There’s nothing like a good massage. But you don’t need a professional to get out your kinks and knots.
All it really takes is a good tool or two, and some instructions.
Whether you are self massaging a sore spot, relieving pain, or just doing it for maintenance, following a home routine can do wonders for you.
Here we give you our picks for the best self massage tools of this year. We listed them by category to make it easier to follow.
We have a mix of high-end and affordable products listed here, but make no mistake: we recommend each and every one of them.
Massage Tools for Neck and Shoulder
It’s common for our neck and shoulders to become tense. If your problem area is mainly there, these are good options for you.
1. Kieba Massage Lacrosse Balls
Kieba massage balls aren’t just for neck and shoulder, of course. But they are your best bet.
Affordability: 5/5
You can buy them online for fairly cheap (a set of two for about 10 bucks). They should last you a while.
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Lacrosse balls help with myofascial release. Studies have shown myofascial release to have a number of benefits, including less soreness and better muscle performance.
Ease of use: 4/5
Self massage with a lacrosse ball is fairly simple. Just rolling it into the areas where it feels good will help. If you want some instruction, check out this video and this video.
Check them out here.
2. Theracane Cane Massager
Theracane is another great way to go if you want to target your neck and upper back. It’s intuitively easy to use, and the design allows you to apply plenty of pressure without exerting yourself much.
Affordability: 4.5/5
Although it costs a bit more than lacrosse balls, Theracane is fairly affordable.
Effectiveness: 5/5
The rounded ends are the perfect size for myofascial release in even the smallest muscles, including your neck muscles that get so tense.
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Using Theracane is incredibly straightforward.
Best Foam Rollers
Foam rollers are great for evenly working large muscle groups. There are plenty of options out there. Even your run-of-the-mill foam roller will help with myofascial release, but here we list a few more sophisticated rollers for people who want something extra.
1. Triggerpoint GRID Foam Roller
It’s on the pricier side but Triggerpoint GRID is the best there is. You’ll probably recognize it from your trainer or physical therapist’s office.
Triggerpoint’s unique line of foam rollers are designed to replicate the feel of a massage therapist’s hands. That might be a stretch, but we agree that they’re as close to a real massage as you can get with a foam roller.
Affordability: 3/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
It’s no different than any other foam roller when it comes to ease of use.
2. ProSource High Density Extra Firm Foam Roller
ProSource is the best option for a simple, straightforward (and less expensive) foam roller. We prefer the extra firm.
Affordability: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
A standard foam roller like this one is, for all practical purposes, just as effective as the Triggerpoint version. Something like ProSource would be appropriate for most people.
Ease of Use: 5/5
Foot Massagers
1. 3KM Spiky Massage Ball
This is a great massage ball for feet, and the pointy texture helps improve circulation. Especially helpful for plantar fasciitis in which foot tissues become inflamed.
Affordability: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
If you’re not used to the points, go easy at first. It takes some getting used to. Consider wearing a sock when you use it.
Ease of Use: 5/5
2. TheraFlow Foot Massager
This is the most practical option, and by far the most bang for your buck. It’s simple to use, and gives you a great sensation on the arches of your feet.
Affordability: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
3. NekTek Foot Massager (Kneading Shiatsu Therapy)
NekTek Foot Massager massages the bottom of your feet with six beaded heads. It also has a safe heating mechanism to improve circulation and promote healing.
It’s not practical for travel and it also must be plugged in. But the temperature mechanism gives it another dimension that most other foot massage rollers don’t have.
Affordability: 3.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Best Portable Massage Tables
For those of you who want a massage table set up in your own home, there are plenty of good options for you.
1a. Saloniture Professional Folding Massage Table
Saloniture makes another table with extra features that’s a bit more expensive, but we think this one is more than enough. It also comes with a carrying case for travel.
Affordability: 4/5
There are slightly cheaper options, but it costs about the same as most home massage tables.
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
1b. Sierra Comfort All Inclusive Portable Massage Table
Another good option for portable massage tables is Sierra Comfort. Comparable to Saloniture and usually runs a bit more expensive.
Affordability: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
2. Heaven Massage Two Fold Portable Massage Table
Heaven Massage sells an affordable portable massage table with all the basic features. However it doesn’t withstand heavy weight, so it’s not the best option for larger individuals.
Affordability: 5/5
Effectiveness: 3.5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Best Manual Roller Stick
Roller sticks work similar to foam rollers, but they allow you to use your arms to apply extra pressure to tight areas.
1. IDSON Muscle Roller Stick For Athletes
These roller sticks have a textured contact area, allowing for deeper myofascial release and stimulating circulation.
Affordability: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5
Best Acupressure Mat
Our top pick here is Nayoya’s acupressure mat (read more). They were one of the originals to make an acupressure mat and theirs is the best.
Affordability: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
Ease of Use: 5/5