Try as much as we do to prevent it, physical pain is a part of the human experience. Whether it’s after a workout or just a long day at work, the soreness that comes from tense muscles can be excruciating. Stretching can help, sure, but sometimes you need something with a little more juice. This is where a personal massaging device (be it a trigger point massager or massage gun) can be helpful. But the massaging devices of today are so much more advanced than they used to be and provide much, much better results. Enter: the deep tissue massager.
The majority of deep tissue massagers nowadays use percussive therapy, which is a bit of tech favored by pro athletes that is now finally more accessible to the consumer market. Percussive therapy promotes faster recovery in muscles, may reduce the overall impact of lactic acid buildup and promotes an increase in the overall range of mobility and body flexibility. The keys to look at when considering a deep tissue massager will be the overall percussive per minute level (PPM), as the higher that number is, the more relief you’ll get. Also, battery and additional features are worth considering.
However, to help lighten the load, we’ve rounded up eight of our favorites you can buy right now. Take a look at our selects below, and you’ll be on your way to feeling better in no time flat.
1. Theragun Pro Deep Tissue Massager
BEST OVERALL
There’s a chance you’ve already pretty familiar with Theragun, as the brand has become somewhat of a household name and a catch-all for deep tissue massagers. But to quote The Wire, the king stays the king, and Theragun remains the deep tissue massager to beat, especially with their 4th generation Pro model. The included OLED screen on the unit allows you to quickly see what speed you’re currently on, while added customization (via a mobile app) lets you really set a speed and pressure that works for your needs. The six different attachments and rotating arm can help you really get into those tight areas to provide the best massage. While the unit is on the pricer side of things, it’s worth it to get professional-level percussive therapy right in your home.
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2. Hyperice Hypervolt Pro Deep Tissue Massager
BEST RUNNER UP
Hyperice’s Hypervolt Pro is no slouch, making it a deeply compelling second choice should you decide you don’t want to invest a lot of money in a deep tissue massager. With three-speed functionality and five interchangeable heads, the Pro model can produce an output of 3200 percussions per minute and do it rather quietly in the process. The battery life is around three hours and can be paired with the Hyperice App to better dial-in custom performance.
3. CHIROGUN Deep Tissue Massager
MOST VERSITALE
If you want your deep tissue massager to provide a lot of customization regarding your attachments, the CHIROGUN deep tissue massager is for you, as it provides a staggering 15 different head options to really help you work out any pain you’re having. While it’s not the fastest option on this list, the 2550 speed certainly isn’t slow either, providing plenty of power to help relax any pain you’re having. The battery on the CHIROGUN is great, too, yielding six hours of life from a rapid-charing battery.
4. Naipo Shiatsu Deep Tissue Massager
BEST FOR UPPER BODY
Humans carry a lot of stress and pressure in their upper bodies, specifically in the neck and shoulder area, so having a deep tissue massager that can really get into those areas can bring a considerable amount of relief. This deep tissue massager from Naipo rests on your shoulders and slips over your hands to ensure it stays in place while the 360-degree rotating massage rollers provide a deep massage into that historically tight area. You can also use it on your back and legs too, adding some extra benefits.
5. OPOVE Deep Tissue Massager
BEST MID-LEVEL
If you’re looking for a deep tissue massager that provides plenty of power, but doesn’t cost an extreme amount, consider the OPOVE deep tissue massager. The four-speed control yields an output of 3300 percussions per minute with four hours of battery time. The five interchangeable heads allow for customizable treatment. Oh, and the price tag isn’t too bad, making the OPOVE a fantastic mid-tier option for those who want brand name quality without brand name price.
6. Mighty Bliss Deep Tissue Massager
BEST FOR BACK PAIN
Back pain can be fierce; if it’s bad enough, it can be difficult to get out of bed on some days. However, this deep tissue massager from Mighty Bliss is shaped similar to that of a back brush, with its extended handle allowing its user to fully and deeply get into those otherwise hard-to-reach areas. The 3,700 percussion motor provides deep relief and helps to really loosen up the otherwise tight muscles in your back. Plus, the lightweight construction and slim profile make it easy to store when you’re not using it.
7. TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller Deep Tissue Massager
BEST NON-ELECTRIC
TriggerPoint’s GRID foam roller deep tissue massager might not seem like it’s capable of providing the same level of care as some of the other massagers on this list. However, looks aren’t everything, as this foam roller can provide deep relief if you’re using it consistently and effectively. The raised segments of the roller can really get into those sore areas and help to soothe them and will last a long time, thanks to its quality construction. Oh, and it comes in a variety of different colors, so there’s likely one that will best fit your own personal preference.
8. TimTam Deep Tissue Massager
EASIEST TO USE
TimTam’s deep tissue massager offers many of the same features you’ll find in other deep tissue massages but makes it all very easy to use. The on/off switch is located as a trigger in the handle of the massage gun, allowing you to quickly find the button to bring you instant relief. The rotating head allows you to find the angle that will work best for your relief needs, while the swappable battery and replacement heads (sadly sold separately) provide additional ease of use and added benefits.
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