11 Best Expert-Recommended Deep Tissue Massagers (2024)
Ease and relax your muscles and improve blood circulation with massages.
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 consultation as well.
Read full bio of Viktoria Hamma
Experience: 5 yearsAditi 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 is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 3 yearsRajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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The best deep tissue massagers use percussive therapy to ease your muscles and help you relax. These massagers help free knotted muscles and break down the lactic acid build-up in your muscles. They remove stress from your muscles and improve blood circulation. With these, you do not have to visit a massage parlor and spend a lot on bills and tips. You can take care of yourself at any time you want.
There is nothing more comfortable than a good massage session after a long, hectic day of work. Unfortunately, most of us may not have the time or the budget to get professional massagers as regularly as we would like to. But, comfort is now made possible with these deep tissue massagers that you can use at your own home all by yourself.
The market now has multiple brands that manufacture different types of these massagers —from those that target localized areas to those that provide full-body massages. To help you select the best one for yourself, we have made a list of the top-rated products available on the market right now. So, go ahead and check out the best deep tissue massagers and pick your favorite now! Find out more about a deep tissue massager in the section below.
In This Article
What Does A Deep Tissue Massage Do
Deep tissue massage is a unique and specific massage technique that is applied to musculoskeletal areas to relieve pain, stiffness, sports injuries, strains, and offers other health benefits as well. Using deep, slow strokes, sustained pressure is applied to the targeted areas of your muscles and connective tissues to gradually reduce stress and muscle tension around those areas. These handheld massagers also reduce injury pain and tension in tissues and muscles by breaking up any scar tissue that may have formed. Deep tissue massage equipment is used to hasten healing by stimulating blood flow and preventing inflammation.
11 Best Deep Tissue Massagers Of 2024 To Relax Yourself
1. Best Sleek Handle:Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager
Enjoy a deep tissue muscle massage at home in comfort without burning a hole in your pocket! You can monitor the intensity of your percussive massage and feel yourself being relaxed with this massager as the pain, knots, stress, and fatigue of your muscles, tissues, and joints fade away. It also improves muscle flexibility with its 4 different head attachments— flat disc for better coverage, acupoint head for targeted tension relief, 4-finger flex that replicates your fingers while massaging, and a deep muscle ball head to relax you. This deep tissue massage device features a long, sleek handle and a 9-foot long power for better flexibility and to reach difficult places. This electric massager promises you a therapeutic and professional massage by boosting circulation and reducing soreness, pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Watch an honest review of this versatile massager in this video to gain first-hand knowledge of the product.
- Spiral lock attachments
- Ergonomic design
- Up to 3,350 pulses per minute
- Can increase oxytocin levels
- The percussive threaded shaft is made from nylon which may not last long.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 4,436 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
2. Best Gentle:Toloco Deep Tissue Massage Gun
Surrender to the pleasure of this deep tissue massager as it gently relieves pain and fatigue, reduces the build-up of lactic acid, and enhances the circulation of blood with a good deep tissue massage. This cordless muscle massage gun features 20 levels of speed depending on the intensity of massage you desire and 10 changeable massage heads to cater to every part of your body. The power and speed levels are displayed on an upgraded LCD touchscreen, so outages are never a worry. It’s easy to operate with a powerful and quiet motor, and the sound level doesn’t cross 40 dB. This percussion deep tissue massage gun features a silicone handle that’s easy to grasp and has a non-slip texture. Make relaxation a part of your routine as every part of your body feels at ease! Check out this video showcasing the tester’s experience to understand the full potential of this massager.
- Lightweight design
- Easy to store and carry
- Ergonomic design
- 3200 rpm deep percussion
- 12 mm stroke length
- High torque brushless motor
- Includes a carrying case
- Some feel the cord could be longer for better reachability.
3. Best For Sore Muscles: Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager
a cloud-based massage. Soothe your aching feet and legs with the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager. It employs a deep massaging Shiatsu method to aid in the promotion of blood flow, reduction of inflammation, stimulation of musculoskeletal healing, and soothing of pain. This massage machine has an adjustable base that works the muscles in your feet, ankles, or calves. The heated foot massager has three different settings, ranging from mild to vigorous, to accommodate a wide range of preferences. The rolling massage, compression treatment, sway function, heat therapy, and silent mode on the leg and foot massager all work together to deliver soothing relief from plantar fasciitis and other typical aches and pains. Place your foot massager in the living room, workplace, or bedroom for a relaxing and rejuvenating massage anywhere in your house. According to reviews, the product provides multiple benefits including compression and heat therapy that relieves pain.
- Supports muscles recovery
- Improves circulation
- Movable bars
- Works silently
- Customizable intensity
- Not travel-friendly
- Heavy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 11,981 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager Best Sleek Handle | Toloco Deep Tissue Massage Gun Best Gentle | Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager Best For Sore Muscles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.92 Pounds | 1.8 Pounds | 22 Pounds |
| Material | Plastic, Metal | Silicone | - |
| Dimensions | 17.48 x 2.72 x 4.49 inches | - | 22 x 11 x 17.7 inches |
| Color | - | - | Gray |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,436 | 9,858 | 11,981 |
| Price | $29.98 | $49.99 | $359.99 |
Quick tip4. Best Stepless Speed:Hangsun MG460 Full Body Massager
Whether you are a workout aficionado or lead a sedentary life in the office, this deep tissue massager gun is exactly what you need for massage therapy to loosen out muscle knots after a tiring day. With its dual head percussion massager, it gives you a relaxing and deep massage, relieving stress, pain, knots, and spasms. It’s ideal for the arms, neck, legs, and back, enhances blood circulation, and reduces swelling. It features multiple speeds and 3 interchangeable massage nodes— original, salient, and pillow node, so that you can customize your massage according to your requirements. Its ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable and easy grip and its 98 inches long cord gives you enough slack to use it almost anywhere you want, for that deep targeted massage.
- Stepless speed
- Lightweight design
- Gives up to 3500 pulses per minute
- 1 year warranty
- May encounter overheating issues over time in some cases
5. Best Lightweight Design: CRYOTEX Massage Gun
The CRYOTEX Massage Gun thoroughly reduces muscular discomfort after exercise by providing deep and forceful muscle massage. The use of this massage gun has been shown to speed up the recovery process by increasing blood flow to the muscles, relaxing the muscles, and reducing lactic acid buildup. You can even use this muscle stimulation massager to warm up before any physical activity in order to prepare the body better. It boasts an LCD touch panel and an automated shut-off function. It comes with six interchangeable massage heads like a bulle, U-shaped, etc, allowing for precise therapy of certain muscle groups. The high-torque motor in this professional deep tissue massager provides for up to 3,200 percussions per minute at 20 different speeds. It also has 45 dB of noise reduction technology. The high-quality lithium-ion 2600mAh battery powers the cordless massager for up to 6 hours on a single charge. According to reviewers, it provides a good user experience as it is easy to use, and also versatile with various attachment heads.
- Ergonomic design
- 12 mm amplitude
- Auto power off
- High torque motor
- LCD button control screen
- Lightweight
- Cordless design
- Travel-friendly
- Works silently
None
"This product effectively eases muscle discomfort in my back and hips! The various heads provided let me target specific pain points. I have used it for a long time, yet it does not heat up, which is a plus. I find this massager very helpful."
6. Best Breathable:Renpho Shiatsu Neck And Shoulder Massager
Submit to the comfort and relaxation of this ergonomically designed deep tissue massager machine that features buffer massage heads to relax your neck and shoulders. They gently move 0.2 inches to the right and left so that they don’t cause pain when squeezing your muscles. It features 8 massage nodes for massage therapy that gently knead your muscles providing relief from pain and tightness, thereby improving health and wellness. Heated massage rollers relax your body by boosting blood circulation, and it runs at 3 speeds and automatically switches off after 15 minutes. It comes with a 98.42 inches long adapter cable, is easy to carry, easy to clean, and is very durable as it’s crafted with breathable mesh and PU leather.
- Overheat protection system
- Pure electric copper motor
- Features an 18.89 inches handle belt
- Maximum volume of 55 dB
- Comes with an AC adapter and car adapter
- Some may find it a bit big and chunky
"It does an excellent job easing the built-up tension in my shoulders, neck, and upper spine. I really like the different speeds and easy control mechanism of the device. It gently eases my shoulder knots and massages my trigger points, imparting a soothing feeling. I absolutely recommend it!"
7. Best Comfortably Grip:TheraGun Elite Deep Tissue Massager
The smart percussive therapy offered by this deep tissue massager with a QX65 motor is almost soundless and completely relaxes your body. Its brushless motor runs on a lithium ion battery that runs for up to 2 hours if used continuously. It comes with 5 head attachments— dampener, standard ball, wedge, thumb, and a cone to cater to specific areas that you would like to massage. You can monitor the power and speed on an OLED screen and can choose a speed between 1750 to 2400 PPMs depending on your comfort level. Its ergonomic design ensures that you can easily and comfortably grip it without any strain. Feel your tension and soreness melt away with the gentle and effective action of this massager.
- Easy to clean
- 60% deeper amplitude
- Comes with a smart carry case
- Attachments made of comfortable, non-porous closed-cell foam
- Attachments only have a warranty of 30 days
8 Best Cordless Design: REATHLETE DEEP4S Massage Gun
The REATHLETE DEEP4S Massage Gun offers pain treatment from the convenience of your own home. The deep muscle massager gun’s arm can be adjusted to one of three angles, allowing you to massage every inch of your muscles and reach all parts of your body. This massage gun for athletes has a body constructed from superior anti-shock ABS polymer, which is both strong and long-lasting. Customize your muscle rehabilitation with the use of the four intensity levels and touch controls. The gun’s speed ranges from 1200 to 3200 RPM, and its force from 35 to 60 lbs, so you can feel the difference between each set. It has a premium long-life battery that lasts for up to 6 hours on a single charge. This massager loosens and warms up tense muscles, reduces stiffness and pain, and promotes muscle recovery.
- DualGrip body
- 6-hour battery life
- 3200 rpm deep percussion
- 12 mm amplitude
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Works silently
- Cordless design
- Long-lasting battery
None
"This massage gun works deep into my muscles. It comes with many attachments that allow me to customize its functions. The battery life is amazing, so it can work uninterrupted for a long time. I like it as it is very easy to use and works well to relieve my strained muscles."
Caution9. Best Travel-Friendly:Hyperice Hypervolt GO Handheld Percussion Massage Device
Designed to be used on any part of your body and ideal for adventurers and athletes, this therapeutic massager can be used on problem areas like the shoulders, feet, and legs. Extremely practical, it’s easy to take wherever you go and features 3 different speeds so that the power can be adjusted according to your needs. One button controls the operation of this massager with its 2 interchangeable head attachments, making it very simple and convenient to use. Quiet as a whisper, its noiseless operation further relaxes you. It features a rechargeable lithium ion battery which can be used for 2.5 hours with every charge. This deep tissue massager enhances muscle performance, improves flexibility and range of motion, reduces stiffness and soreness, and hastens warmup and recovery. Check out an honest and detailed review of this product in this video. According to reviewers, the device is easy to hold and effectively alleviates tension in the focus areas.
- Weighs just 1.5 pounds
- 3 different speeds
- Easy to carry
- Easy to use
- One button control
- TSA-approved for carry-on
- Comes with 3 additional plug adapters
- Some may not find the motor strong enough.
"This vibration pistol massager is quite robust and easy to operate. Its battery life is very long which helps me use it at a stretch. It not only eased my knotted muscles but also offered relief to my diabetic nerve pain. It is a useful tool that's already helping my family with aching muscles and swelling."
10. Best Noise-Free:Comfier Mini Massage Gun
Minimize muscle fatigue with the Comfier Mini Massage Gun. It is equipped with a 2500mAH lithium battery that lasts for 4 to 5 hours. The lightweight design ensures portability. It has four speed levels that relieve aches and stiff muscles, thereby keeping you relaxed and fresh all day. In addition, the gun comes with four interchangeable heads to massage your shoulders, neck, back, thighs, arms, legs, and more. They help to relieve tension in muscles and shape them to keep them fit.
- Noise-free
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Speed levels
None
"This mini massager is easy to hold and comes with varied speed options and attachments. It helps soothe and massage my tight muscles efficiently. The best part is that it has a noiseless operation. Overall, it is a versatile and convenient tool for anyone desiring deep tissue relief."
Caution11. Best Battery Life: Fusion Black Pro Massage Gun
The Fusion Black Pro Massage Gun comes with six interchangeable heads and 20-speed settings to provide therapeutic muscular relief to athletes and non-athletes alike. It has a phenomenal 50 pounds of peak force and an amplitude of 15 millimeters, making it one of the most powerful massage guns currently available on the market. The brushless motor allows for up to 3,300 percussions per minute at a maximum noise level of 45 decibels, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing anybody around you. To provide maximum user comfort, the massage gun’s grip has been ergonomically angled at a 12-degree angle. This massage gun increases muscular function, flexibility, range of motion, stiffness, and soreness, as well as speeds up warmup and recovery.
- Lightweight
- Quiet brushless motor
- Travel-friendly
- Works silently
- Cordless design
- Ergonomic grip
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
None
"This massager works effectively to relieve muscle tension! It is super sturdy and the attachments come in very handy. It works deep in my muscle tissues and imparts optimum relaxation."
Now that you have been through our review of the 11 best deep tissue massagers, let us give you a few tips on what to look for while choosing one for yourself so that you can say goodbye to sore and stiff muscles as you enjoy a good massage.
How To Choose The Best Deep Tissue Massagers
- Speed
Deep tissue massagers usually feature several speed levels, and the higher you go with the speed level, the more the intensity of the massage. More speed levels doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better performance. Usually, 3 to 5 speed settings are enough, or you will unnecessarily be clicking buttons 15 to 20 times to reach the highest setting.
- Sound
Try to get a deep tissue massager with a sound level between 30 to 50 dB, otherwise the sound might end up annoying you rather than relaxing you. You should be able to hold a conversation even at the highest speed.
- Weight
You need the massager to be lightweight as it’s handheld and you really don’t want to end up with an aching hand while relieving pain in other parts of your body. A massager should ideally be about 2 pounds in weight.
- Head attachments
Percussion therapy massagers feature various head attachments and you need to choose them according to what you need them for. The ball or round head is used to massage larger body parts like the back and legs, the tapered head is good for smaller muscles like the wrists or arms and the flat head is perfect for a deep tissue thigh massage and of the calves, shoulders, and chest. The forkhead attachment is ideal for the spine and neck, and a deep tissue back massage, the acupoint head for targeted tension relief, and the trigger point therapy massage head attachment for deep kneading. Depending on the brand, there can be many more head attachments.
- Rotating arm
A rotating arm is perfect for reaching those difficult, elusive areas that you would like to massage. Some massagers feature a 90° rotating arm which is ideal for the upper back, calves, and hamstrings.
- Cord length
A cordless massager is definitely a better option, but if you do get a massager with a cord, ensure that it’s at least 9 feet long. It should be long enough to plug into a socket that’s not right next to you, and also have some slack.
- Battery life
Lithium ion batteries are a wise choice, as compared to other batteries, they hold their charge longer. Some batteries last for 3 to 6 hours which basically means you can use them daily for up to a week before you need to recharge them again.
- Portability
If you travel a lot and like to carry your deep tissue massager with you, ensure that it comes with a carrying case. A carrying case not only offers protection to your massager, it’s also a convenient place to store the battery, charger, and other attachments. If possible, go for a cordless, portable massager while traveling.
Now that you know what to look for while buying the perfect deep tissue massager for yourself, it’s equally important to know how to use it properly so that you don’t injure yourself and get the most out of it.
How To Use A Deep Tissue Massager
- Before workouts
Depending on your workout and the muscle group you are going to use, you can warm up the muscles before the workout by using the deep tissue massager. That would stimulate blood circulation to those muscles and improve flexibility so that there is less chance of injuring yourself during your workout. You can use the massager for 1 to 2 minutes directly on each muscle group that you are planning to use and also apply the massager on the supporting muscles for approximately 30 seconds.
- After workouts
Just like you use a deep tissue massager to warm up, it can also be used to cool down after a workout. It brings your body back to a relaxed state after an intense workout by blocking pain signals. It also boosts blood circulation to the muscles and enriches them with oxygen, thus reducing fatigue. Additionally, it reduces muscle inflammation and reduces soreness.
- For sore muscles
Very often, 2 to 3 days after a satisfying workout, you find your muscles screaming with stiffness and soreness. A deep tissue massager can give temporary relief from DOMS, otherwise known as delayed onset muscle soreness. You will need to set the intensity and speed of the massager at a point where it doesn’t cause you pain, which would generally be a lower speed, and massage each sore area for 1 to 2 minutes.
Just remember to be careful that you don’t use a deep tissue massager on open wounds, bruises, bony areas, and injuries like sprains. You should avoid using it if you are suffering from unexplained or severe pain or medical conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. In such cases, check with a medical device expert or a healthcare specialist before using it.
After reading how to use a deep tissue massager properly, you also need to understand the physical and mental benefits that you can draw from using it and the difference it can make to your life.
Benefits Of Using A Deep Tissue Massager
- Stress relief
A massage is a great way to unwind and relieve yourself from all kinds of stress, tension, and anxiety. A great stress buster, a deep tissue massage enhances the level of oxytocin in your body, which is a relaxant and also lowers the level of cortisol. It also relieves headaches and tight muscles, helping you to relax.
- Reduces pain
Symptoms of conditions such as plantar fasciitis, stiff necks, and back pain can all be treated effectively with a deep tissue massage. It relieves muscle tension and loosens tight muscles that cause pain, and is sometimes more effective than medicines as it can directly tackle the pressure points exactly where the pain originates.
- Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
As a result of reducing tension and stress, it has an impact on lowering blood pressure. It also increases serotonin production which gives you a general feeling of happiness.
- Breaks up scar tissue
Scar tissue can sometimes cause stiffness and chronic pain. Deep tissue massages improve lymphatic circulation and help break up scar tissue, enhancing the range of movement and flexibility. It also helps to reduce scar tissue in those recovering from surgery.
- Rehabilitates injured muscles
A deep tissue massage is great for sports related injuries as it stretches twisted or tight muscles and helps to remove toxins from them. It prevents further damage to the muscles and reduces fatigue, cramps, and soreness in the muscles by breaking up muscle knots. It increases the circulation of blood to the muscles, carrying nutrients and oxygen to them which hastens recovery.
- Helps with labor and delivery
Labor pain can be controlled with a deep tissue massage as it loosens tight muscles, which helps in muscle relaxation. Cortisol levels are also reduced, alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, back and leg pain.
The Bottom Line
Deep tissue massagers are best for knotted muscles, and they are also known to help improve blood circulation. After a tiring day, a deep tissue massager can work wonders without you having to visit the salon for quick acupressure. These massagers can relieve you from excess body pain, stiffness, and strains. With the help of deep, slow strokes, pressure is applied to the target areas in order to remove tension and reduce inflammation, if any. They can also increase oxytocin levels while providing a therapeutic massage to reduce muscle soreness. The Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager offers targeted tension relief and reduces joint pain, while the Toloco Deep Tissue Massage Gun provides power and speed tracking. However, if you are looking for a compression treatment device that soothes plantar fasciitis, the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager can work wonders! Some of these products are lightweight and travel-friendly, making it easier for you to use them while you’re on vacation. However, remember to avoid those massagers that are noisy and require frequent recharging.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Aditi Naskar, has conducted deep research and browsed thousands of forums to check user feedback. She browsed hundreds of reviews online and ran through detailed research of each product to provide the best deep tissue massager for you. Noiseless or low noise operation is the key feature the author has focused on. She relied on products crafted of premium quality that have speed settings, are easy to handle, and come with different head attachments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are deep tissue massages healthy?
A deep tissue massage reduces both muscle stiffness and muscle pain, in contrast to other methods of massage that primarily focus on relaxing you. That’s not to say that a deep tissue massage can’t help you to unwind mentally. Those with chronic lower back pain are benefited greatly by a deep tissue massage.
Can we use deep tissue massager on sore muscles?
Yes, you can, provided you use a suitable head attachment and speed for the same. This stimulates blood flow to the affected area and hastens recovery. Deep tissue massagers deliver targeted vibrations and pressure to targeted areas through air conduction and offer major relief to sore muscles.
What should I do after a deep tissue massage?
After a deep tissue massage, it’s important that you hydrate yourself adequately, take proper rest, if possible follow it with a bath, and eat light, balanced food. This relaxes you properly and reduces pain considerably.
How often should you get a deep tissue massage?
It’s best to consult a doctor for that as they will be able to make a proper assessment depending on individual conditions. If you have a habit of working out, you can go for a deep tissue massage before or after your workout.
How long do the effects of a deep tissue massage last?
It usually lasts for about half an hour or so, but it gradually reduces chronic pain which means it will eventually last for longer than that.
Is deep tissue massage good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, a deep tissue massage carries more oxygen to the muscles and tissues and reduces pain you may experience in the upper heel. It is therefore good for plantar fasciitis. However, also focusing on the calf and hips will do a lot to help with plantar fasciitis symptoms.
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