Research shows that back massagers stimulate circulation, relax stiff muscles and help to improve your posture.
So it’s no wonder you’re shopping for one!
The market is bursting with different styles of massagers, each with their own unique set of features.
That’s why we’ve created a handy buying guide later in this article to help you understand the benefits of each feature for your back pain.
Our Best Buys






In this article:
Back Massager Reviews
Finding the right tool to treat your pain can be tricky, thankfully we’ve done all the hard work for you and shortlisted the 15 best back massagers for 2022:
However it’s an investment into a product that could not only treat your back pain, but also improve your sporting performance.
Therabody’s air compression innovation doesn’t stop with this product either.
They’ve also created the RecoveryAir PRO Compression Vest, designed for treating your upper body.
It’s powerful for arm and shoulder pain, and the ideal recovery tool for those with tennis or baseball injuries.
How We Review & Rate
Here at The Good Body we’ve spent years rating and reviewing health products, including back massagers.
In this article we’ve shortlisted 15 of the best products on the market, highlighting key features so you can make the right decision for you.
Many of the products on the list we’ve spent hours testing, including the Theragun PRO and Aku Mat, so we know their strengths and limitations.
Others are similar to products we’ve used in the past, or have features that research has shown to be successful in the treatment of back pain.
To come up with a rating we consider a number of different factors, including power, ease of use, battery life, affordability and innovation. We also take into consideration consumer reviews analyzed from various websites.
Taking all this information, plus our industry knowledge, allows us to come up with a rating that gives you the best overall view of how the product can ease your back pain.
Buying Guide
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options available, then take a look at our back massager buying guide below.
We’ve explained all the different features you can consider, to help you make the most informed decision!
Types of Back Massagers
You can choose from a range of different types of back massagers, whether you’re looking for something handy for a recent ache, or need to make a big investment to treat chronic daily pain.
Styles of Electric Back Massagers
Chair
A massage chair is the ultimate back care tool. Typically there are massage nodes within the chair, that work up and down your back while seated. There are a number of things to look for when shopping for a chair, that you can read more about here. Many consider it to be the closest thing to a hands-on back massage.
Fact:
A good hands-on massage can play a crucial role in alleviating back pain. Similarly, a good massage chair is designed to provide some measure of pain relief and relaxation, however, without the need for person-to-person interaction[1].
Chair Pad
The next best thing to a chair massager is a massage pad that you can attach to your favorite chair. It normally hooks over the back and underneath the seat to give your back full coverage.
Handheld
Handheld electric massagers are typically wands, that you move over your back to get to the source of the pain.
Belt
A belt massager can be wrapped around your lower back or draped around your shoulders so you can get a deep massage in key areas.
Cushion / Pillow
A cushion or pillow massager is handy for use on the neck or lower back where you can tuck it exactly where you need relief.
TENS Unit
TENS units work in a different way to traditional back massagers. Instead of massage nodes, a TENS unit sends electrical pulses across the skin, interrupting the pain signals being sent to the brain. Research has shown it to be a powerful treatment for back pain.
Gun / Percussive Massager
A gun massager is a handheld device that delivers rapid bursts of pressure to your muscle tissue. There is evidence to demonstrate that this repeated ‘pounding’ loosens knots and tension in the muscles.
Compression Massager / Air Massager
Typically wearable technology, compression massagers wrap around the area they’re treating. Air chambers within then inflate and deflate, helping to flush your system and deliver fresh, oxygenated blood to the area being treated faster.
Styles of Non-Electric Back Massagers
Cane Massager
A cane massager is a simple tool, typically made from plastic. The user can maneuver and apply the necessary amount of pressure to enjoy relief from pain.
S Shaped Massager
An S shaped massager is a stick massager which normally has carefully placed nodes so you can maneuver it to the right position.
Handheld Mini Massager
Non-electric mini massagers generally have three or four prongs (also known as knuckles) that you can use to work out knots and tension.
Wooden Ball Massager
Roll a wooden ball massager over your lower back to help relieve tension. With a handle and wooden nodes, you can decide on the level of intensity you want to apply.
Foam Roller
A foam roller has a firm or soft exterior depending on the relief needed. It is rolled up and down the affected area to release tension in the muscles.
Functions and Features of Back Massagers
Both electric and non-electric back massagers offer a wide range of different functions and features.
To help you make sense of each one, and decide if it matters to you, we’ve provided a little explanation below:
Shape
The shape of the back massager is important as it determines exactly where you’re able to treat. For example, you might opt for an S shaped stick, but do you have the range of motion to reach your mid back? If not, a chair pad could be more effective.
Size
Take a look at the dimensions, will it provide the coverage that you need? Is it too large to be portable? Think about where and how you’ll use the device, so you can make the most informed choice.
Weight
Depending on the style of massager, weight might be a deciding factor. Remember with wand or gun massagers, you’ll need to hold them in place to treat your back. If the device is too heavy, you might struggle to do this for a longer period of time? Manufacturers will state the weight in the product description so be sure to take a look.
Electric / Non-Electric
Consider which option is right for you, whether you want to take your massager on the go, or just ensure you can use it in your favorite chair! Also think about if you’ll be able to apply the pressure needed with a non-electric device.
Nodes
The number of massage nodes, and the sizes of those nodes, is important as it tells you about the back coverage you can expect.
Percussion
Percussion is a style of massage that many users have described as “thundering on your back”. Perfect if you want a deep tissue massage, not as ideal if you’re looking for something a little more gentle.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that combines kneading, pressing and tapping. If you’d like to replicate the hands of a masseuse, this is one feature to look out for!
Kneading
If you have knots and want a massage that is really going to work them out, then look out for the kneading function. It involves ‘lifting’ the muscle with upward circular motions.
Wand
Opt for a wand massager or a unit that includes a wand, for easy handheld operation and control over the intensity of your massage.
Vibration
Some back massagers offer a vibration function, which is another way to treat pain and provide relief.
Heat
Heat can offer comforting relief from pain as it dilates the blood vessels, improving circulation and blood flow. Also it’s soothing and can help relax your body when you’re struggling with back pain.
Acupressure Points
Certain back massage tools have acupressure points, such as the Aku Mat. Much research has shown that acupressure is powerful for back pain. The therapy works by stimulating nerve centers within the body. It encourages the release of endorphins to help reduce pain.
Timer
A timer can be handy if it takes you a while to get to the source of your pain. You can set a period of time and then just sit back and enjoy the relief.
Auto Shut Down
Auto Shut Down is a safety feature, protecting you and the unit from overheating. However if it takes you a while to get to the source of your pain, a short auto shut down could be frustrating.
Speed / Intensity Settings
If you have good days and bad days and need a massager that can flex with you, then you want to look for something with a selection of intensity settings (also referred to as speed settings).
Some devices only come with one setting which might be limiting if you’d appreciate being able to switch between rigorous and gentle.
Rechargeable
Increasingly manufacturers are making their products rechargeable. This is great if you want a device you can use daily, without worrying about running out of power.
Battery Life
Though many massagers include a rechargeable battery, the life of that battery will vary from device to device. Running out of battery mid-treatment is frustrating, so check how long you can expect to use the device before it needs recharging.
Portable
If you want to take your device on vacation, or use it in the car or at work, then a portable option could be better. Be aware that you can only use a massager in the car when stationary or as a passenger.
Memory / Recall
If your pain is hard to reach and you get the intensity just right, it can be annoying if your device doesn’t remember your settings. Memory / recall functions remember the intensity and style of massage you enjoy which can be helpful if you’ll use your device daily.
Attachments
Back massagers will sometimes come with a range of attachments in different shapes. Gun and wand massagers for example will ship with various heads to help you target key areas, such as your lower back or spine.
Storage
When shopping around you’ll notice back massagers will sometimes ship with a bag or carrying pouch. Though not a dealbreaker, a storage bag can be useful to keep your device safe.
Benefits
There are so many benefits to using a back massager, for both your mental and physical health. Below we’ve taken a look at just a few of them:
1. Back Pain Relief
Of course the main benefit of a back massager is relief from back pain! It stimulates circulation and relaxes stiff muscles. Research proves that massage is very effective for short term relief from back pain.
2. Improved Circulation
Massage is a technique which is often used to improve circulation. It works by enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells, essentially waking them up!
3. Lift Mood
Massage releases endorphins which relaxes the nervous system and creates feel good hormones. Back massage in general has been shown to be a successful technique for the treatment of anxiety.
4. Improved Sleep
Having a regular massage is shown to improve your sleep. Those suffering from insomnia due to the menopause have reported marked improvement in their condition following massage.
FAQs
Below we’ve answered a number of frequently asked questions about back massagers, so you have all the information you need!
What is a back massager?
What does a back massager do?
Are back massagers good for back pain?
How do I choose a back massager?
Can I use a back massager when pregnant?
How long can you use a back massager for?
Can you overuse a back massager?
Can you sleep on a back massager?
Can you drive while using a back massager?
How much does a back massager cost?
Where can I buy a back massager?
References
- Schubbe, P. J. (2003). Massage Chairs for Pain Relief [Online]. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/massage-therapy/massage-chairs-pain-relief [Accessed 5 October 2021]. ↩
- Nall, R. (2021). Which Massage Does Your Body Need, Deep Tissue or Sports Massage? [Online]. Leaf.tv. Available from: https://www.leaf.tv/8250057/which-massage-does-your-body-need-deep-tissue-or-sports-massage/ [Accessed 5 October 2021]. ↩