Best Back Massager for Knots (Complete Reviews and Buyer’s Guide) 2022

Medically referred to as myofascial trigger points, muscle knots are basically pesky pain spots that tend to develop wherever muscles are present, most commonly in the back.

Muscle knots can be caused due to several reasons such as poor posture, overusing or injuring your muscles and sedentary lifestyle, which entails sitting for too long and repetitive movements. If not treated properly, massage knots can be extremely painful and sometimes debilitating.

The only way to break up muscle knots is with intervention, and there are several ways to go about this including stretching, ice and heat, foam rolling, and the most effective massaging. But getting a professional massage can be expensive, especially if you need more than a couple sessions.

Good news is that you can replicate a professional massage with a home back massager at a fraction of the cost, and in the comfort of your home. That said, we’ve rounded off on 5 best back massagers for knots to help you get the relief you need.

In a hurry? Here is our Top pick!

Zylliion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager - Premium Spa-Like 3D Kneading Deep Tissue Massage Pillow (Wired) with Soothing Heat for Muscle Pain Relief, Athletes, Chair and Car - Black (ZMA-13-BK)

Best Back Massager for Knots

1. Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

best back massager for knots

Slotting in at the #1 position on this list of best back massager for knots is the Zyllion Shiatsu — a device that comes with a rich set of features.

These three deep kneading shiatsu massage nodes are designed to relax your overused and tight muscles, and feature advanced technology in that they change directions every minute automatically.

Further, the Zyllion Shiatsu knot relief massager comes with an upgraded heating function to sooth aching muscles, and can be switched on and off on the fly. This back know massage from Zyllion boasts a compact and lightweight footprint at just 13 x 9.5 x 3.5 inches and 4 lbs, making it easy to carry and use wherever you go.

It is geared to provide an effective massage for several areas of your body including your lower and upper back, abdomen, calf and thigh areas, and can be plugged into any 110-120V or 220-240V electrical outlet.

The Zyllion Shiatsu knot relief massager is fitted with two adjustable straps, which make it easy to secure it to your favorite sofa, chair or even car seat. Adding to this, it features overheating protection to prevent damage to the device, and auto-shutoff, which shuts of the device automatically after 20 minutes.

At the time of writing this review, there are over 24,000 reviews on Amazon, with majority of them being positive – click here to read them.

Be sure to check out our list of  Best Shiatsu Foot Massagers for more great items like this.

Pros

  • Compact and slim design
  • Can be plugged into any 110-120V or 220-240V electrical outlet
  • Overheat protection and auto-shutoff
  • Comes with DC car cigarette lighter adapter and UL approved power adapter
  • Total of 4 shiatsu massage nodes

Cons

  • Massage balls are in a fixed position and have limited motion

2. Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

best back massager for knots

The Naipo Shiatsu back and neck massager is a great choice for those looking to get relief from knots, and features eight deep kneading shiatsu massage nodes that collectively provide relief from muscle tightness.

Further, it comes with a dedicated adjustable intensity button, which when pressed allows you to select from three different speeds starting from low to high, making it easy to get a bespoke massage.

Adding to its long list of key features is its advanced heating function, which delivers warmth to your muscles, resulting in a relaxed and soothing feel. The Naipo muscle knot massager is embedded with 3D-rotation kneading massage rollers, which are laid out in a U-design to reach a broader massaging area of your body.

It is UL approved, and is a perfect choice for home, office, or in your vehicle, and can be used to massage several areas of your body including your neck, shoulder, back, and waist.

The Naipo Shiatsu back and neck massager features overheat protection, and is made from skin-friendly leather. It is fitted with a long 1.77-inch armrest strap, and works quietly at just 40db. The Naipo muscle knot massager shuts down automatically after 30 minutes, and comes with a UL approved power adapter and car charger.

At the time of writing this review, there are over 26,000 reviews on Amazon, with majority of them being positive – click here to read them.

Be sure to check out our list of  Best Massage Cushions for more great items like this.

Pros

  • Overheat protection and auto-shutoff
  • 8 deep kneading massage nodes
  • Adjustable intensity button
  • 3D-rotation kneading massage rollers

Cons

  • Auto-shutoff turns itself off too frequently at times

3. Renpho Handheld Deep Tissue Massager

best back massager for knots

The RENPHO deep tissue back massager showcases a handheld design, and can be ordered in a choice of two colors — black and white. It features a compact and lightweight footprint at just 15 x 3 x 4.5 inches, 1.76 lbs, and is both stylish and easy to use.

This handheld knot massager from RENPHO is appointed with a control panel complete with four buttons in its handle, making it easy to toggle between the many functions including modes and massage power.

Further, the handheld knot massager is fitted with an ergonomically designed longer handle, which makes it a joy to hold, and get a massage in hard to reach areas. The RENPHO handheld knot massager is powered by a rechargeable battery, which when fully charged lasts up to 140 minutes.

Adding to this, it features safety shutoff, which powers off the massager automatically after 20 minutes of continuous use to prevent the device from overheating. The RENPHO handheld massager features five strength modes and five speed modes, and comes with a stand, five massager heads, wall charger and user guide.

At the time of writing this review, there are over 30,000 reviews on Amazon, with majority of them being positive – click here to read them.

Be sure to check out our list of  Best Massage Chairs for more great items like this.

Pros

  • Rechargeable battery lasts up to 140 minutes
  • Auto-shutoff after 20 minutes continuous use
  • Control panel with 4 buttons
  • Rubber coated 3-intensive head included
  • 3600 RPM motor

Cons

  • Does not come with carrying case

4. Hypervolt Percussion Massage Gun

best back massager for knots

The Hyperice Hypervolt handheld massager is in a league of its own with it state of the art advanced percussion massage technology. It is especially designed to provide relief from muscle knots, and sore and tense muscles, and features quiet glide technology, so it doesn’t do anything more than whisper.

The Hypervolt handheld massager features three speed settings to choose from, which render up to 3200 percussions per minute. It is powered by the lithium ion battery, which charges quickly, and then lets you use the device for up to three hours.

Adding to this, it allows you to target any muscle group, and is lightweight at just 2.5 lbs. The Hypervolt handheld knot massager is TSA approved, and is fitted with a comfortable grip, allowing you to use it for longer periods without causing strain on your hands.

At the time of writing this review, there are over 2,000 reviews on Amazon, with majority of them being positive – click here to read them.

Be sure to check out our list of  Best Leg Massagers for more great items like this.

Pros

  • Quiet glide technology
  • 3 speed settings
  • TSA approved
  • Rechargeable battery/2 hours runtime
  • Delivers 3200 percussions per minute

Cons

  • Massages may be too strong for some users

5. Comfier Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

best back massager

The Comfier Shiatsu muscle knot massager comes with a long list of features, some of which lacking in much higher priced models in its segment. It is distinct from other knot massagers on this list owing to its innovative 2D/3D shiatsu massage capabilities, made possible by four rotation modes.

These four massage nodes move inward and outward to provide effective deep kneading massages for your neck and shoulders. Further, it provides an adjustable rolling massages along your back spine, resulting in relief from muscle pain along your entire back.

But that’s not all, the Comfier knot massager features spot massage functionality, which just as you might’ve guessed allows you to focus on certain areas of your body for pin-point relaxation. The width between the two massage heads can be adjusted to better fit your body, so you can get the right massage for your needs.

The Comfier back massager is equipped with two airbags, which together provide a deep tissue massage. It can be placed on a sofa, recliner, couch, or even office chair, and is backed by a 30-day money back guarantee.

At the time of writing this review, there are over 4,000 reviews on Amazon, with majority of them being positive – click here to read them.

Be sure to check out our list of  Best Foot Massager for Neuropathy for more great items like this.

Pros

  • 2D/3D shiatsu massage
  • Four rotation modes
  • Spot massage functionality
  • Adjustable rolling massages

Cons

  • Does not come with remote control

Back Massager for Knots Buying Guide

When shopping for the best back massager for knot relief, you will be spoilt for choice, given the many options available. But here are a few important factors to consider to ensure you invest in the right model for your needs.

Types of back knot massagers

Just like most other things, knot back massagers are available across a spectrum of different types, most notably electric and non-electric massagers.

Non-electric massagers just as the name would suggest are basically manually operated devices, and are less expensive compared to their electric counterparts.

On the downside, since they operate without batteries or electrical power, you will have to put in a fair bit of effort to get the massage you need, something you may not be able to effectively if you’re already suffering from knots and other ailments.

Electric back massagers are powered by either rechargeable batteries or by connecting them to an electrical outlet. They are priced higher than manual back massagers, but on a brighter note provide professional back massage with the flick of a few buttons.

Styles of back massagers

Just like types, there are a few styles of back massagers to choose from, most commonly — chair pad, handheld and cushion. A chair pad massager can be secured to a chair, making it easy to use at home, in your car, or while at work.

A handheld massager features a wand like design, and is easy to use to massage several areas of your body, and not just your back. A cushion massager can be used on the neck and lower back, and but provide a massage across a smaller area, given its compact footprint.

Size of massager

Back massagers can be ordered in several different sizes, but you should choose one that covers your entire affected area. You should also consider where you’re going to use the massager such as only at home or on the go, for which you should buy a portable back massager.

Types of massages

Most of the best massagers provide one or more styles of massages. A percussion massage aka thundering on your back is a type of deep tissue massage, and is great if you’re looking for intense massages.

Shiatsu massages are one of the most common styles of for muscle knots, and is as close as you can get to the hands of a professional masseuse. Kneading massages are great if you suffer from too many knots, as they are more effective at ironing them out.

Nodes

Massage nodes are responsible for providing a massage to sooth tired, relieved muscle tightness.

Heat

Some back massagers come with heating functionality, which gently heats the skin and prevents pain.

Timer and auto-shutoff

Timers can be handy to alert you when your preconfigured massage time has lapsed. Auto-shutoff shuts off the device automatically after a period of use, which prevents overheating of the device.

Speed/intensity settings

Speed and intensity settings allow you to adjust the massage towards your needs.

Best Back Massagers for Knots FAQ’s

Are massagers good for muscle knots?

Back massagers can help undo muscle knots, and also provide relief from aches and pains in other areas of your body. Further, they can also improve blood circulation, and considerably lower stress levels in your body. However, you should always consult your doctor before using any type of massage therapy to get relief from your ailments.

Can you use an electric back massager in the shower?

Absolutely not, but you can use a manual i.e. non-electric back massager in the shower or even in the pool. Using it in the shower will not only cause damage to the massager, but also cause personal injury.

Is it safe to use back massagers in the car?

As long as you don’t get distracted with the massagers when you’re behind the wheel, it is safe to use a back massager while driving. In fact, a massage can hit the sweet spot if you’re driving for longer periods of time.

Can you use a back massager too much?

Most back massager manufacturers recommend using a back massager for 20 minutes or so. Using it any longer in one area of the body is not recommended.

How often should you use a back massager?

This truly depends on your needs, but twice or thrice a week should be enough to get relief from muscle knots.

Final Thoughts

Back massages are a proven way of getting relief from and even getting rid of muscle knots.

The 5 back massagers for knots mentioned on this list are some of the best you can buy in this segment, and come with a long list of great features that make it convenient to get a soothing, relaxing massage right in the comfort of your home.

An avid yoga practitioner, massage enthusiast, and wellness advocate since 2008. From then on, she has helped countless people alleviate muscle pains, tension and stress, to ultimately achieve wellness and balance in life.