Get Instant Pain Relief With The 10 Best Back Massagers For Knots
Give your back the much-needed instant relief from pain with these massaging tools.
Viktoria HammaRMT, CHt, CPT
Expertise: Chronic Pain & Weight Loss
Experience: 3 years
Viktoria Hamma is a chronic pain and weight loss coach with 3 years of experience and education in hypnotherapy, massage therapy, and personal training. She has her own practice at True North MVMNT in Muskoka, ON, and offers virtual consult... more
Expertise: Fitness, Health, & Home
Experience: 4 years
Shreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricenten... more
Aditi NaskarDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Image: Shutterstock
Knots in your back from all the working out, stress, bad posture, and partying are probably begging you for mercy and a nice massage, perhaps! When a nice back massage with hands just won’t do, it is time to roll out the best back massager for knots. These portable back massagers are great for releasing the knots from your back and providing you with much-needed relief and relaxation. Available in various shapes and sizes, some are battery powered and others mechanical, but both will do the job just right! A sore back can cause severe discomfort and may affect your sleep cycle, which in turn can have negative repercussions on your overall health.
People generally head to the spa for a back massage in the sorest back or knotted back cases. While going to the spa week in and week out is not possible given the lack of time. And spa treatments are not the most friendly on your pocket either! So do you sit back and suffer in silence as knots in your back continue to grow? Knots in your back generally occur due to prolonged and excessive stress on the back muscles. Also, sitting incorrectly or not using ergonomic furniture can harm your back and cause knots. To know more about the best back massager for knots, read our article as we explain what causes back knots and how you can use some of the massagers we’ve listed to help you out!
In This Article
What Causes Back Knots?
Anyone who has spent hours hunched over a computer knows exactly what a pesky back knot feels like! Back knots can be caused by a wide range of factors from an unhealthy diet, dehydration, and over-exercise, to chronic stress and anxiety. Small, bump-like areas of muscle that are sensitive and painful to the touch, back knots can make you feel restless and uneasy. Knots can also cause sharp, shooting or burning referred pain to other areas of the body. The good news is that a relaxing, targeted massage can provide much-needed comforting relief from back knots and make you feel lighter and rejuvenated. So don’t feel shy to give your back some well-deserved tender loving care! Knead out those relentless back knots with a good back massager and say goodbye to muscle pain and soreness.
Recharge And Rejuvenate With The 10 Best Back Massagers For Knots In 2023
1. Best For Reducing Muscle Fatigue:Renpho Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager
Image: Renpho Say goodbye to tired, achy, and tense muscles and get rejuvenated with this handheld back massager for knots that will have you feeling as good as new in minutes. This rechargeable cordless kneading massager lasts up to 140 minutes on a full charge and has different attachments for your shoulders, back, and feet. This little magic machine not only improves blood circulation and muscle stiffness but also helps eliminate fatigue effectively. So, give yourself a little pick-me-up after a long day at work or an extra grueling fitness session! Check out this youtuber giving an honest review of this massager.
Pros
- Made of high-quality ABS plastic
- Portable cordless design
- Lasts up to 140 minutes
- 5 speed modes
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- Some might find this cordless massager a bit noisy when used.
2. Best Eco-Friendly:LiBa Back And Neck Massager
Image: Liba Getting knots out of your back is now easier than ever with this simple yet effective massager designed especially for those suffering from fibromyalgia and muscle soreness. With this, you can easily reach the hard-to-reach areas between the shoulder blades and mid-back. This strong and light tool offers great accessibility and has nodes and spikes that can be used on different parts of the body. Easy to use, this handheld massage stick eliminates the need for batteries and charging and has a deceptively simple design that is sure to leave you pleasantly surprised! Viktoria Hamma, a chronic pain and weight loss coach with 3 years of experience, recommends this saying, “This is a massage therapist’s go-to for self-care! It’s a great simple tool to use to get to those muscle trigger points without having to contort your body.”
Pros
- Intuitive ergonomic design
- Eco-friendly and BPA-free
- Lightweight
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Might not be best suited for those who have a torn rotator cuff or arm weakness.
Pro Tip3. Best Handheld Massager: Homedics Percussion Action Plus Handheld Massager
Image: Homedics When you need a targeted treatment for your muscle pain, try the Homedics Percussion Action Plus Handheld Massager for effective results. This adjustable intensity back massager for knots comes with an ergonomic rubber handle for easy grip and weighs only 2.5 pounds to massage hard-to-reach areas easily. It uses 2 percussion massage heads that function up to 3,100 pulses in a minute. It also features 4 different speed settings and interchangeable massage nodes for a firm or gentle experience, as per your preference. This tool can be used with massage nodes for a relaxing heat effect and without the nodes for maximum heat input. Experience the benefits of targeted heat therapy and massage with the Heat Therapy Back Massager for Knots by Homedics. Say goodbye to muscle knots and enjoy the relief and relaxation you deserve!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Ideal for spot treatment
- Adjustable intensity
- Easy to use
Cons
- Weak heating
4. Best Rechargeable:Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Back And Body Massager
Image: Mighty Bliss Get instant relief from stiff, knotty muscles with this ergonomically designed massager, which comes with a super powerful motor to deliver blissful relaxation to your tired back and shoulders. Cordless and lightweight, you can bring this massager anywhere, be it in your car, gym bag, or even to your office, for a quick massage between meetings. And this is not all. This massager can be recharged in a quick 60 minutes and lasts up to 120 minutes on a single charge. So, what are you waiting for? If you’ve been wondering how to get knots out of your back, you must get your hands on this one! Watch a detailed review of this product here.
Pros
- Super powerful 3700 RPM motor
- Slim and lightweight design
- 6 different massage heads
- Cordless and rechargeable
Cons
- Some might find that the battery of this massager needs replacement a bit often.
5. Best Cordless Design:VivReal Handheld Back Massager
Image: Vivreal Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or spend hours hunched in front of your computer, everyone loves a good deep tissue massage to ease out those knots and relieve fatigue. What if we told you that you could skip the expensive massage at the spa and enjoy all the benefits of a relaxing massage in the comfort of your home! With this back knot massager, removing knots in back areas of your body is a breeze. Don’t let the compact size of this cordless rechargeable massager fool you. With 6 interchangeable nodes, you can use this handy device to massage your back, neck, calves, ankles, thighs, and feet. The powerful motor helps deeply penetrate your muscles to help relieve sore, achy muscles safely and effectively. This video is a review cum demo of this massager.
Pros
- Convenient cordless design
- 6 interchangeable nodes for multiple body parts
- 6 adjustable speeds
- Ideal for gifting
Cons
- Some might find the charging cord of this massager a bit loose.
6. Best Lightweight:HeaDot Deep Tissue Massage Gun
Image: Comfier If you’re looking to speed up your recovery time after intense workouts, you’re going to love this cordless, handheld massager that refreshes and rejuvenates your body. Ultra-quiet and easy to use on the go, this ergonomic massager has 10 different massage heads to target multiple muscle groups in the body effectively. The convenient LED touch screen display can be used to change between 30 different speed settings to alleviate the soreness caused by lactic acid build-up after strenuous exercise, leaving you feeling lighter and oh-so-relaxed! This quiet operation back massager for knots is a great addition to one’s home office for those who sit for many hours. It’s great for noticing areas of tension while working. Using massagers like these can help with circulation you otherwise don’t get while being static, so it also seconds as a therapeutic back massager for knots.
Pros
- Lightweight, handheld design
- Convenient LED touch screen
- 30 adjustable speeds
- 6-hour working time on a full charge
- 10 replaceable massage heads
Cons
- Some might find the storage box for this massager a bit inconvenient to use.
7. Best For Full Back Massage: Snailax Shiatsu Back Massager
Image: Snailax Get yourself a full body massage without a trip to the spa, with the Shiatsu nodes back massager for knots. This versatile full-body back massager for knots provides complete relaxation to your shoulders, full back, waist, and thighs. It offers three massage zones, full back, upper back, and lower back as per your preference. The massage vibrating seat massage cushion has 2 built-in nodes with 2 adjustable intensities that attend to your hips and thighs. In addition, it also offers a spot treatment feature where the kneading massage nodes focus on one area for pin-point relaxation.
This electric back massager for knots also includes a soothing heat option that adds a gentle heat to calm sore muscles and relieve tension. The overheat protection thermostats are set in place to ensure safety during use. The back flap is entirely detachable so that you can opt for a softer or a more intense back massage. The remote-controlled back massager for knots’ convenient corded remote control enhances the ease of convenience by giving you the freedom to personalize your massage.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Allows spot massage
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Value for money
Cons
- Weak vibration on the seat cushion
8. Best Portable:Trigger Point Performance AcuCurve Massage Cane
Image: Trigger Point Don’t let the deceptively simple design of this massage cane make you turn a blind eye! One end of this massage cane has an extra-firm drop tip to provide precise pressure to deep tissue knots, while the other end has double massage balls to target tight muscles around the spine. Ergonomically constructed to fit comfortably in your hand, this easy-to-use versatile back massager for knots is beneficial for athletes and non-athletes alike and helps improve blood circulation and flexibility. Weighing less than a pound, this massager is a popular favorite amongst those who want a fuss-free, hassle-free device to ease pesky knots and relieve muscle soreness.
Pros
- Versatile and easy to use
- Portable and ergonomic design
- Lightweight and hassle-free
- Easy to store
Cons
- Some might find that this massage cane is not very sturdy.
Pro Tip9. Best Foldable:Zyllion Back And Neck Chair Massager
Image: Zyllion If you’re looking for a high-quality and user-friendly back massager for knots that adheres perfectly to the shape of your spine to provide a blissful, relaxing release from muscle tension and soreness, you’re in the right place. Get a spa-like deep tissue massage on your neck, shoulders, and back with 4 shiatsu massage nodes that can be adjusted to move forward or reverse, and up or down, to target the exact spot you want. Compact and thin, you can fold up this neck and back massager for knots and carry it anywhere, be it your car seat, office desk chair, couch, or dining chair. The user-friendly and intuitive remote helps you customize and control your massage, making you so relaxed and stress-free that you’re sure to fall asleep to sweet dreams!
Pros
- Ergonomic S-shaped curve
- Versatile and lightweight
- Intuitive functionality
- Foldable and portable design
Cons
- Some might find this chair massager a bit strong.
10. Best Solid Construction: Medcursor Massage Chair Pad
Image: Medcursor If you are looking for a back, shoulder, and neck massager rolled into one, try the Medcursor Massage Chair Pad that gives you spa-like relief at the comfort of your home. This seat cushion uses shiatsu, rolling, heating, kneading, and vibrating functions to give you absolute fatigue relief in your full back, shoulder, or neck. This fully customizable chair can be moved up or down to accommodate people with different heights. The flexible heating massage pillow acts as a cushion and the removable neck cover acts as a buffer for a gentler massage.
The 3D kneading nodes mimic a professional’s hands to provide the ultimate comfort. The massage rollers move up and down to provide a deep tissue massage to the full back area. These rollers can even be focused on one point for spot treatment and come with 2 levels of shiatsu intensity. You can also use the optional heating function in the massage nodes to soothe sore muscles and boost blood circulation across your body. The seat cushion of the rolling and kneading back massager for knots comes with 2 additional vibrating levels that are designed to calm tightness in your lower back, thigh, and hip area.
Pros
- Improves posture
- Ideal for targeted massage
- Durable
- Suitable for different heights
- Adjustable intensity
- Sturdy
- Value for money
Cons
- Not fully adjustable
Now that we’ve had a look at our pick of the 10 best back massagers for knots in 2023, let us look at some things to consider when picking the best massager to ease the tension in your muscles.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Back Massager For Knots
- Design
There are many different back massagers available in the market, and it is best to pick one that suits your requirements perfectly. While some massagers need to be connected to a power outlet, others are cordless and rechargeable. Most powered back massagers come with a motor that allows gentle vibrations at variable settings, while some have the additional feature of providing heat dissipation. If you’re looking for a fuss-free massager, go for a massage cane that has a simple design, requires no batteries or power outlet, but is very effective in providing instant relief from muscle soreness.
- Portability
Whether you’re looking for a back massager with its dedicated spot in your house or one which you can easily carry along to your office and your gym, there are a host of options available to you. Pick a massager that is lightweight, sturdy, and easy to transport and store if you want to be able to deal with your back knots on the go. For a more relaxing, indulgent massage in the comfort of your home, pick a massager that comes with additional features and multiple massage heads for different parts of your body.
- Versatility
Who says a back massager has only to massage your back. Many amazing massagers in the market target various parts of the body from your shoulders to your ankles to provide the ultimate, rejuvenating experience. If you want your massager to do more than just knead the knots out of your back, pick one that comes with multiple massage heads, adjustable speed, and variable intensity.
How To Massage A Knot Out Of Your Back
Step 1 – Start by identifying the knots in your back, they are usually hard, bump-like, and are painful to the touch. They are often in areas of over-use or in joints that are often in a contracted position.
Step 2 – Apply gentle heat to the knot, either by using a warm compress, or the heat function of your back massager if it has the option.
Step 3 – Using a back massager, apply gentle pressure to the knot. Start at a lower speed and intensity, and increase it gradually. Limit your back massage to a total of 15 minutes.
Step 4 – Maintain a good posture and stretch regularly to prevent hard knots from forming on your back. The best posture is the posture that is always changing. Drinking enough water and sugar free electrolytes can also be incredibly beneficial for muscle stiffness and soreness.
Other Activities That Help With Back Knots
While nothing beats a good self-massage to deal with pesky back knots, there are a few things you can do to reduce their occurrence and to improve the quality of your life.
- Maintain a good posture – Slouching and spending hours on your work desk are a sure-shot way to get persistent back knots. Start by keeping your back straight while sitting, and take frequent breaks to stretch out your back. Move around often!
- Exercise – Strengthen your core and exercise regularly to keep aches and pains at bay. Not only will exercise make you feel great, it will also shield your body against frequent injuries and weakness.
- Stretch – Bring movement and circulation into your muscles by indulging in gentle stretches a few times a week. Not sure where to start? Do your back a favor and enroll into your neighborhood yoga class for some great, therapeutic stretching.
- Hydrate – Keep your fluid intake up and keep dehydration at bay by always carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. Not only will it prevent muscle injuries and knots, it will also help you look and feel infinitely better.
The Bottom Line
Good back massagers can offer gentle muscle therapy that can make you feel rejuvenated and thoroughly refreshed. If back knots are too troublesome, you can definitely use these massagers to calm your joints and make your body relax. These massagers are pocket-friendly, and you don’t need to go to the massage parlor for every little back pain. For increased blood circulation and muscle stiffness, opt for the Renpho Rechargeable Hand Held Deep Tissue Massager, for relief from fibromyalgia and muscle soreness, try the LiBa Back And Neck Massager. If you’re an athlete, the Trigger Point Performance AcuCurve Massage Cane is a must-have. However, while choosing the best back massager, check if they have multiple speed/intensity settings. These massagers should also be able to improve your blood circulation while removing excess muscle stiffness. Many of these massagers have nodes and spikes that can thoroughly massage different parts of your body. You should choose the ones that are easy to handle and wouldn’t require a lot of effort. Also, it is better to avoid the back massagers that are too noisy and wouldn’t come in portable, cordless designs.
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Shreya Vishwanathan is a seasoned writer and editor with a background in psychology. She’s also deeply interested in the fitness, health, and lifestyle segments. Shreya spends her time researching new products that solve a problem or improve lives. Her review process involves extensive research into products’ core features and benefits across various e-commerce platforms. In this post, she writes about the best back massagers for those dealing with frequent knots or back pain. These massagers can help you relax and alleviate your pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do back massagers get rid of knots?
Absolutely! Back massagers help improve circulation and increase blood flow, thereby loosening up the muscles and reducing soreness. Through a combination of firm pressure and slow strokes, back massagers provide a relaxing deep tissue massage to effectively get rid of knots.
Can I use a back massager while pregnant?
It is best to consult your doctor before using a back massager while pregnant. This is because some back massagers subject the body to heat and vibrations, which might be harmful to the health of the foetus at higher intensities.
How long should I massage my back for?
It is best to limit a targeted back massage to 15-minute intervals, twice a day. This is especially important if you’re using a back massager which uses heat dissipation to gently dissolve your knots.
Can you use essential oils with a back massager?
Absolutely! Essential oils help enhance the quality of your massage and have great aromatherapy benefits. Just make sure to wipe your back massager clean after use. Peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil are ideal options for a relaxing back massage because of their analgesic properties.
When should you not use a massager for knots?
If you are injured and have swelling, do not use a massager for knots. Be careful if you are on blood thinners or other medications that affect circulation. Avoid heavy pressure if you are on other pharmaceutical painkillers such as opioids, anti-inflammatories, and other similar over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
How long can a knot in your back last?
Usually, a knot in your back shall resolve by itself in 1-2 weeks.
Can you use a massage gun too long?
Yes, use a massage gun for a few minutes over your knots and detangle them. However, if you overuse a massage gun, it may form bruising and irritate your skin.
Can you sleep on a back massager?
No, it can be potentially dangerous to sleep on a back massager. The heat from the massager could limit the “sleeping” chemicals from being released and instead amp up your “awake” chemicals, making people with sleeping issues unable to get restful sleep. Plus, it can also cause temporary damage to superficial nerves.
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