoulder massager. In fact, you can use the massager on all the parts of your body that need massaging with great results.
This massage pillow is cordless, and that makes it very versatile. The unit’s battery can last for up to 3 hours, depending on the features you use, so you can massage your whole body with only one battery charge.
All in all, this is a great massage pillow, and it’s well worth its price.
Read more: Bruntmor Cordless Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Kneading Massager
7. ATMOKO Neck and Back Massager
The ATMOKO Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager is a multi-functional portable massager, which can be applied to the neck, shoulders, back, waist, and legs. It is ideal for relieving muscle pain and stress from the long workday. Carry it with you on the go – foldable and with a stylish leather bag. Your purchase will also include a power cord and a car adapter. Keep in mind that this is not a wireless gadget.
The massager has 8 nodes, which can generate heat and vibration. The standard 3-speed adjustable settings will allow you to program it to your particular taste, while the automatic 15-minute shut down feature means you need not worry about falling asleep. Just sit back and enjoy the feeling. The product comes with a 45-day money-back option, a 2-year warranty, and lifetime 24/7 technical support. It is an excellent option for a birthday or Christmas gift for your loved ones – young and old alike.
8. Resteck Shiatsu 3D Deep Kneading Massage Pillow
Have a real spa experience with the Resteck massage pillow which has 8 Shiatsu massage nodes and a heated feature. It is designed to mimic the most popular massaging technique used by masseuse which is beneficial for sore muscles and promotes blood circulation. The massager comes with four simple buttons to adjust the direction, heating, and speed. This way you can customize the pillow meeting your desired experience.
The use of Resteck massager does not limit only to the neck and shoulder. It can cover the whole body to alleviate acute joint and muscle pain. The unit has 2 hanging loops to rest your arms while massaging your back or neck allowing you to additionally adjust the pressure manually.
The pillow is made from leather and will be quite durable. It also comes with a compact carry bag allowing you to carry with ease everywhere you go. The unit comes with a car adaptor and a wall adaptor which means you can use it right out of the box.
Pros:
- Adjustable speed and direction
- Heating function
- Lightweight
Cons:
- It is not cordless
- Massaging nodes can be a bit hard for some.
9. Belmint Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
One of the advantages of using the Belmint neck and shoulder massager is that it has a well-thought design. This model is easy to use, and it’s light enough to change its position without anything getting in the way. The massager uses 8 massage nodes to provide a comfortable massage experience, and it also uses a heated massage feature.
This unit uses 20-minute massage sessions. If you want to spend more than that, you can simply restart the unit.
The bottom line is, this is a good massager, and it manages to come at a reasonable price.
Read more: Belmint Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
10. NURSAL 3D Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
The Nursal shiatsu massage pillow is probably the best massage pillow in its price category. Despite its low price, this unit incorporates a lot of good features, including some you won’t even find in more expensive models.
This massage pillow is rather large, which can be a good and bad thing at the same time. The advantage of using a large massage pillow is that it will be more comfortable when you massage your lower back, legs, and feet. The disadvantage is that it can be slightly uncomfortable to massage your neck.
Overall, this is one of the best massage pillows you can buy for this price.
Read more: NURSAL 3D Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
A Complete Buying Guide For Neck And Shoulder Massagers
Finding the best neck and shoulder massager might be more difficult than it seems. Nowadays, there are a lot of models available on the market, and all of them seem similar at a first glance. In the following section, we explain what to look for in a shoulder and neck massager, and how to tell the good models from the bad ones.
It’s very important to know what each feature does before deciding on a shoulder and neck massager. The use of these features and their efficiency is all that’s separating the top models from the rest, so you should try to buy models that incorporate most of them.
Massage Techniques
Every neck and shoulder massager uses at least one massage technique. Here’s how different massage techniques help.
Shiatsu
This is one of the most popular massage techniques, and it’s used by most models. When it’s performed by a massage professional, this massage is applied by rolling the palms, fingers, and thumbs over certain pressure points. The massage technique is very effective at promoting muscle relief and relaxation.
Neck and shoulder massagers simulate this massage technique with the help of the massage nodes. The massage nodes rotate around their axis to produce the massage. The nodes are not perfectly aligned, so every time they rotate they hit at a different angle, working a different muscle. When the nodes change their rotation direction, they hit different muscles altogether.
Even though the massage nodes cannot simulate all the complex movements of the human fingers and palms, they will do a great job of providing a comfortable massage that will relieve your muscles.
Kneading Massage
Another popular massage technique that’s used by most models, kneading is one of the most efficient ways of treating tight muscles. The kneading massage is performed by pressing the soft tissues, such as the muscles and skin against the hard surfaces of the bones.
This massage technique is great for treating tight muscles, and it will provide sought-after muscle relief. The technique is also very efficient at increasing your local blood circulation. The increased blood circulation will bring more oxygen to the tissues around your blood vessels, so they will receive more nutrients. This can be very helpful for people who suffer from joint or muscle aches.
The kneading massage can also increase your muscles’ flexibility, which can be very advantageous for people who suffer from stiffs shoulders and neck.
Vibration Massage
The vibration massage is also popular, but it’s wider spread to massage chair pads and massage chairs and used by only a few neck and shoulder massagers. Vibration massage can be used as a relaxation technique. The massage stimulates the blood flow and relaxes the underlying muscles. This will increase your state of relaxation.
The vibration massage can also be used as a pain relief method. Thanks to its muscle relaxation proprieties, the vibration massage will loosen your muscles so your pain will be reduced. This massage technique can also have an invigorating effect. Light vibration will stimulate the blood flow and warm up your muscles, so you will feel better throughout the day.
Heat Therapy
You might be wondering why most neck and shoulders massagers use heat therapy. Well, the short answer is that it’s efficient, but let’s take a look at what this massage therapy actually does.
First of all, the heat warms up your muscles. This effect is similar to what you would experience if you would stretch your muscles before a training session. As your muscles get warmer, their ability to stretch increases and so does their flexibility. This is a very good way to get rid of the knots you might have in your muscles.
Second, the heated massage stimulates your blood circulation. Thanks to the increased blood flow, more blood reaches your muscles. This will increase the amount of oxygen transported to your muscles, and it will also increase the amount of lactic acid the blood will transport away from your muscles. This is very beneficial, as your muscles will feel more relaxed, and you won’t feel them as tight as you did before the massage.
Third, using the heat massage feature can also reduce inflammation and increase your immunity. When your blood circulation is stimulated, the blood that comes in contact with the adjacent tissues is filled with white blood cells. The higher concentration of white blood cells next to tissue will not only reduce any inflammation, but it will also increase your body’s immunity.
Now, you shouldn’t expect heat therapy to work like a miracle. You will not get a lot better after a single heat massage session. That’s not the way therapies work. You should use heat therapy with regularity for at least two weeks before deciding if it’s really good for you or if it isn’t. You should also be aware of the following things when using heat therapy
It’s Normal for The Heat to Be Low
The heat therapy is not designed to scald you. If it does, you most likely own a defective product. The heat therapy is supposed to warm up your muscles as a stretching session would. After a stretching session, your muscles are not burning, they’re just warmed up. This is exactly the feeling you’re supposed to get after the heat therapy.
Heat Therapy Should Be Used With Moderation
Just like every other type of massage, heat therapy should be used in moderation. Otherwise, you actually risk harming your muscles instead of making them better.
The Massager Needs Time to Warm Up
The heating element in the shoulder and neck massager is not the same one you would find in a radiator. This heating element takes time to warm up, so it’s normal not to feel any warmth for the first 5 – 6 minutes after you engage the heat therapy function. If your massage session will end sooner than you want to, and you have to restart the massager, the heating element will warm up quicker.
Power Source
Not all neck and shoulder massagers use the same power source.
Battery Operated Massagers
These massagers use the battery as their primary power source. This is a very good function because it improves the massage pillow’s portability. Neck and shoulder massagers use lithium batteries as power sources. The batteries can sometimes last for up to 3 hours, but most of them will be capable of providing at least 2 hours of use.
The batteries will run out faster when you use more features. The heat therapy function is the highest energy consumer, so you should not use it if you want to preserve battery life. Most manufacturers don’t use changeable batteries for their massagers, so if your battery starts working, you will have to repair the whole unit instead of changing the battery.
Luckily, all the cordless shoulder and neck massagers can be used while they’re charging. You won’t be able to move more than the length of the power cord will allow you to, but at least you will still be able to get a massage.
Electricity Powered Massagers
These massagers don’t have a battery, so you will have to plug them into a power outlet to make them work. Some models have a long power cord, others have a short one. The length of the power cord influences the massager’s portability. Some neck and shoulder massagers are compatible with car adapters. This will allow you to connect the massage cushions to the vehicle’s cigarette lighter for power. This is a helpful feature for people who spend a lot of time in their vehicles, such as people who drive RVs or truckers.
Portability
Well, since they use different power sources, not all massagers have the same portability.
No Portability
Even though it happens only rarely, some models come with short power cords. This can be a disadvantage because every time you want to use the shoulder and neck massager you’ll have to stay near a power outlet. You could use an extension cord to move the massager from one place to another, but that won’t be too comfortable
Limited Portability
These massagers have long power cords, so you will be able to move around as long as you don’t unplug the unit. Some power cords can be as long as 10 feet, so you will have ample space to move around the power outlet. This will also allow you to change the massager’s position without having the power cord interfere with your movements.
Good Portability
Cordless neck and shoulder massage pillows have great portability. Once the device is charged, you can use it anywhere. You can even take the massager with you when you leave the house if you want to.
However, you should know that even though cordless models can be used while they’re charging, the charger’s power cord is usually short. This will make the units have no portability when they’re plugged into an outlet.
Versatility
Even though they’re specially designed to massage your neck and shoulders, these massagers are not limited to these areas of your body. You can actually use them to massage most of your body with good results. Let’s take a look at features that influence the massager’s versatility.
Size
The size of the massager is one of the most important features of its versatility. The size of the unit allows you to move the massage pillow easier, and it also makes the massager fit on different body parts.
- Large units are perfect for people who want o use the massagers on their lower back, hips, thighs, and feet. Their larger surface makes them more suitable for these areas because they will provide better coverage and you will massage more muscles at once.
However, these units are not very good at one of their main purposes. Large units are not very comfortable when you try to massage your neck, especially if you have a slim build. - Medium-sized units are probably the best choice if you’re looking for a highly versatile model. These massagers are slim enough to massage your neck properly, but they’re still large enough to massage your lower back and thighs in a timely manner. Small massagers are probably the best choice for your neck and feet, but they’ll take a long time to massage your whole back.
- Large units are perfect for people who want o use the massagers on their lower back, hips, thighs, and feet. Their larger surface makes them more suitable for these areas because they will provide better coverage and you will massage more muscles at once.
Portability
Portability is also an important factor in the massage pillow’s versatility. Highly portable units are easier to move from one body part to another, so they’re more versatile
Massage Nodes
The number of massage nodes the massager uses and the way they’re distributed influence the unit’s versatility. Massage pillows that use more massage nodes will be better at massaging larger parts of your body, such as the back, hips, and legs. On the other hand, massagers that use fewer massage nodes that are evenly distributed on both sides of the unit’s strip might do a better job at massaging narrow surfaces such as the neck from multiple angles.
Weight
The weight of the massage pillow is also important for versatility. The lighter the pillow is, the easier it will be to move it where you want to and keep it in place until the 10 – 20-minute massage session is over. If a neck and shoulder massager is heavy, you’ll have a difficult time holding it in place for a long time.
Hand Pockets
Neck and shoulder massage pillows come with handles that allow you to keep the massager in the same spot for a long time. However, some models have handles that offer hand pockets, and some don’t. The advantage of having pockets is that you can move your hands while maintaining the unit’s position. This is a great feature, especially if you enjoy using the massager while you work on the computer. The hand pockets come with an additional benefit as well. Some of these models will have a built-in vibration feature in the pockets which will massage your hands and wrists.
Also, check out our foot massager reviews for an even more luxe experience.
Wrap Up
We’re convinced that after reading the comprehensive buying guide we prepared, you know everything you need to make an informed decision on which is the right neck massage machine at the moment.
As you could see from our short product descriptions, finding the best massager for neck and shoulder pain can be quite difficult if you don’t know what to look for. There are many models that look similar, and some of them even use the same type of features.
However, not all of them are the same. They might use similar features, but some of them perform better than others. We’re sure that once you start using one of the top models we presented in our neck and shoulder massager reviews, your pain and aches will gradually disappear.
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