Many people have neck and shoulder pains. This could be from bad posture, when sitting at one place for a long period of time, or from health issues like arthritis. Here we will establish the best neck and shoulder massager which can lessen your aches and pains and be portable so you can use it anywhere. It is best to acknowledge the type of ache you may have so that it can be treated accordingly with the best massager to provide the best experience and results.
Table of Contents
Types of Massage Machines
There are two main types of neck massager machines: Shiatsu and Percussion. They both work in different ways and provide different benefits. So you should choose the right type which will help soothe your neck pain.
- Shiatsu Massage Machines
This machine uses kneading to work the muscles from all angles thus massaging tissues and dramatically improving flexibility and tone. It has rotating balls which compress, decompress and knead the neck, shoulder and back muscles. They can easily be operated whilst sitting, which is a bonus.
Shiatsu massages can feel pretty intense the first few times you have one. If your Shiatsu massage feels too intense then you can pad it out with a towel or blanket.
- Percussion Massage Sticks
A powerful vibration is used in massage sticks or guns which use the method of percussion to provide a targeted deep tissue massage. These offer the optimum treatment for sore spots, muscle injuries or knots and areas of tightness. Massage sticks are more targeted than Shiatsu massage machines and are predominantly useful in sports therapy.
How to choose the Best Neck & Shoulder Massager?
When choosing a good neck and shoulder massager it is best to look for how portable the machine is. This is key if you want to take it with you on long journeys. You may also want to decide between battery-powered massagers which are easier to carry for long journeys, or for just home use, you can get a plug-in.
Furthermore, look for heating and cooling therapies. For issues that are just below the surface, it is best to look for a cooling remedy, however, for deeper tissues like neck pain, it is advised to get a heating remedy. If you have a sports-related injury, you ought to use a heating massager but only after a few days.
Another aspect of finding the right neck massager for you is the ease of usability of the product. You do not want a massager that radiates to the skull causing headaches, so you may want to avoid percussive massagers. If you cannot have things draped over your shoulders, wrap-around Shiatsu massagers are not the right ones for you. So you want to find something that is very gentle and does not cause strain if you have a sensitive neck and shoulder.
Our expert's choice for the Best Neck Massager in 2021
The following products are considered the best neck and shoulder massagers. The variety of massager types is shown through the following products.
![[Upgraded] Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Back Massager with Heat Vibration Function](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Zdhdf2WVL._SL160_.jpg)
Comfort Supplies Back and Neck Massager Shiatsu Massage Pillow with Heat
£37.99 in stock
This Shiatsu neck massager can be used on your back and neck. It only uses an infrared heating method so is able to get deep tissues. It can be used anywhere, from your bed to even the office. It can also be used on nearly all body parts so has multiple functionalities.
✅ Compact
✅ Has an auto-shut off feature after 15 minutes
✅ Quick pain relief
❌ Not battery powered
❌ Overuse can cause soreness
❌ Takes time to get used to it
![[Upgraded] Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Back Massager with Heat Vibration Function](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Zdhdf2WVL._SL500_.jpg)
[Upgraded] Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Back Massager with Heat Vibration Function
1 used from £31.11
For a neck and shoulder massager that uses heat and vibration, this product is effective. It claims to be useful for the neck and shoulders, but it can be used on most body parts. This is also a Shiatsu massager from ATMOKO and is highly recommended.
✅ Can be used nearly on all body parts
✅ Good quality
✅ Lightweight
✅ 3 adjustable speeds
❌ Takes time to get used to
❌ Quite intense
❌ Bulky
iKristin Back Neck Massager,Shiatsu Massage Pillow with Heat
£36.99 in stock
Another shiatsu massager is the back and neck massager by iKristin. It can also be used for other parts of the body. It has 4 deep kneading nodes and optional heat settings to give a deep-tissue warming massage for particularly sore muscles and joints.
✅ Portable
✅ Soft and easy to clean
✅ 4 selectable modes
❌ Intense
❌ Not battery powered
Nekteck Back Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat
£30.59 in stock
For a different colour, this Nekteck massager gives an elegant look whilst still giving the quality massage you need. It can be turned off manually or using the auto-off switch after 15 minutes which is provided for safety purposes. Included are an accessible control panel that allows you to change the direction of the massage, activate heating, control the speed and turn it on/off.
✅ Portable and lightweight
✅ Customisable rotation
✅ Very soothing
❌ Cannot walk around with it
❌ Intense Shiatsu massage takes time to get used to
❌ Does not fit smaller sized necks well
Neck Massager with Heat, Shiatsu Shoulder Massager
If you are looking for a cordless massager with eccentric colours then this product is perfect. With 8 deep-tissue kneading nodes, this massager targets the affected areas easily. Warmness and gentle heat for improving blood circulation all the while relieving you of cramps, aches, and pains, this comfortable massager can be used anywhere.
✅ Includes speed settings
✅ Auto shut-off after 15 minutes
✅ Comes with AC adaptor for use in cars
❌ Cannot be used when laying in bed
❌ Big and bulky
❌ Cannot maneuver with the product on
RENPHO Back Massager with Heat, Ultra Slim Shiatsu Lower Back Neck Massage Pillow
£29.99 in stock
This ultra-slim shiatsu massager by RENPHO is thinner than most massagers so is not too heavy. You can wear this as it has a velcro strap, which makes it easier for you to use while you are sitting down so that it does not slide. You can choose which direction you want the massager to get the perfect kneading motion and choose up to 3 different speeds.
✅ Choice of using with or without heat
✅ Deep kneading
✅ Cover included so is durable
❌ Cannot maneuver with it
❌ May cause bruising initially
❌ Can easily disconnect the power when moving it to another part of your body so it is a lot of hassle.
Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager with Heat
£33.98 in stock
This product replicates a real hand shiatsu massage so is good for if you suffer from neck and shoulder pains. It’s 8 bi-directional rotating massage heads are useful for better distribution of a good massage. By having an adjustable and portable massager you can have the luxury of taking it with you wherever you want.
✅ Skin-friendly material
✅ Safe and easy to use
✅ Overheating protection
❌ Not suitable for everyone
❌ Must keep it in charge while wearing it
❌ Bulky and not very flexible
Hangsun Handheld Neck Back Massager MG400 Deep Tissue Percussion Massage
£27.99 in stock
1 used from £24.83
Handheld massagers are very compact and easy to store. This Hangsun massager uses the percussion technique for getting deep tissues and sore spots. It can be used for sports injuries and can also be used on the head. While offering multiple speeds, it means this massager gives extensive support for pain relief by accommodating to your body. However, since it is handheld, the massager will mean that your arms might ache while holding it upright as there is no support.
✅ More targeted at sore spots
✅ Wide range speed control
✅ Easy to use
❌ Loud vibrations
❌ Heavy to handle
❌ Has to be plugged in for use
RENPHO Back Neck Massager with Heat, Shiatsu Shoulder Massager
£33.99 in stock
This shiatsu massager by RENPHO is good for deep tissue kneading. It is equipped with 8 massage heads that can give relief to your body. Additionally, it has a soothing heat and 3 intensity levels of speed. The sleeves are there so that you can put your arms through and get maximum pressure. The massager is convenient to use as it allows different people to adjust the position according to their needs.
✅ Includes car adaptor
✅ Gives deep tissue relief
✅ Portable and lightweight
❌ Not flexible
❌ Expensive
How Long Should You Use a Neck Massager?
It is best not to use a neck massager for too long. It has to be understood that it is very easy to create nerve damage from excessive use so it is recommended to hold the massager for no longer than a minute at a time. Overall a doctor has advised to not use the massager for longer than 20 minutes.
Benefits of using a Massager
Massage machines bring great benefits of a massage for you. Most massagers are easy to use and are considerably safe. Often, you do not know how stiff and sore your muscles are until you get a massage. There are many benefits for a massager which are going to be discussed.
Improve Circulation
Massage machines improve tissue circulation and improve blood flow to the affected muscles. This helps rehabilitate muscles by encouraging a fresh supply of nutrients to the affected area.
Relieve Tightness
Muscles tighten up when left unattended. Especially people with bad posture, when seated for long periods of time, are likely to get stiffened muscles. So massage machines help stimulate the muscles to loosen them and relieve tightness.
Relax The Body
Massages are considered to be both physically and psychologically relaxing. Massage machines help you relax and unwind after a stressful day, all without the cost or hassle of a real massage.
Tighten Skin and Muscle Tone
massages can tighten the skin and muscles, improving tone and structure by promoting fresh blood and nutrients to a specific area.
Which is the Best Neck & Shoulder Massager in the UK - Expert’s pick
The best neck and shoulder massager is the RENPHO shiatsu massager. It features good heat therapy and is temperature controlled. Applying heat through the massager for deep-heat massage therapy is an excellent feature that adds value to this Shiatsu massager.The device is equipped with overheat protection and will automatically power off after 15 minutes of use. It is a versatile device where it can be used nearly anywhere on the body.
8 massage heads are important in that they help evenly distribute the massage relief around the specific areas. Whilst kneading gently, they also rotate, compress and decompress against the muscles to mirror the shiatsu massage style.
The sleeves are an extra feature that give you that extra comfort that you want. You can insert pressure according to your own needs using your hands while the speed controls are in motion. In addition it can be used in cars, although not while driving, as it has a car adaptor and it is lightweight so it is not harsh on the neck or shoulders.
This is a good product to get as it is made from good quality material, and although it is expensive, it gives a good quality massage that you can take anywhere with you instead of going to a spa.
Summing up
Neck massagers make a big difference in your lifestyle, especially when you suffer from aches and pains. To make the most of a massager you require the best-suited massager for your problem. Portable and lightweight massagers are ideal, for they do not put too much strain on you. The other main things this article has highlighted that you need to look out for are the ease of using the massager and the use of heating or cooling therapies. Heating and cooling therapies provide you with the option of giving more direct pain relief rather than using hot or cold packs. This is also a cheaper method than going to the spa so you can have the massager for long-term use.
