Muscle knots can be painful and frustrating. Massage is the best treatment for muscle pain and knots, but professional massages can be expensive over time. A back massager for knots and tension can be a great way to treat your pain and soreness, any time you need it. Here are our top picks for the best back massagers for knots.
Quick Answer:
Our top pick for a back massager for knots is the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager. With 4 massage nodes and built-in heat, this massager eases pain and tension in the neck and back. It’s small and light, and comes with a car power adapter, so it can be taken anywhere to reduce aches and pains on the go.
If your muscles need trigger point massage instead of shiatsu massage, then the Body Back Buddy Back Massager has a curved shape and rigid structure that lets you reach your whole body for targeted, trigger point massage that eases knots and pain. The different shapes of nodules provide different kinds of pressure, and by massaging yourself, you get exactly the right amount of pressure.
Editor’s Pick: Best Back Massagers for Knots
Massager for Knots Buying Guide
The painful muscle tension known as “knots” are caused when muscle fibers lose flexibility and mobility and become bound together in painful contractions. Over time, knots create a constant stress on the muscle that can create scar tissue and further limit mobility in that area. When buying a massager to ease the pain of knots, here are some key things to look for:
Shape and Placement of Massage Nodules
Most massagers have rigid, smooth, rounded massage nodules that move over the skin. Some have narrower, pointed nodules that press harder against targeted knots and muscle pain. If you have chronic knots, choose the massager with the type and placement of nodules that can deliver deep massage.
Adjustable Settings
Everyone’s needs are unique, and you may need different massages on different parts of the body, so choose a massager with adjustable pressure and speed settings.
Heat Function
Heat dilates blood vessels, improving circulation and bringing nutrients to the site, while carrying away lactic acid that is often a cause of pain and soreness. For severe pain, heat can help to relax muscles and relieve pain.
Convenience Factors
You may need a massager with a car power adapter, or one that is quiet for use in an office, or one that is cordless and battery operated. There are excellent massagers with all kinds of convenient features.
5 Back Massager for Knots: Product Reviews
1. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is a portable, lightweight massager that comes with a power card and an adapter so you can use it in your car. The massage nodes provide deep shiatsu massage with heat anywhere you go.
The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager has 4 shiatsu massage nodules that automatically reverse direction every 60 seconds during your massage, for a thorough and powerful massage. It has a heating function that helps soothe aching muscles.
Auto-shutoff after 20 minutes and overheating protection make it safe to use. It has adjustable straps so it can be secured around the back of a car seat or office chair, and a leatherette cover that is attractive and comfortable. It measures just 13 x 19 x 3.5 inches, so it can be easily carried in a bag or briefcase, and the car power adapter allows you to travel with convenience.
PROS:
- Compact and portable
- Straps to place it anywhere
- 4 heated massage nodules
- Car power adapter
- FDA listed
CONS:
- May not be a very durable massager
Best For:
Because it is lightweight and compact, the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is easy to take with you for a massage in your car or at your chair in the office. It's a great choice for regular commuters and people who work at a desk.
2. Body Back Buddy Back Massager
The Body Back Buddy Back Massager is a rigid self-massager with different curves and nodes so you can reach every tough knot and use just the right amount of pressure to work out the kinks.
The Body Back Buddy Back Massager is made of a single piece of high-density glass-filled polypropylene, giving it great strength and durability. The curved, ergonomic shape fits a wide range of body types and can be angled to reach every part of the body.
It has 6 rounded knobs for soft tissue massage, 3 pointed knobs for deep tissue massage, and 2 rounded nubs for lower back massage. Using these knobs allows you to massage any part of your body and administer your own trigger point massage to ease pain and tension.
This massager is recommended by experts and comes with an instruction booklet to teach you how to effectively massage your own trigger points. It is made in the USA to US health and safety standards.
PROS:
- Durable, sturdy massager
- Allows you to reach and massage the whole body
- Targeted, trigger point massages with different knobs for different tissues
- Made in the USA from medical-grade materials
CONS:
- May tire the arms during use
- May not be the correct size and shape for every body
Best For:
The Body Back Buddy Back Massager is a great way to massage targeted trigger points on the body to ease knots and pains, as well as relieve symptoms of headaches and fibromyalgia.
3. RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager
The RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager is a rechargeable massager that comes with a wide range of massage heads and settings to deliver exactly the right pressure to ease pain and aches in the body.
The RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager has a comfortable silicone handle with a long shape that allows you to reach any part of the body. It comes with five different massage heads, including a flat curved head, round ball head, a trigger point head, a three point head, and a three point intensive head.
The powerful motor percusses at up to 3,600 pulses per minute, with 4 different percussion modes and adjustable power settings. This cordless rechargeable massager can last for up to 140 minutes on a single charge. It weighs just 1.8 pounds, and is backed by a 12-month warranty.
PROS:
- Cordless operation and long battery life to massage any part of the body for as long as needed
- Comfortable ergonomic handle and light weight
- Comes with 5 massage heads
- Has 4 strength modes and 3 speed modes
- Made of durable ABS plastic
- Rechargeable
CONS:
- May not have a very reliable power supply
Best For:
The RENPHO Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager is a great option for people who need different kinds of massages on different body parts. With the different massage heads and different settings, you can get the perfect massage for feet, back, neck, legs, or any other body part, with cordless, rechargeable convenience.
4. Snailax Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
The Snailax Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager turns any chair into a massage chair, capable of massaging the whole back of the body from the neck to the seat. It’s a more affordable alternative to expensive massage chairs.
With the Snailax Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager, you can customize neck, back, and seat massages. Control massage time, heat, massage type, positioning, and vibration settings. It has four neck massage nodes, with two rotation directions and adjustable heat and position.
For the back, you can choose upper, middle, or lower back massage, with rolling or spot treatments and placement adjustment. You can adjust heat levels, and the width between the four back massage nodes. The seat can vibrate with two different intensity levels.
It has AC power and a convenient remote control. The back and neck have covers that can be removed for cleaning or to increase the intensity of the massage.
PROS:
- More affordable and convenient than a massage chair
- Fully adjustable head, back, and seat massage
- Customizable back placement, massage type, and pressure
- Adjustable heat
- Removable, washable covers
CONS:
- Suitable for people from 5'3” to 5”11; people at the end of the height range may find it hard to position correctly for neck and back massages
- Not much pressure/massage in the lumbar region
Best For:
The Snailax Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager is a great alternative to the expense and bulk of a massage chair. Instead, you can easily convert any chair into a massage chair, and get a full neck, back, and seat massage with a wide range of settings and options.
5. Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat
The Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat is a portable shiatsu massager for the back and shoulders, but can also be wrapped around any part of the body for a heated massage anywhere you need it.
The Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat has three speed levels and two massage directions. It has soothing heat with built-in overheating protection. Controls are conveniently located on the shoulder for easy adjustments. The removable cover is easily cleaned, or remove it for a more intense massage. The soft shape conforms to any part of the body, and it operates quietly. It comes with a conventional AC cord and a car power adapter.
PROS:
- Soft, ergonomic shape conforms to all bodies and body parts
- Adjustable heat and massage types
- Comes with a car power adapter
- Compact and portable
CONS:
- Not very durable
- Not powerful enough for strong, deep tissue massage
Best For:
The Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager with Heat is a great massager for targeted heat and gentle massage on any part of the body. With the car power adapter and its flexible shape, it can be taken anywhere you go, and be used any where it's needed.
FAQs:
Q: How do you get rid of knots in your back?
If you have painful muscle knots in the back, a massager is often the best treatment to help reduce the pain of knots and prevent them from coming back. Knots respond well to a combination of rubbing and trigger point massage, and heat can also help to relax sore muscles. You can also help to reduce the pain of muscle knots with gentle stretches, low-intensity exercise like walking, and drinking lots of water.
Conclusion
The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is our top pick for a back massager for knots, because it gives gentle but powerful massage, in a lightweight and convenient massager that can go anywhere.
The attractive PU leather cover is suitable for even a formal office environment, but the car power adapter also lets you relax on your commute.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
