Discover the Best Massage Cushion (for Pain Relief) in 2023

Types of massage cushions

There are two main types of massage cushion:

Massage Chair Pad

A massage chair pad is a device that is strapped onto a chair to deliver a full back treatment. Chair pads often use either rollers, nodes or air chambers, or a combination of all of them.

Massage Pillow / Cushion

A massage pillow or cushion is a device available in various shapes and sizes that includes = nodes or vibration points. It can be placed at the site of the pain to provide relief.

Shape

Chair pads tend to come in a standard shape to fit any chair. However the shape of massage cushions varies widely so it’s worth considering how you’ll use it to find the right shape for you.

Size

You also need to consider the size, will it give your neck good coverage? Is it too large to be portable?

Weight

If you want a massage cushion you can travel with day to day then consider the weight of the device when making your selection.

Design

Some cushions are specifically designed to blend in with a home or office environment, for example a chair pad being so slim that it fits seamlessly into an office chair.

Air Bags / Pockets

Some chair massaging pads come with air bags or air pockets which are essentially air bags that inflate / deflate to gently squeeze the body, mimicking the hands of a masseuse.

Nodes

The number of nodes that the device offers may be important to you if you’re looking for a deep and intense treatment.

Percussion

Percussion is a style of massage, with users describing the technique as “thundering on your back”. It’s perfect if you want a deep tissue massage, perhaps not ideal if you’re looking for something a little less intense.

Shiatsu

Look for shiatsu, a Japanese massage technique, if you want to replicate the hands of a masseuse as closely as possible! Some massagers include an optional direction mode so the nodes can change direction for a more satisfying massage.

Kneading

If you have knots and want a massage that is really going to work them out then you might want to look out for the kneading function.

Intensity / Speed 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.

Vibration

Some products offer an additional vibration function which might be something you want to consider for that added extra relief.

Heat

Heat can offer comforting relief from pain as it heats the skin which stimulates the sensors and blocks the pain signals being sent to the brain[1]. Many different massagers include this option so it’s worth looking out for. Infrared heat is also a feature offered by some devices.

Timer

A timer can be handy if it takes you a while to get to the source of your pain, so you can set a period of time and then just sit back and enjoy the relief.

Bluetooth

Some cushions now offer Bluetooth and pair with an app, meaning you can control your massage from your smartphone.

Auto Shut Down

Auto Shut Down can be great as it protects 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.

Rechargeable

Some massagers are rechargeable making them handy to be used in the office or on the go. Look closely at the length of time advertised when the product is fully charged.

Speed of Charge

You may also want to consider the speed at which the product goes from flat to fully charged, as that may be something that’s important to you.

Portable

If you want a massager to take on holiday or use at work, then a portable option might be right for you.

You can also choose a massager for in the car, however this can only be used 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 frustrating to have to go through the various settings each time. Memory / recall functions remember the intensity, speed and style of massage you enjoy which can be helpful day to day.

Car Charger

Using your device in your car, between meetings for example, might be important to you, so look for a device that comes complete with an in car charger.

Instructional Video

Another extra that may be offered is an instructional video. It may sound like just a nice-to-have but if you want to get the most from your product then it can be a handy extra.

Neck Pain

Massage cushions mimic the hands of a masseuse stimulating the muscles and nerve endings. Research has shown that massage therapy is an effective treatment for chronic neck pain, and a neck massager is essentially simulating this technique.

Shoulder Pain

Massage cushions can also work well for shoulder pain. Shoulder pain is one of the most common pain complaints reported in the US[2], and stimulating the muscles with a massager is believed to provide relief.

Stiff Neck

Whether you get a stiff neck occasionally or you suffer from chronic daily pain you’ll understand how uncomfortable it can be. It is believed that around 10% of the adult population are suffering from a stiff neck at any one time[3], with massagers being suggested as a natural way to treat the pain.

Muscle Pain / Tension

Tension in the muscles can also be relieved by a massage cushion whether in your neck, shoulders or back.

Migraine / Headache

Massage as a therapy is used both as a treatment and a preventative method. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache in the world, and often cause both neck and shoulder pain along with pain in the head.[4]

Arthritis

Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for arthritis. However for certain forms of severe arthritis it can have a negative effective so it’s important to consult with your doctor.

Back Pain Relief

You might want to invest in a massage cushion for back pain. It stimulates circulation and relaxes stiff muscles and research proves that massage as a technique is very effective for short term relief from back pain.

Lift Mood

Massage can release endorphins which relaxes the nervous system and create feel good hormones. Back massage in general has been shown to be a successful technique for the treatment of anxiety.

Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, a massage cushion can help to ease this compression. Massage chairs in particular are suggested as an effective treatment for those suffering from sciatica.

Knots

Muscle knots are when the muscle tightens or contracts even when they’re not being used[5], massage helps to relax the muscle, in turn helping to loosen the knot.

Buttocks / Glutes

Tight glutes can cause back pain, so buttock massage as a therapy can be effective to help relieve those tight muscles.

Feet

A number of massage cushions can be used on other parts of the body including your feet. Regular foot massage has been shown to help improve your circulation and release tense muscles.[6]

Where to Use

There are a number of different places you can use your pain relief tool, perhaps even places you hadn’t thought of!

Office

If your back pain gives you difficulty at work then a massage cushion or chair pad attached to your office chair could provide you with real comfort.

Armchair / Couch

If you want to get comfortable there are a number of different massage cushions that will fit comfortably on your armchair and couch, so you can enjoy your treatment while enjoying your favorite TV series!

Bed

On really bad days when the pain means you struggle to get out of bed, you can use a massage cushion in bed. If you want one particularly for this purpose then look for a massager that is the size and shape that will mould to your body effectively.

Car / Truck

Some devices come with a car adapter allowing you to use your massager while you’re stationary in your car during breaks on a long journey, or mid travel if you’re a passenger.