These neck massagers help best against tension

A massage device is perfect for back and neck pain. We feature some of the best neck massagers for relaxing and give tips on where to buy them.

Those who work a lot while sitting are often plagued by annoying tension in the upper back and neck area. However, a soothing, physiotherapeutic massage is not always easy to organize and not always cheap.

Practical massage devices for self-use at home can at least relieve symptoms and provide some relaxation. In fact, the devices promote blood circulation, stimulate cell metabolism and can also loosen fascial adhesions. The U-shaped neck massage devices have proven to be particularly handy and user-friendly.

We took a closer look at various models and quickly found a favourite. We present five of the best neck massagers in more detail and explain what is important when buying one.

In contrast to hand massagers, neck massagers are not held and moved during use, but lie on the painful part of the body and massage. So the relaxation effect is much greater. If you want to buy such a device, you will find a huge selection of designs and price ranges. We show five of the best neck massagers:

Shiatsu, vibration massage and heat are the beneficial functions of the Donnerberg neck massager. TÜV-tested, the device not only promises a seven-year manufacturer’s guarantee, it also bears the seal of recommendation from the German Olympic Sports Association and was declared the winner of the German Society for Consumer Studies in the test (June 2019) with the grade “very good (1.3)”.

The soothing infrared heat, which can be selected at two intensity levels at the push of a button to relieve tension, is particularly convincing. Although the model is more expensive than the other devices presented, it offers high quality and many extras. The scope of delivery includes, for example, two replacement covers and a washable hygiene cloth for use on the skin.

The massage with the device from Beurer is particularly intensive, because it scores with six instead of four massage balls, which massage at two different speeds at the push of a button. The four kneading rollers and two clamping knots ensure a hands-simulating kneading massage. This loosens the muscles and ensures deep relaxation. The heat function that can be switched on also reinforces this effect.

The direction of rotation of the massage heads can be changed. In addition, the massage cushion can be used variably on the neck, shoulders and legs. Operation is simple and takes place directly on the device. The removable cover, which can be washed at up to 30 degrees Celsius, is practical.

With four rotating massage balls, you can enjoy kneading, pressure and vibration massage with the VitalMaxx Shiatsu massager. And not only in the shoulder and neck area, but also on the back, loin, buttocks and legs if desired. The additional heat function is intended to relieve tension and promote blood circulation.

Use the strap to position the neck massager and determine the intensity of the massage. The massage heads are ergonomically shaped and, according to the manufacturer, simulate the hand pressure of a masseur. Its direction of rotation can be changed at the touch of a button.

The big advantage of this model is its price: It is the cheapest neck massager in our comparison and offers a particularly good price-performance ratio.

Like Beurer, Medisana is a German manufacturer of health products. His neck massager scores with wireless battery operation, so it can be used wirelessly and flexibly. The model is not only practical for at home, but can also be used on the go or in the office without any problems.

The Shiatsu neck massager is equipped with three different modes that you can set individually. The built-in red light and heat function helps to relax the muscles in the neck and shoulder area and provides soothing warmth during the massage. Of course you can also use the model for other parts of the body such as the back or the thighs and lower legs.

Thanks to the straps, you can also determine the intensity of the massage yourself with the Medisana model. The washable cover is also practical.

The massage with the Renpho device has a deep effect, because in addition to the relaxing Shiatsu technique, the heat function of the model has a particularly beneficial effect. And it can relieve muscle tension at the push of a button. The intensity of the massage is also selected at the push of a button: you have three intensity levels to choose from. Placed around the neck, this device can also be pulled tighter against the body with the hand straps in order to increase the intensity.

Combining shiatsu, kneading, rolling and heating functions, the portable massager helps you melt away your stress and tension and relieve pain from your whole body from neck, shoulder, back, waist, abdomen to thighs. An intelligent timer with an automatic switch-off after 15 minutes and the overheating protection offer security in case you forget the time while relaxing.

We recommend the high quality Neck massager from Donnerberg, even if it is significantly more expensive than the other devices presented. It convinces with TÜV testing, a seven-year manufacturer’s guarantee and is also the test winner of the German Society for Consumer Studies.

However, if you are not sure whether you want to use a neck massage device in the long term, you can also use the comparatively cheaper yet versatile one VitalMaxx Shiatsu massager nothing wrong.

Depending on the device, various massage techniques are available at the touch of a button to relieve muscle tension. A selective Shiatsu massage with built-in balls that are moved by motors is the most common massage method of the devices. This form of massage relieves tension, but can sometimes be felt to be too strong.

With some devices, a loosening tapping massage can be selected as an additional application, which promotes blood circulation. Also available: devices with additional vibration. A vibration massage is described as particularly gentle and, like a tapping massage, has a relaxing rather than pain-relieving effect.

In general, if a device has different functions and the intensity of the application can be adjusted, this is an advantage. Some models also have an additional function with red light heat or infrared. This switchable heat promotes blood circulation deep in the muscle layers.

Basically, neck massage devices are electrically operated and ergonomically shaped massage cushions that are operated by rechargeable batteries, batteries or power cables. Instead of a masseur, a device does the massage.

Their shape is oblong, so they can be applied to different parts of the body. Four to eight moving massage heads are fixed in the middle. The elongated pillow is placed around the neck and over the shoulders, for example, in the classic way, in order to massage and relax these parts of the body soothingly.

Basically, the type of massage as described above is decisive for the purchase, since applications are perceived differently by everyone. If the device also has a heat function, this is another advantage, because it can significantly increase the soothing effect on symptoms. Speaking of increasing: Some devices also have different intensity levels of massage and heat. In this way, the massage can be individually adapted.

The fit of the device in terms of the length of the loops and the distance between the built-in massage heads is also decisive when buying. Both determine the individual comfort of use of the massage treatment. Not to forget the ease of use of the neck massager. Here it is important that the handling is understandable and the control buttons are easy to reach. If the device runs both with a mains cable and with a battery, it can be used much more flexibly and conveniently. Last but not least, the hygienic aspect is also crucial, because washable covers and replacement covers for the device are a clear plus point when buying.

Treatment with a neck massager is beneficial and can also relieve pain if used correctly, but it does not replace physiotherapy or a masseur. In the event of long-lasting or acute pain or certain pre-existing conditions, always consult a doctor.

In general, you should not overdo the application and switch off the device as soon as the treatment feels uncomfortable. The feeling here can be very individual. Many devices switch off automatically after about 15 minutes so that the kneading movements do not overstrain your skin or muscles. Otherwise, as long as the application feels good, you can use the device.