The best back massager for sore muscles and back pain

Feel the benefit of home massage equipment.

The best back massager for sore muscles and back pain

by Lily Anderson |
Updated on

Reduce stress, improve circulation and relax with the best back massager. When it comes to pain in your back, it can become completely overwhelming. Not only are you suffering from discomfort, but there's a wide variety of treatments to help manage it that can be daunting. If you’re looking for an easier alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs, investing in a massage gun might be the answer.

Massage therapy is thought to date back as far as 3000 BCE, but today you’ll find lots of different options when it comes to back massagers. From Shiatsu massage chairs to handheld deep massagers and even back massagers with heat, there are dozens of options that you can try out at home.

Best back massager at a glance

Best heat treatment massage gun: HoMedics Pro Power Handheld Physiotherapy Massager Gun – View on Amazon UK
Best portable back massager gun: Theragun Mini Massager Gun – View on Therabody
Best back massager pillow: Beper Pillow – View on Notino

Anyone seeking relaxation, stress relief, or muscle tension reduction can benefit from a home massage gadget. It's especially useful for individuals with busy schedules, limited access to professional massages, or those who prefer the convenience and privacy of at-home relaxation. Used in conjunction with a massage oil, some models can be deeply soothing.

Home massage gadgets vary in price, with options available to suit different budgets. Basic handheld massagers can be affordable, while more advanced devices with additional features may be pricier. Prices can range from £20 to over £250, depending on the brand and functionality. Here are our pick of the best back massager for sore muscles and back pain.

Best back massagers 2024

Best back massager chair

Description

Whether you're aching from workouts at the gym, gardening or from stress at work, this Snailax Back Massager with Heat will help you unwind after a long day. Switch on the vibrating massage and enjoy the soothing heat therapy.

Customer review: "This product is great for helping the frustrating back pain caused by sitting at your desk for long periods. The shiatsu massagers are nice and firm and extend across the whole back, and when combined with the heat really provide some alleviation from back pain. Would recommend to anyone looking for an at home back massager for regular use."

Pros

  • Soothing heat therapy
  • Adjustable to target different areas
  • Three massage functions

Cons

  • Can't have the heat function on its own

Best shiatsu back massager

Tested

Donnerberg Neck MassagerPhoto: Amazon

Description

Does working from home put a strain on your neck, back and shoulders? Whether it's looking down to read a book or scrolling on your phone, we know all how uncomfortable it can get. But you don't have to suffer in silence anymore as the Donnerberg Neck Massager is here to save the day.

Our review: “Overall, we were impressed with this bit of kit. From the moment you take it out of the box, you're able to plug it in and attend to those muscle knots. The multiple setting gives you complete control of your massage, whereas many other devices on the market have limited options. With the Donnerberg Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager, you can adapt the speed, heat, change the direction of the massage heads and add vibration.”

Read our full Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager review

Pros

  • Heats up
  • Use it on different parts of the body
  • Popular and praised in reviews
  • Two types of massage

Cons

  • Less effective if wearing thick clothes

Best heat treatment massage gun

Tested

Description

The HoMedics Pro Power Handheld Physiotherapy Massager Gun has powerful deep focused massage to provide fast and effective relief for tight and aching muscles. The lightweight massage fun has three intensity settings. It's rechargeable and can run up to 1.5 hours on a single charge. It releases rapid bursts of pressure into the muscle tissue, increasing blood flow, which helps to reduce inflammation.

Our review: "I use this percussive massager after exercise and it’s great for shaking off any tight muscles in my legs and lower back. Its shape means it's possible but not entirely comfortable to use higher up on your own back - there are more ergonomic alternatives on this list - but if you can convince someone to help you, it’s brilliant.

“Mainly this is down to its powerful but quiet brushless motor (there’s nothing less relaxing than a noisy, rattly massage) and the heated head is great for soothing sore, tense shoulders.

“There’s also a cooling attachment that you have to put in the freezer before use. Although it doesn’t stay cold forever, it’s quite nice to alternate between hot and cold, particularly on an achy lumbar area.”

Pros

  • Ultra quiet
  • Targeted relief
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Intensive vibration may not be relieving for everyone

Best portable back massager gun

Tested

Theragun miniPhoto: Therabody

Description

If you're looking for a back massager that can be used on the go, this Theragun Mini Massager Gun is the one for you. As well as being ultra-portable, it puts you in control with its three settings and near-silent operation.

Our review: "This changed my life – it's a bold statement, but it's true. I had a car accident a few years ago and my shoulder/lower back has never been the same. Since using the Theragun mini, I've seen some good improvements. At first, I was intimidated by this bit of kit because it's so powerful (up to 2400 percussions per minute to be exact). However, once I overcame the hesitation from the speed, I never looked back. While working from home, the stiff feeling in my back has gone from bad to worse. I've been using the gun on my back and the bottom of my feet for a few weeks now. Within a few minutes of applying, I felt totally relaxed.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Small and effective
  • Highly praised in reviews

Cons

  • Alternative massage heads have to be purchased separately

Best back massager pillow

Tested

Beper pillowPhoto: Amazon

Description

Searching for a device to give you the ultimate deep-tissue massage? As well as reducing joint pain, the Beper pillow has been designed to reduce stress, relieve muscles, help with insomnia and more.

Our review: “It says it is suitable for neck, back and legs. I used it on my back in various positions and on the back of my legs above the knee and also in the car but it's quite powerful on your neck - you really need to get it in just the right position in order for it not to aggravate rather than relax!"

Read our full Beper pillow massager review

Pros

  • Relaxation massage
  • Relieves stiff muscles
  • Improves blood flow

Cons

  • No customer reviews

Best back massager mat

Tested

HoMedics STRETCHPhoto: Amazon

Description

You don't have to be a yoga fan to stretch out and enjoy the benefits of the HoMedics STRETCH. Designed to support your neck, shoulders and lower back, this is a brilliant option for improving your health at home. The best thing about it? It's easy to store.

Our review:**** “Anyone who suffers from back pain all year round knows the dread that comes from the onset of winter…. cold days bring more pain. What’s more, whilst you know you need to keep active during those winter months, winter days just make that motivation harder. This is certainly the case in my house and so when HoMedics approached us enthusiastically to test out STRETCH we jumped at the chance to see if this ‘on the pricey side’ machine could really help and what’s more, be worth the price tag… In short, after a month of use, our 5/5 rating says it all!”

Read our full HoMedics STRETCH review

Pros

  • Controlled yoga stretching
  • Four stretch programmes
  • Customise the intensity
  • Calming

Cons

  • Not suitable for chronic back problems

Best wooden back massager

Total Body RelaxerPhoto: The Body Shop

Description

Budget-friendly and made from sustainable materials, this massager is unlike any other on this list. As well as being great for your back, this can be used all over the body to release muscle tension and aid relaxation.

Customer review: "I bought this as a Christmas present for my other half to save my hands from aching while I massage his shoulders and back. The curved design works well and the smooth-rolling aids the massage very well. The handle is comfortable to hold. Overall perfect addition alongside the body oils to help relax those tense achy muscles."

Pros

  • Inexpensive compared to other products on this list
  • Simple and effective

Cons

  • Low stock

Best deep tissue back massager

Description

The best way we can describe this HoMedics Percussion Deep Tissue Massager? What a buzz! It has two settings – a gentle or heated massage experience.

Customer review: "Wonderful for neck, shoulder and top of back pain. I no longer need to use painkillers as the massager removes tension and tight muscle pain immediately."

Pros

  • Heats up
  • Gentle massage
  • Effective

Cons

  • A bit bulky

Best lower back massager

Comfier Heating BeltPhoto: Amazon

Description

Say goodbye to lower back pain with this Comfier Heating Belt from Amazon. As well as its built-in heat therapy, it has a powerful massage motor to relieve tension and help sore muscles.

Customer review: "Having strained a lower back muscle four days ago, my pain was excruciating- stretching around from my pelvis into the front of my lower trunk and groin. Couldn’t sit, stand or lie down without a severe ache building to agonising sharp pain when moving. Having had this belt on all day, with regular light massage and heat applied directly to the injured part, I am feeling so much better - low ache level but just so much more mobile and cheerful! Excellent purchase which is comforting and warming and will be within reach from now on!"

Pros

  • Vary the intensity
  • Two heat levels
  • Multipurpose

Cons

  • Bulky

FAQS: Best back massager

Are back massagers good for you?

There are many benefits to using a massager to help alleviate back pain, including improving circulation, helping with poor posture, easing stress and anxiety, soothing muscle pain, relaxing your body and much more.

Before using a back massager, we would recommend consulting a doctor when it comes to using these devices. If your pain is caused by a broken bone, clot or laceration, using a massager could make your pain worse.

For more recommendations read our full article for the best massagers.

How do back massagers help back pain?

Back massagers help back pain often by relaxing muscle tissue, kneading away knots and relieving tension from your body. Massage therapy is used best for relaxing tissue as it will reduce spasms in your muscles.

Lily Anderson is a contributing writer for Yours. When she isn’t trying out the latest kitchen appliances, garden furniture and home essentials, Lily is pushing forward health products for women, educational toys and the latest fashion collaborations.

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