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Tailoring the massage to your body’s needs is key, according to chiropractorDr.

Back Massagers

The Spruce

He encourages us to buy customizable massagers, including handheld options, to really target sore spots.

There are five intensity prefs, though we found the maximum intensity level a bittoointense.

It won us over during testing with its simple operation, interchangeable massage heads, and optional heat setting.

The Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold inside a storage case

PHOTO: The Spruce / Alexander Huang

All three can also be easilystored in a closetor packed in a suitcase, earning high scores for portability.

We also wish this handheld massager was cordless for greater freedom of movement during use.

We felt relief almost immediately using this massager.

A person uses the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold on their shoulder

The small and lightweight design of the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun makes it easy to position exactly where you need it.PHOTO: The Spruce

The remote controls every aspect of the massage, transforming youroffice chairorliving room couchinto a massage chair.

There are two intensities, three massage nodes, and vibration options to choose from.

But overall, we still love this option for a hands-free, customizable massage.

A person adds an attachment to the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold

The extendable arm was a lifesaver when tested on an individual with limited shoulder mobility.

The massager easily reached their legs and back without causing additional pain.

Plus, it comes with four attachments to target different parts of your body.

A person touches the attachment head on the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold

This way, you know exactly what intensity youve chosen.

During testing, the Resteck massager rested comfortably across the shoulders, delivering pressure and heat to the neck.

The multiple speed options were great for adjusting the massager’s intensity, which we love for customization.

A person zips closed the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold storage case

During testing, we used the accompanying app to follow different recovery and warm-up routines.

Therefore, we recommend charging it before your workout so its ready to go when its time to recover.

you’ve got the option to use a back massager about three to four times a week.

A person uses the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold on their shoulder

During testing, we fell in love with this massager’s portability and ease of use.

The belt, which uses Velcro to secure around your waist and lower back, quickly gets to work.

The buttons deliver heat to your back, your core, or both.

A person adds an attachment to the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold

Once its fully charged (with the included USB-C charging cable), the belt is fully portable.

We found it comfortable to wear while sitting, standing, walking, or lounging back on a couch.

Plus, the Velcro belt lets you move it along your torso to target pain or tension.

A person touches the attachment head on the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold

The massager automatically shuts off after 30 minutes, which is great.

In our testing, we were impressed by this manual massager’s effectiveness and durability.

Using a curated methodology, each massager was evaluated based on its performance in multiple sessions.

A person zips closed the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold storage case

All the handheld massagers on our list come with multiple attachments and many have helpful features.

It has all the features of a traditional percussive massager with the addition of heat and cooling capabilities.

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HoMedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat

PHOTO: Amazon

She loves the innovative features of both options and looks forward to continually researching and testing the latest technology.

HoMedics Percussion Action Massager with Heat displayed on wooden flooring

With a long arm, the HoMedics Percussion Action Massager makes it easy to target your lower back compared to traditional smaller massagers.The Spruce

A person secures the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion to a chair

We love the portability of the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion, which easily straps to an office chair.PHOTO: The Spruce / Alexander Huang

A person sits on a desk chair while using the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

We love the portability of the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion, which easily straps to an office chair.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person secures the strap on the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

A person sits on the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

A person holds the remote control for the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

A person sits on a desk chair while using the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

A person secures the strap on the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

A person sits on the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

A person holds the remote control for the HoMedics Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion

A person holds the Renpho Reach Massage Gun

PHOTO: The Spruce / Alexander Huang

A person uses the Renpho Reach Massage Gun on their arm

Thanks to the multiple attachments, the Renpho Reach Massage Gun works for various parts of your body.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person uses the Renpho Reach Massage Gun on their leg

A person uses the Renpho Reach Massage Gun on their upper back

A person holds the Renpho Reach Massage Gun storage box

A person uses the Renpho Reach Massage Gun on their arm

A person uses the Renpho Reach Massage Gun on their leg

A person uses the Renpho Reach Massage Gun on their upper back

A person holds the Renpho Reach Massage Gun storage box

Resteck Neck and Back Massager

PHOTO: Amazon

Resteck Neck and Back Massager on wooden flooring

The hands-free design of the Resteck Neck and Back Massager lets you enjoy a massage while performing other tasks.The Spruce

A person presses a button on the Therabody Theragun Sense

PHOTO: The Spruce / Alexander Huang

A person attaches a round head to the Therabody Theragun Sense

We love Therabody Theragun Sense attachments and the helpful app that tells you how to use each one.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person uses the Therabody Theragun Sense on their shoulder

A person attaches a different head to the Therabody Theragun Sense

A person attaches a round head to the Therabody Theragun Sense

A person uses the Therabody Theragun Sense on their shoulder

A person attaches a different head to the Therabody Theragun Sense

A person holds up the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager

PHOTO: The Spruce / Alexander Huang

A person wears the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager while sitting in a chair

We love that the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager uses velcro so you can enjoy a massage hands-free.PHOTO: The Spruce

A person presses a button on the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager

A person secures the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager around their waist

A person places the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager into a storage bag

A person places the battery pack on the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager

A person wears the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager while sitting in a chair

A person presses a button on the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager

A person secures the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager around their waist

A person places the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager into a storage bag

A person places the battery pack on the HydraGun Heat Pulse Back and Core Massager

Body Back Buddy Classic Trigger Point Massage Tool

PHOTO: Amazon

Seated person using the Body Back Buddy Classic Trigger Point Massage Tool on their shoulderblade

The manual Body Back Buddy massager lets you target specific spots on your back.The Spruce

A person attaches a round head to the Renpho Reach Massage Gun

We love massages with multiple attachments that are better suited to different parts of your body like the Renpho Reach Massage Gun.The Spruce

A person holds the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun with Heat and Cold

The smallest and lightest massager we tested, the Bob and Brad Q2 Pro Mini Massage Gun is perfect for bringing on trips.The Spruce