Every product is independently selected by obsessive editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission. I use some type of massager I prefer massage guns at least a few times a week to help with general soreness and for injury prevention. Meera Watts, founder and CEO of Siddhi Yoga, says that a good electric massager will relax your tense muscles and provide immediate comfort, and it may also keep you from developing future strains since tense or injured muscles often create a feedback loop of awkward postures and overcompensation in other areas.
But not all electric back massagers are created equal. As with any other piece of technology or medical device, you should look for a high-quality product that you can use often and will last for a very long time. He also cautions that improper use and overuse especially with percussive massagers can lead to injuries, including bruising and nerve damage. But if you need a bit more guidance, read on for all of our electric back massager recommendations.
Update on January 15, Updated prices and checked stock for all products. Electric back massagers come in a bunch of different styles and configurations — including pillow-shaped Shiatsu massagers, percussive massage guns, scarflike Shiatsu massagers that drape around your neck and shoulders, long-handled wand-style massagers, and massage chair covers that work all areas of the back, neck, and shoulders.
Massage guns use high-percussive force to access deep knots and tension in your muscles just like a massage therapist would do with deep-tissue massage. According to Jakob Roze, founder and CEO of RozeFit , this makes them very effective at relieving intense stiffness in the back muscles, but using them requires knowledge and care to avoid injury — as well as a lot of flexibility, long arms, or a second person to help you reach certain areas. Wand-style back massagers typically have long ergonomic handles that help you reach your own lower or upper back easily.
Most wands use percussive force to relieve deep muscle tension. Most massage guns and wands will come with different attachments and should offer multiple speeds or intensities the faster the speed, the more intense it will feel.
