Whether you have chronic back issues or just suffer from occasional aches and pains (especially after overdoing it at the gym), back pain or soreness can make it difficult for you to complete your normal daily activities. Electric back massagers can be an effective tool that can help reduce tension and tightness in the back (and other areas), so these devices have become increasingly popular. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Types of Electric Back Massagers
The most common types of electric back massagers are chair covers/pads, mats, pillows and handheld massage guns. They each have pros and cons, but it mostly boils down to personal preference and how portable or versatile you need the massager to be. “Hand massage guns are all the rage these days and perfect for legs, shoulders and elbows,” says Dr. Todd Sinett, chiropractor, owner of TruWholeCare and inventor of the Backbridge, adding that they are “excellent for the back as well, but you will need a partner or friend to help with troubleshooting.” When shopping for massage guns, “look for units that are mid-range in price, manufactured by reputable brands, as lightweight as you can find, and have a variety of massage head attachments for different uses and body parts,” says Helen M. Ryan, certified personal trainer and host of the Walking & Talking with Helen podcast. “Most percussion massagers are rechargeable, so they are essentially wireless.” Ryan says her daughter has fibromyalgia and finds that using a massage gun with a flat and wide attachment helps also helps relieve the pain in her legs. Massage chair pads are also a popular option. “They help relieve back pain and neck discomfort after long hours at your desk or an uncomfortable drive,” says Ryan. “They slip over almost any chair or sofa and are very portable. It’s easy to kick back, relax and loosen up those muscles almost anywhere.” Note: although we’re focusing on back massagers here, Dr. Sinett says he’s also a big fan of foot massagers like this TruMedic model for whole-body benefits. “Foot massagers have the ability to impact all of the great reflexology points in the foot, but impact the entire body,” he says.
Best Electric Back Massagers
Best Premium Massage Gun: Theragun Pro Massage Gun
Best Less Expensive Massage Gun: Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2
Best Compact Electric Back Massager: RENPHO Mini Massage Gun
Best Roller-Style Back Massager: Dr. Massage Serenity Foam Roller
Best Chair Cover Back Massager: RENPHO Back Massager
Best Electric Back Massager for the Neck and Shoulders: TruMedic InstaShiatsu+ Neck, Back, and Shoulder Massager
Best Electric Back Massager Pillow: MoCuishle Shiatsu Back Massager Pillow
Best Electric Back Massager Mat: Snailax Memory Foam Massage Mat
Next up, check out these eight simple thoracic spine stretches to kick that upper back pain.
Sources:
Helen M. Ryan, Certified Personal Trainer and host of the Walking & Talking with Helen podcastDr. Todd Sinett, chiropractor, owner of TruWholeCare, and inventor of the Backbridge
