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Whether you’re looking to purchase your first massage tool or are looking to make an upgrade from your current one, you’ve landed on the right page. Although working out is good for your muscles, taking care of them before and after your workouts is equally important to keep them healthy and free from injury.
“Massage tools send a message to your brain that it can start to relax that muscle a little,” says Jojo Powers, certified personal trainer. “When a muscle loosens up its contract-ability becomes a lot more efficient, and you decrease the risk of pulling or straining a muscle.”
We’ve compiled a list of the best massage tools so you can keep your muscles ache-free all year long.
The Best Massage Tools
- Best Percussion: TheraGun Pro Plus 6 Percussion Massage Gun
- Best Manual: OPTP AXIS Firm-Density Massage Foam Roller
- Best Vibrating: Trigger Point Performance GRID Vibe Plus Four-Speed Vibrating Foam Roller
- Best Stick: Tiger Tail Massage Stick
- Best for Feet: Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager
What to Consider
Foam Rollers
Foam rollers are largely (if not entirely) made of foam, although the kind of foam varies from roller to roller. Even though many foam rollers are manual, Sara Plumstead, RRCA and VDOT-certified run coach at True Potential Running notes that vibrating foam rollers have recently made their way into the recovery space to help massage muscles including calves, quads, glutes, and back muscles.
“Foam rolling breaks up scar tissue and increases blood flow, which improves range of motion,” adds Plumstead. “They can be used as part of a pre-run warm-up or post-run to prevent soreness.” Additionally, she recommends foam rollers as the number one massage tool specifically for runners.
Massage Guns
Unlike foam rollers, “massage guns use percussive therapy to increase blood flow and relieve muscle tension,” says Plumstead. Both foam rollers and massage guns are usually made to pinpoint specific areas, adds Powers.
Massage guns target these areas through various attachments. When looking for the perfect massage gun for you, make sure to review the attachment shapes and sizes.
Massage Sticks
If you’re looking to have more control when it comes to your next massage tool, you’ll want to consider a massage stick. “Controlling the amount of tension applied to the muscles is straightforward, so you can use more or less pressure as needed,” says Plumstead. Moreover, these can be used either sitting or standing depending on your preference.
Foot Massagers
Those who have plantar fasciitis and inflamed foot tissue may benefit from a foot massager, explains Powers. Different foot massagers have different features. We’d recommend looking for those with adjustable features so you’re not uncomfortable while taking care of your feet. Gadgets that work on your calves in addition to just your feet are also great for an increasingly thorough massage.
How We Selected
To find the best massage tools, we considered the recovery and relief products that have helped us most after our long runs. We used our experience with massage tools of various types to recommend only the products that are effective, safe, and affordable. We examined customer reviews and considered the material of each tool in addition to their special features and weight. We also spoke with trainers about what each type of tool is used for to give you guidance on which option is best for you.
1
Best Percussion
TheraGun Pro Plus Deep Tissue Percussion Massage Gun
Pros
Pairs with its smartphone app- Equipped with five attachments
Cons
- Much more expensive than other massagers
If you’re looking for an advanced percussion massager, look no further than the TheraGun Pro Plus. This percussion massager is equipped with six different massage therapies and five different attachments that can be swapped out depending on the kind of massage needed (ball, thumb, dampener, micro-point, and wedge).
You can further customize your massage as there are three vibration speeds and a heart rate monitor which can be viewed on its LCD screen. In addition to the five attachments, this device has LED light therapy built into it and can connect to the Therabody app via Bluetooth using a smartphone.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 12.8 x 10.75 x 8.28 in. |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Five attachments, three vibration speeds, six types of therapy, a heart rate detector, and connects to the Therabody App. |
| Material | Plastic and Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) (body), Polyurethane foam foam and silicone (soft attachments) |
| Weight | 3.64 lb. (without attachments) |
2
Best Manual
OPTP Black AXIS Foam Roller
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes and shapes
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not many color choices
If a manual foam roller is on your massage tools checklist, consider this high-density foam roller from OPTP. Made with closed-cell expanded polypropylene foam, this roller can be especially useful if you’re experiencing musical adhesions on those larger muscles.
It’s available in several 36, 12, and 18-inch sizes and half and round shapes. And, since it only weighs 1.1 pounds, you can keep this foam roller inside of your gym bag or carry it in your hand. Regardless of how you choose to use this roller, it can be easily cleaned using a disinfecting wipe or wet cloth with dish soap.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 36 x 6 x 6 in. |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Several sizes and shapes (12-in. round and half, 36-in. round and half, and 18-in. round) |
| Material | High-quality, closed-cell expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam |
| Weight | 1.1 lb. |
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Pros
- Under $15
- Comes in a gift box
Cons
- Only available in two colors
If you’re looking for a massage tool, but don’t want to break the bank, this muscle roller from Kamileo is a great option. In addition to its under $15 price tag, this muscle roller is unique in that it is much quieter than many others as a result of the gaps between the gears which prevent squeaking and any other unwanted noises.
It’s perfect for a variety of athletes from runners to yoga aficionados. If you’re giving this as a gift, it comes inside a gift box containing instructions so they can get right to massaging once opened.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 17.7 x 2 x 2 in. |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Slip-free handles and a workout poster is included |
| Material | Polypropylene plastic (handles), Thermoplastic rubber (mat), steel (tube shaft) |
| Weight | 12.31 oz. |
4
Best Vibrating
Trigger Point Performance GRID Vibe Plus Vibrating Foam Roller
Now 48% Off
Pros
- Battery-powered
- Cordless
Cons
- 2-hour battery life
Searching for a vibrating foam roller? Trigger Point’s Grid Vibe Plus made with EVA foam is a solid choice. With four vibration frequencies, you can personalize your massage to make it feel right to you (and your muscles). Plus, this foam roller’s smaller diameter allows you to more accurately target certain tissue areas for more effective relief.
Although its battery life only lasts for two hours per charge, it includes an AC charger. Even though we don’t think you’ll need to, we think it’s important for you to know that you can return this roller up to 90 days after you receive it if it doesn’t meet your preferences.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 12.13 x 3.94 x 3.94 in. |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Four vibration frequencies |
| Material | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam |
| Weight | 3.37 lb. |
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Pros
- Compact
- FDA-registered
Cons
- Expensive
Using a massage roller doesn’t have to be difficult, and Roll Recovery understood that when it created the R8 Plus massager. This massage tool is easy to use thanks to its adjustment dial which can be modified to achieve the desired level of pressure.
If you have destination races coming up, you don’t have to worry about this gadget being flagged by security since it’s TSA-approved. Whether you prefer to keep your massages light or like them firmer, you can rest assured that your muscles will receive a deep-tissue massage when you have this in your hands.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 9.5 x 2.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Adjustment dial |
| Material | Stainless steel (hardware) |
| Weight | 3.0 lb. |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Available in three sizes (18-in., 11-in., and 22-in.)
Cons
- May leave marks on clothing
The Tiger Tail Massage Stick is great if you want a self-massage tool that you can use to massage almost all of your muscles (by yourself and without sitting). As a result of its two gripping areas at the side, you’re able to control how much pressure you apply and the depth with which you target the muscles using its cushioned center.
Plus, its medical-grade foam is one of the most durable as it is made without the use of added toxins—so you can trust that your massage stick will hold up through a plethora of workouts.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 17.75 x 1.4 x 1.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Side grips |
| Material | Rubber and medical-grade foam |
| Weight | 10.4 oz. |
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Pros
- Massages feet, ankles, calves, and toes
- Medical-grade
Cons
- Heavy
If you’re on the hunt for a foot massager that’ll keep your feet feeling comfortable even after the longest of runs, consider the Cloud massage foot massager. Unlike many other foot massagers, this one features a bar that can be adjusted for optimum comfort so you’re not stuck in one (and oftentimes uncomfortable) position.
Furthermore, there’s no shortage of settings when it comes to this massager as one is able to adjust the heat, air compression, pressure, and vibration settings throughout the massage. In addition to feet, this massager kneads toes, calves, and ankles for a well-rounded experience.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 22 x 11 x 17.7 in. |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Adjustable bar, five massage settings, and three intensity levels |
| Material | N/A |
| Weight | 22 lb. |
Jenna Clark
Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider, the Daily Beast, Well+Good, and Taste of Home. When she's not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you can likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show.
