Do you suffer from long term chronic pain in your neck and shoulder or occasional knots and discomfort in your muscles around those areas? You could invest in massages regularly from a local salon or spa from a massage therapist. However, given how busy most of our schedules are, there is not often free time available for professional massages.
Besides, you may not want the hassle or the awkwardness of having a professional massage therapist and would prefer to use a massaging machine. Fortunately, you don’t need to as there are lots of great products you can invest in that target troublesome areas around the neck and shoulders and help improve your blood circulation.
How do you know which is the best of the neck and shoulder massagers available, though? You could sift your way through the many listings on Amazon, or you could look to us to help you out. In the following post that is what we have done for you – put together a shortlist of the 10 best neck and shoulder massagers available to help relieve that muscle tension from your neck and back. You can check them out below and will also find a helpful buyer’s guide that highlights the important features you need to be aware of such as do you want a massager with heat and one with different speed settings?
Table of Contents
Best Neck and Shoulder Massager UK 2020
1. MARNUR Shiatsu Neck Shoulder Massager
First up on our best neck and shoulder massagers, we have this great shiatsu neck and shoulder massager. It has been ergonomically designed to sit comfortably and contour with various parts of the body, not just the back neck and shoulders, but also the valves, abdomen and waist. This means that even if you are looking to use it predominately on your neck and shoulders if you experience discomfort, pain or just need to relax other parts of your body, you can.
8 massage nodes rotate in a very natural manner and change direction after each minute of use to provide realistic simulation and alternative to a physical massage by a professional. There are three different intensity level to choose from, which helps to give you just the right relief and comfort you need to help release neck pain.
In addition to the kneading shiatsu massage it provides, it also offers heat therapy to enhance the results it is capable of producing.
It has been constructed from PU leather and breathable mesh to make it very comfortable to have in place around your neck, over your shoulders or anywhere else you intend on placing it. With a helpful 15-minute timer and the option to plug it into your car charger or use at home, this is a great shiatsu massager.
2. InvoSpa Shiatsu Back Neck and Shoulder Massager With Heat
Next up we have this awesome shiatsu massager for your back, neck and shoulders with heat function therapy option from InvoSpa. Again, this is a model that features 8 different massage nodes, or as they call them balls. There are 4 big ones and 4 small ones, and they offer a deep tissue massage for wherever you place it. Obviously, you will mostly be using it on your back neck and shoulder, but you can use it on your arms, feet, legs, calves and just about anywhere else. Basically, if you have sore muscles or tension you wish to relieve, this can be used.
Also, similarly to the above shiatsu massager, there is a choice of three different speed settings to provide the right level of intensity for neck pain. As it is designed to mimic the expert hands of a masseuse or physical therapist, the nodes have been designed to operate in a b-directional manner. This helps to ensure all problem areas are targeted.
We particularly love the fact that this is a very durable, compact and portable model. You can also connect this product to your mains supply in your home or via your car’s charger on the cigarette lighter. The addition of heat to your massages will provide an extra layer of comfort, while the slots for your hands to sit in enable you to just relax and not worry about anything other than experiencing a realistic massage without leaving your home, car or even the office.
3. Comfort Supplies Neck and Back Shiatsu Massage Pillow with Heat
A slightly different designed product is up next in the form of this neck and shoulder shiatsu massager cushion from Comfort Supplies. It has 4 massage nodes and the option to combine the kneading action of those nodes with some soothing warmth from heat therapy.
Although it doesn’t have quite the same design as the extremely versatile products we’ve just looked at, this can be used to massage other parts of the body too. The addition of an adjustable and practical strap means you can secure it to just about any chair, whether it’s in your home or at the office. Though given its portability, it can be used almost anywhere.
It offers the same bi-directional movement that changes each and every minute, while there is the 15-minute timer which sounds to alert you to how long you’ve been experiencing the massage. This is handy for preventing you from having too much. There is also an overheat protection feature that means it will shut-off automatically before it becomes a fire hazard if you use it for a long period.
Like the others in our guide so far, it can be powered by the mains supply in your home or office and also features an in-car power adaptor, making it perfect for relaxing breaks on those long car journeys.
4. Mo Cuishle Shiatsu Neck, Back Massager Pillow With Heat
This is another pillow-style neck and shoulder electric massager that also offers heat therapy. Also, similarly, it only features 4 massage nodes, due to its size, but given the fact they operate bidirectionally, both clockwise and anti-clockwise, no muscles or sections of muscles are missed out wherever this is placed.
It can be placed just about anywhere, so even when you have finished working on those aching and uncomfortable shoulder and neck muscles, you can move onto other areas too, which may mean you don’t need to invest in separate gadgets. You can just use this for everything and everywhere.
This pillow, like the above, is also fitted with handy straps which allow you to secure it in place so you don’t need to keep adjusting it and can just relax and enjoy that beautiful and deep kneading sensation produced by its nodes. We love the fact you can actually adjust the direction of the noses manually and the addition of heat function to a massage experience is always welcome, in our humble opinion.
5. Hangsun Handheld Back and Neck Massager
From the popular manufacturer, we have a slightly different designed massager next, in the form of this handheld model. It has been designed to provide a deep tissue massage and features a dual-head design to make sure no part is missed out.
We particularly love the versatility you get with this product. Not only is there a variable speed control, but it also comes with changeable heads for different massage experiences. Although it is a relatively compact and small design, it is very lightweight, making it easy to manoeuvre to all the parts of your body you need. Its powerful motor can produce an impressive 3,500 pules every minute and the fact it features a 98-inch power cord means you can still comfortably sit or stand while using it, despite the fact it’s not wireless.
6. HoMedics ShiatsuMax 2.0 – Electric Heated Shiatsu Back, Shoulder, And Upper Legs Massager
Next, we have yet another style of back massager. This time it comes in the form of an adjustable back cushion with headrest and almost resembles part of a seat. HoMedics are one of the country’s leading manufacturers of at-home massage products and their expertise shines through in this particular model. From a purely aesthetic point of view, it is a very good-looking piece of equipment with plush materials and a sophisticated grey finish. This means it will not look to conspicuous in your home or office.
As we all have differing needs, HoMedics have ensured their back and neck massager can cover as many of them as possible by making it highly adjustable and customisable. There is a wide range of 14 different programs and the backrest and headrest can be adjusted to fit your body size best and will attach reasonably easy to just about any chair. You just slip the strap over the back and tighten appropriately and it should help relieve those tight muscles
As if that wasn’t enough, did we mention that this also provides heat alongside the soothing movements of its nodes and massage programs? We’re quite sure you’ll be in bliss within minutes of switching this beauty on. What’s more, it has a remote control that means you can just sit back and relax, while selecting the different options without moving a muscle.
7. Viktor Jurgen Handheld Double Head Massager
Another deep tissue, double-headed back, shoulder and neck massager, next. This time it’s a model produced by the company called Viktor Jurgen, whom you may have heard of. Similarly, to the other model, this also features three different interchangeable heads for different massage experiences and has been designed ergonomically so you will not feel fatigued after using it and to prevent it slipping from your hand mid-massage.
It is reported by the manufacturer that it can produce a maximum of 3,350 pules every minute, which is soothingly impressive and the speed selection allows you to manage its power and intensity to give each aching and uncomfortable part of your body and muscles the massage they need.
8. Naipo Cordless Handheld Massager
Yet another handheld massager. This time the brand behind it, Naipo, have gone one better than their competitors and created a cordless alternative. It is powered by a rechargeable battery which means you can use it non-stop for 1.5 hours at a time between charges. It offers a percussive, knocking and tapping style massage that can be used to target important acupuncture points around your body for pain relief in your bones and muscles.
Like the other models we’ve discussed this comes with different attachments, and also features 5 different massage modes and 5-speed selections. This means you can have the most intense or light and breezy massage experience you desire.
Did we note that as it’s only 800g in weight, it very easy to use, even for a full hour and a half?
9. HoMedics Shiatsu Massage Pillow, All-Purpose Deep Kneading Cushion
We’re back with HoMedics for the penultimate neck and shoulder massager in our guide. This is another pillow option that has been designed to provide a high-quality shiatsu-style massage. It has a very compact and lightweight design, but make no mistake, it still provides a powerful and effective massage where you need it most.
Like other massage pillows we’ve featured, this also comes with remote control, meaning once you have it in the right position and you are comfortable you can just sit back or lie back and let the pillow do the rest. Select different speed options and directions at the touch of a button to make sure you reach all those knots and painful spots.
10. Renpho Handheld Deep Tissue Massager
The last neck, shoulder and back massager we want to look at is this affordable and lightweight option from Renpho. This is another great portable and lightweight model that is not tethered to a mains cable as it is rechargeable and cordless. With a full charge, you get a little more than the other cordless model in our list, at 140 minutes’ worth of use. Which is worth noting, if you like to have an extended massage to help with your shoulder pain and neck pain.
It also comes with 5 different changeable heads to give you a choice of massages to really get in and sort out those knots and pains. We really think this is one of the best values for money items in our guide.
Best Neck and Shoulder Massager UK – Buyer’s Guide
Although we have tried to give you a great selection of products to choose from, your search for the perfect neck and shoulder massager might still prove to be difficult and a little overwhelming. Most seem very similar, especially at first glance. That is why, to help you out further, we have put together this practical buyer’s guide that will help you differentiate between the models featured above better and find the right electric massager for you.
Features that are Important
When trying to decide on the neck and shoulder massager that is best for you, you need to look at the features of each and need to know what are the most important and why.
Massage Technique
You will find that although all neck and shoulder massagers are designed for the same purpose, they all do it differently. There are several massage techniques you need to be aware of, therefore, including:
Vibration Massage
This is a popular form of massage that is offered by some neck and shoulder massagers. It as it sounds, light to medium to strong vibrations, depending on the model you invest in, provide relaxation and, to some degree, pain relief for sore and uncomfortable muscles and joints. This type of massage can also help to stimulate the flow of blood, which further assists in providing your aching muscles with comfort.
Kneading Massage
This is another popular option and unlike the above, this is featured in the vast majority of neck and shoulder massagers. It is ideal for treating muscles that feel tight and restricted. Like a massage from a therapist, massagers that offer this technique mimic their actions by pressing your soft tissues, like your skin and muscles into your bones. This method can also help stimulate better blood flow, enabling more oxygen to be delivered to the tissues that need it.
Shiatsu massage
This is by far one of the most popular forms of massage found in neck and shoulder massagers. When therapists perform this effective and glorious technique, they use their thumbs, fingers and palms and roll them over specific pressure points. Relaxing and relieving, it is a good choice for a wide variety of aches, pains and issues. Shiatsu Neck and shoulder massagers are equipped with special nodes that rotate around their own axis over problem areas. As they are not precisely aligned, they hit different angles with each rotation, which means they massage different parts of the muscle every time.
Obviously, they are not really a perfect alternative to human hands, but the nodes in some of the most sophisticated models are ideal when you can’t afford or don’t have time to arrange for a professional massage.
Size
The size of massagers available is something you should consider as it will not only determine how comfortable it is for you to use but also will determine the areas of your neck and shoulders you can target most effectively.
Versatility
Following on from the above, versatility is something you should consider. Sure, you are predominately looking for a massager that will provide relief and relaxation to your neck and shoulder. Most models can be used in other parts of your body too. Rather than investing in a variety of different massage tools and products, you could just find the neck and shoulder model that is versatile enough to use elsewhere too.
Heat Therapy
Why do neck and shoulder massagers often utilise heat therapy? Well, a massager with heat produced helps to provide your muscles with warmth, in a similar way to stretching before a workout. As they warm up, the easier it is to move them around.
Furthermore, heat also helps with the circulation of your blood. Where possible, if you can buy a neck and shoulder massager that offers heat therapy along with any other features, you should.
Power Source
The power source is also very important to consider as it will determine how versatile and portable your neck and shoulder massager can be if that is indeed required. For example, there are battery-powered, wireless models that have the specific benefit of not being tethered to a mains adaptor and requiring a constant connection to a plug socket. The downside is that these models have a specific operating time. As this can be anything from half an hour to 2 hours, it may not be the best choice if you are expecting to enjoy a much longer and drawn out massage experience.
Electrically powered neck and shoulder massagers, on the other hand, do not have the same issue of running out of charge. Which is perfect on those days when you just want to chill out and work through each and every cycle and massage style offered by a device. However, the downside, as you have already guessed, is they are not portable, and you need to have easy access a plug socket you can reach. Its always worth checking if they work with your car charger and that it comes with a car adapter.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of great neck and shoulder massagers available. We hope with our guide, you will easily find the model that’s right for you and you can say goodbye to that shoulder pain once and for all. Whether it’s a handheld model, a backrest or pillow or one of the other options. While your choice will be mostly down to personal taste and preference, we feel strongly that any of the above would be ideal! We think you should also pick a massager with heat options.
