Massage gun vs shiatsu heated massager

[DrunkenSailor]

Hello. I have frequent pain and stiffness in my upper and lower back and neck. I used to have one of those cushion type roller massagers from Amazon which helped a bit (but was cumbersome to use) until the pin snapped. I am now considering the following - would be good to hear opinions

Shiatsu Massager
or
Theragun Mini

I need to use these on myself, which is why I wonder if the Theragun would be difficult to manoeuvre. Dont want to spend £350ish on a larger Theragun.

Has anyone used either or both and can recommend? Thanks!

Bumping for you. I’m also interested in the answer!

Definitely the Shiatsu Massager for neck and back. The straps help you adjust position easily and you won't be twisting - potentially causing more issues - to try to reach the spot.

My one also vibrates, which can be a game changer to loosen up deep knots.

My tip is that the root of it is often several inches lower down than you think.

I have a handheld wand type too, which is also good, but I tend to use on my feet or on a single spot.

These were on offer at Costco a few weeks ago. I bought the neck massager but ended up returning it as I only used it twice.

@hedgehoglurker please can you share a link or name for the one you have? Thanks.

I've got that massager and it's amazing! I also want a massage gun too though.

@TheChippendenSpook i would be interested to hear what you think are the gaps that the shiatsu massager cant help with, for which you think a theragun might work.

I like the fact that you can relax your arms with the massager but I've got a really knotty part of my upper back that I just want to dig something into and concentrate only on that part. I'm thinking a gun might just do that.

Saying that, I think I just want loads of different massager as I'm also thinking that I'd love a foot massager. My Accupressure mat is good for my upper back and is also good to stand on too.

@TheChippendenSpook ah is that the Shakti mat / similar? Been meaning to try one of those since Facebook and Google keep targetting me with the ads based on my search history

Shakti mats are amazing to be fair, and would actually probably be better for you long term and have better benefits than the massager…… however I’d get if I could as one is a painful experience and the other just pure pleasure!

Whoops - I’d get both, is what I meant to say!

Yeah it's an amazon version of the Shakti Mat. It's really relaxing.

@TheChippendenSpook Is this the sort of thing you mean for Shakti Mat that you are using?
www.amazon.com.au/Acupressure-Mat-Pillow-Set-Carry/dp/B08FR8Z3RS/ref=sr_1_15?crid=Q78WUKEJ61N9&keywords=Shakti+mats&qid=1667846236&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjE2IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=shakti+mats%2Caps%2C504&sr=8-15
I have always had bad back problems, and now have rheumatoid arthritis, and sat the moment the back seems to be playing up. It's actually a good for your back? Is this the right thing? It seems fairly reasonably priced if it helps. Thanks.

Yeah that type of thing. It's really relaxing once you get used to it. I can fall asleep on mine now.

I get upper back tension but it does work on your middle and lower back too. It's bliss!

Late to this thread but just wanted
to add — I've been using the Relief
Gun Pro from RecovrCo (recovrco.com)
for a few months now and it's been
brilliant for upper back and neck
tension.

It's only £35 which compared to the
Theragun is a fraction of the price
and honestly does the same job for
everyday use. Near silent too which
was important for me — I use it
watching TV without disturbing anyone.

Might be worth a look before spending
£350 on a Theragun!

@Kazmir thanks. Are you able to use it yourself on your back neck? Ie no weird contortions needed to reach those muscles with the massage gun yourself?

Yes absolutely! That's actually one
of the best things about it the
handle design means you can reach
your own upper back and neck without
any awkward twisting.

I use mine daily on my neck and
between my shoulder blades totally
solo. The angle of the head makes
it really easy to reach those spots
that are normally impossible to get
to yourself.

The one I have is the Relief Gun Pro
from RecovrCo (recovrco.com) only
£35 and the handle length is perfect
for self use. Much easier than the
bulkier expensive ones like Theragun
which are actually harder to manoeuvre
on yourself.

Hope that helps! 😊

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Percussion-Massagers-Massaging-Attachment-Lightweight/dp/B09GS9SQMS
hope it attaches properly. I have had the Wahl mini massage gun for about 4 years and still use it all the time. I bought it over the theragun etc because i wanted something lighter to not ache my arm. I get terrible back and neck pain.The gun gives relief. I had a heated chair massager that did little but Im looking for another since massage is so expensive now.