When your back pain can no longer be tolerated, you finally decide to buy a massager to always have at hand. But it turns out that more than 2,000 products from different manufacturers and of varying quality are sold on the Internet. How not to get confused? What to choose: manual or roller for a chair? What is the best way to relax cramped muscles?
Which one is more suitable for osteochondrosis, and which one for neuralgia? We have selected the TOP 11 best massagers and will tell you about the main types and what they are suitable for. Let's start with the simplest and cheapest, gradually moving in our TOP 11 to the most expensive models.
Massagers are used all over the world and in all cultures, but they gained real popularity at the beginning of the 21st century, when hard work caused neuralgia, diseases of the joints and spine in millions of people.
They are used as additional and replacement therapy in treatment programs for athletes, office workers, drivers, doctors, and in rehabilitation medicine. Their use does not require special skills or the participation of another person.
Classic massage has 4 main techniques: stroking, rubbing, kneading and relaxing vibrations. If vibrations help relieve tension in spasmodic muscles, then kneading allows you to work the muscles deeply and increase blood circulation.
- If you want to massage your entire back , a chair cover with shiatsu rollers is the best option for this. It covers the entire back area. But we want to immediately warn you about the different pain thresholds, everything is too individual; for some, the movements of the shiatsu balls may seem too rough.
- Hand-held electric massagers with massaging heads are suitable for tense and spasmodic muscles. They will help relieve fatigue after playing sports or sitting incorrectly at the computer. You yourself massage those muscles that require deeper work.
- If your problem is concentrated in the upper part (collar area, neck, shoulders) , you just need to purchase a roller massager with straps.
- vibration capes are more suitable for drivers . But many buyers are dissatisfied with the weakness of vibrations. Therefore, at home or in the office, you can buy an expensive and powerful massage chair cover with 8 Shatzu rollers for a deep and intense massage of the back and neck.
- Pulse massagers and muscle stimulators stand separately Technically, these are not massagers, but electrical stimulation devices. There are two types of electrical stimulation; the devices can be TENS and EMS separately, or combine both.
TENS (Pulse massager) - transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation - the essence of the method is the irritation of superficial nerves with current - the method is clinically tested and effective. Well relieves chronic pain of a musculoskeletal nature (osteochondrosis, intercostal neuralgia, post-traumatic neuralgia).
EMS (Myostimulator) - neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The method increases muscle tone in extremely untrained and paralyzed people. Also useful in recovery after a stroke.
A muscle myostimulator is suitable for sick people, for recovery after a stroke or a long-term illness (spinal fracture when a person lay motionless for several months), when the muscles are so atrophied that light electrical stimulation is enough to restore them. But these devices are often positioned as a means for losing weight and pumping up muscles. For pumping up muscles in healthy people or for losing weight, these devices are USELESS!
Home back massagers can significantly save time, money and effort on visiting a massage therapist. Despite all these benefits, it is worth visiting your doctor and consulting with him.
Experts do not recommend using a home back massager for some patients with different diagnoses. The most common contraindications for products in this category are:
- Any chronic diseases, especially during exacerbation;
- Open wounds and inflammatory processes at the sites of application;
- Acute stage of hypertension;
- Malignant formations;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Tendency to bleeding or presence thereof;
- Aneurysm of the aorta of the heart;
- Body temperature 37.0;
- Pulmonary failure;
- Skin problems in the back area - rashes, peeling;
- Hypertensive crisis;
- If the nervous system is excited;
- Problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic diseases.
It is also worth remembering that massagers for home use are not recommended for children under 14 years of age.
On critical days, during pregnancy and lactation, you should also avoid such procedures. Massage may simply cause the bleeding to open or increase.
If you really want to relax at home using your massager, you should visit a doctor and get examined. Quite often, after receiving the results, specialists allow massage sessions, but at the same time give their recommendations.
TOP 11 massagers for back and body
We have selected 11 different options for different people and occasions: manual, when you choose the massage areas yourself; a pulse massager and myostimulator for electrical muscle stimulation, rollers for deep muscle work, a vibration massage cape for a driver’s chair and a cape with shiatsu rollers and heating, which you can throw on an office chair and completely relax, trusting an electronic massage therapist who will do everything for you . We’ll start with the simplest and cheapest manual stick massager.
The cheapest and simplest body massager - Spider
The Spider massager is a monolithic plastic solution of a special shape consisting of a polymer handle and 4 round massage heads of special placement. This design allows you to perform a useful and competent massage of various types of all parts of the body, namely: acupressure stimulation, classic massage, anti-cellulite massage to combat fat, sports massage to prepare muscles for physical activity, relaxing self-massage, massage for osteochondrosis to relieve spinal pain and etc.
Review from a real buyer Interesting idea. I liked it because it is very cheap, and at the same time brings benefits. My back hurts after playing tennis, so I use it periodically.
Price: ₽ 190
Automotive
The car model will serve as a salvation for the backs of drivers, including truckers. A universal massager of this type has a special roller, infrared heating and other design features that will make your body feel great. A huge assortment and different types of equipment will make your back massage an affordable pleasure.
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There are models with an autonomous heating mode for various areas of the back, individual settings for force or roller effects on certain muscle groups or active points. This device works like a shiatsu massager. A model that can be connected to a car cigarette lighter for operation will be very convenient. Then you will not need additional accessories for the massager.
Chair back massagers
Here we have chosen 2 massagers, the first is vibration, the second is with shiatsu rollers. If you are a driver, then a vibration massage will be more suitable for you (but be careful not to doze off, because a vibration massage is relaxing). Shiatsu balls on the driver's seat are uncomfortable. Imagine that they will constantly rest on your lower back, and if you are going on a long trip, you will get more tired of it than enjoy it. But at home you can completely relax and get a deep massage.
You get a massage with rollers with the full feeling that the hard, merciless (yes, yes, merciless, because many buyers say that such a massage is too strong) fingers of the masseur are passing over your back and, of course, the massage is accompanied by soothing heat for tense muscles.
Massage cape with heating and vibration KMD 019J
The KMD cape comprehensively solves problems with pain in the back muscles and spine, neuralgia, cramps, and arthritic pain in large joints. Massaging the back of the thighs accelerates blood circulation in the legs, which is extremely necessary for people leading a sedentary lifestyle. Ten vibration zones over the entire surface provide a uniform massage, even while driving a car. There are no rollers here, this cushion is designed for relaxation, relaxation and soothing of tired back muscles. Its purpose is to relax the driver's muscles on a long or tiring trip.
However, many buyers, judging by the reviews, would prefer to see built-in shiatsu rollers complete with vibration elements. But the engineering solution is dictated by common sense: prolonged exposure to non-working rollers on the back muscles will create discomfort. This massage cap is suitable for those who have a high pain threshold and experience pain or discomfort from a massage with shiatsu balls. In the category of massage covers without shiatsu elements, this is definitely the most functional option.
Review from a real buyer I’ve been using it for two weeks now, it seems to me that the massager is a little weak, it could be made stronger, but overall it’s not even good.
Price: ₽ 1995
Vibromassage cape with neck rollers and IR heating Neck and Back Massage Cushion FitStidio
Suitable for people of different heights - from 150 to 185 cm: two upper shiatsu massage units built into the headrest will provide you with the desired quality of massage if you adjust the cover to your size. It is especially recommended for people with a height of 165 cm and below, for whom it is usually difficult to choose a back massager so that the headrest balls fall on the neck muscles. Two vibration sources with three intensity levels are built into the seat, and four shiatsu nodes, each with two balls, move along a complex path in the lower back, which gives the effect of a deep 3D massage.
Price: ₽ 5900
Choosing a manual electric massager
We chose 3 similar in appearance, but still different electric hand massagers. Unlike shiatsu, here the massage head does not rotate, but moves up and down, like a jackhammer. That's why in English they are called percussion massagers - drums.
Jade massager – Zenet ZET-711
Two features make it stand out from a number of similar products: two massaging heads and infrared heat. Less massive than WAHL, but, in general, the product is identical - when choosing, the presence of a heating mode will most likely decide the matter. Used for delicate massage.
Price: ₽ 3490 on Meleon.ru
Electric massager CS Medica CS-v1
A nice electric massager in a durable and comfortable white plastic case. Designed to perform acupressure, mechanical and vibration massage. Relieves tension in muscles, kneads tissues, improves blood flow. Using the long handle, you can massage your back yourself without outside help. The power can be adjusted in four levels, and the performance is quite enough to properly stretch even powerful muscles.
Some people think that the device is a bit heavy, but this is a completely natural price to pay for high power and reliability. You will have to pay around 2,700 rubles for the massager.
Price: ₽ 1,810
Review of the best massage capes
When choosing suitable massage capes for yourself, you must first understand what exactly the device should be like. The market offers a variety of options from well-known manufacturers, which differ in form, functionality, control method and other features. Let's look at the most popular options among users.
Electric back and neck massagers
OTO Back Snuggle BS-56
The cape is produced in Singapore, which already speaks of its quality and reliability. The product is easily adjustable in height, which allows for the most effective grip of the shoulders, neck and back. With its help you can perform the following types of massage:
- Rubbing.
- Roller.
- Vibrating.
- Air compression.
- Shiatsu.
OTO Back Snuggle BS-56
Built-in massage programs will allow you not to control the process and just relax. The strengths of the device include the ability to select manual settings, as well as a wide variety of massage procedures. The cape is often used not only at home, but also in the car. But there are also some disadvantages, for example, a fairly rigid design and the inability to fully unfold for use in a horizontal position.
Ogawa estiloPrime OZ0968
The big advantage of the presented design is the small thickness of the backrest and low weight (only 7 kg). All this goes well with excellent functionality. With this device you can perform almost any type of massage. Among the advantages are:
- Maximum capture of key areas for high-quality development.
- 5 massage techniques.
- 3 automatic programs.
- Maximum user weight is 110 kg.
Among the disadvantages, users note only the high cost, but it is justified by the high quality and reliability of operation. It is difficult to find worthy analogues for the cape on the market.
Hansun HS612
The cape is made in South Korea and is distinguished by functionality, ergonomics and reliability. Users note ease of use and control even at an intuitive level. With its help you can perform the following types of massage:
- Rubbing.
- Roller.
- Vibrating.
- Air compression.
- Shiatsu.
The device perfectly works the back, shoulders, lower back and buttocks. The presence of a heating function is a great advantage, as it makes it possible to select the treatment zone manually. Another advantage is the user-friendly design and adapter for car use.
Gess Body Care
The cape stands out on the market among other massage devices due to its unusual design
It attracts the attention of users with its brightness. Interesting lighting is not the only advantage
In addition, the device is perfectly adjustable in height, works well on the neck, arms, and back, and has 3 intensity modes.
The product is sold together with an adapter that allows the cover to be used in a car. But among the disadvantages, users note a small number of massage options, namely the ability to perform only roller and vibration effects.
Massage capes are purchased based on the tasks assigned to them, then they will be convenient to use and will last for decades, without losing the quality of the effect. Universal massagers are usually not suitable for everyone, so before purchasing, you should familiarize yourself with the capabilities of the product, its strengths and weaknesses.
New Five Star FS8812
Choosing a roller massager for the neck and back
If the problem is local - the neck or lower back, then a small roller massager may be enough for you. You can take such a massage pillow in your hand and apply it to a sore spot (neck, knee) or place it under your lower back in the car on the way home. The second option, where long loop handles are sewn to the massage unit, is needed for working with large surfaces: the back, shoulders, buttocks, hips. Movement of the straps up and down, left and right and diagonally allows you to almost completely replace a real, live massage therapist.
PLANTA massage pillow MP-018
This small Shiatsu massage pillow is not only suitable for the neck: it can be used to stretch your ankles, knees, and elbows. In the end, you can just put it under your lower back. The massager is housed in a compact body and takes up very little space at home or in the car. At the same time, it provides a full acupressure using 4 shiatsu knots and muscle relaxation using heat. The device is perfect for use in the office or in the car, since in a 20-minute session it can relieve tension in the most vulnerable areas during sedentary work.
The asking price is 2,700 rubles, and it certainly doesn’t seem excessive.
Price: ₽ 2,690
Hand massager “Dolphin”
WAHL with five attachments on a long handle is a quick help for tension or pain: a flat large disc kneads large muscles, a four-finger attachment imitates a manual massage, the accu-point is well suited for concentrated massage of small areas, and also if the pain point is deep in the tissues , a simple round attachment is designed for a general relaxing massage. A good option for the whole family.
Review from a real buyer I bought this for my mother-in-law, now she can’t get enough of it. She says that it helps with her pain + massages her pleasantly. In general, I'm her favorite now)
Price for BERU: 1055
Price: ₽ 1290
CS Medica massage pillow CS-cr5
Compact shiatsu massage pillow with heating. It is intended primarily for massaging the back and lower back, but is also suitable for the legs, feet and shoulders. Supplied with a power adapter for 220 volt household power and for use in a car. The textile cover can be removed and washed separately. There are three operating modes. One massage session lasts a quarter of an hour.
This little girl, of course, will not replace a professional massage therapist. But at a price of 3,000 rubles, it will help you relax thoroughly after a hard day at work.
Price: RUB 3,221
Wooden belt massager – 11 links
Consisting of a nylon rope, wooden drums (11 links) and a plastic handle, the band massager is designed to relax the whole body. With this inexpensive device you can get rid of cellulite and fat deposits. It is very easy to use and does not require special skills or the help of a third party.
You can massage yourself by holding both handles on both sides. A fairly large tape allows you to easily reach any part of the body - lower back, neck, hips. As you move your arms, the drums roll, dispersing the blood and providing a massage.
Price: ₽ 190
What to look for when purchasing
Before purchasing a massage device, you need to decide on the purpose, indications (if any), time possibilities for sessions and budget. The most convenient way to get acquainted with the price category and customer reviews is through the Internet: there are many online stores and thematic forums with detailed descriptions of models, their pros and cons. There you can also find a rating of popular models of devices for home back massage and compare the devices you like. This is a convenient feature that saves the buyer time.
When choosing a massager, you need to pay attention to convenience and ease of use. The device should be understandable; if it is electric, it should have a remote control or display, a long and comfortable handle. Another important detail is safety. All surfaces must be smooth and even, electrical wires and parts must be securely insulated. If the choice fell on a needle model, it is worth checking that all needles are evenly sharp.
When purchasing a hand-held electric massager, it is better to give preference to a device that can be used to massage the legs, arms, abdomen and face.
The price of a universal massager is slightly higher, and its set includes attachments for the face, feet, head and back. An additional effect from such a device will be smoothing out wrinkles and improving the condition of hair and skin.
If you are choosing a car cover, it is better to consider heated models. This small option will come in handy during the cold season and will protect you from the development of many diseases. When choosing covers for your home, you should carefully consider the mechanism of attachment to the chair.
A back massager is a convenient and necessary device for those who care about their health and want to keep their muscles and spine in good condition. Depending on the model, the device can perform classic and general back massage, and can be used for the shoulders and neck, lower back and even buttocks. The therapeutic effect is achieved by influencing the skin and nerve endings through which impulses enter the brain. Responses come in the form of vasodilation, activation of lymph flow, removal of toxins from the body and improvement of regeneration processes. Regular use of a massager will not only reduce pain syndromes and restore mobility to the back, but will also strengthen the immune system and cope with headaches and insomnia.
Myostimulators
A flat stomach or sculpted abdominal muscles is the dream of every person who actively monitors their physical condition. Due to lack of time, many do not have time to regularly visit the gym, so the Bradex AV-Tronic myostimulator can be an effective replacement. An analogue of this device is the Ommassage Y1018 massager, which performs the same functions, but looks different. The presented device works on the principle of electronic muscle stimulation using vibration, which allows you to build muscle mass and fight excess fat without excessive effort. The myostimulator is controlled thanks to a small panel located in the front of the simulator.
EMS (Myostimulator) - neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The method increases muscle tone in extremely untrained and paralyzed people. Also useful in recovery after a stroke. A muscle myostimulator is suitable for sick people, for recovery after a stroke or a long-term illness (spinal fracture when a person lay motionless for several months), when the muscles are so atrophied that light electrical stimulation is enough to restore them. But these devices are often positioned as a means for losing weight and pumping up muscles.
Myostimulator Ommassage Y1018: ₽ 930
Myostimulator Bradex: RUB 3241
