Best Deep Tissue Massager in 2020

Are you someone who is very involved in highly physical activities? Or perhaps you are currently recovering from a muscle injury? What if you sit for long periods every day and you’re looking for a way to relieve tension on your body? Regardless of your answer, what you need sounds like a good deep tissue massage. This type of massage literally does what its name says: deep tissue massage.

Compared to your Swedish massage that is superficial, gentle, and aims for relaxation, deep tissue massage uses higher pressure and aims to treat pain and injuries. However, you can also get a deep tissue massage to unwind after a stressful day.

Sadly, not all of us have much time available to drive to a massage clinic. Not to mention, massage sessions can also be quite expensive. But before you frown and use those facial muscles, you can give your other muscles their much-needed release by having your own deep tissue massager.

Wondering which deep tissue massager to buy? We have reviewed 7 units for you! Of course, since you’ve visited our page looking for the best, you might already have your eyes set on our top choice. Feel free to jump ahead, but you might miss out on other interesting features from other units.

You can also check our buyer’s guide if you want to know more info about deep tissue massage and massagers.

Best Deep Tissue Massager Comparison Table

Best Deep Tissue Massager Reviews

Hyperice Hypervolt – Best Quiet and Lightweight Deep Tissue Massager

Some of you might be considering buying a massager to relieve soreness after an intense workout. But how can your muscles recover if the device that you’re holding is as heavy as the dumbbells you used an hour ago?

Don’t be deceived by its look, even though it looks like it will weigh more; the Hypervolt is actually a lightweight device. Weighing only 2.5 pounds, you can get a self-myofascial release with a unit that doesn’t require heavy lifting.

Self-Myofascial Release

What is a self-myofascial release? Myofascial release targets the fascia (connective tissues surrounding the muscles) to relieve body pain. It works by releasing the tension in this connective tissue. SMR works particularly well in breaking muscle knots which can then help us have a fuller range in motion before exercising.

Quiet Glide Technology and Adjustable Speed and Intensity

The Hypervolt has 3 adjustable speed settings and all of which uses the brand’s Quiet Glide Technology. Because of this technology, you can use this device without the annoying noise.

As we have mentioned earlier, the device includes head attachments. Our favorite was the fork/2-prong head attachment because it works well for giving a high-pressure tension relief. The other three attachments, on the other hand, are the bullet head (good for reaching specific areas), flat head (suitable for a more direct contact), and ball head (softest, best to start with.)

All of the four attachments work well with the unit’s handle, and you will have no problem moving it across your target areas like the legs and lower back. The device is also capable of 3,200 percussions per minute, and you can either move it quickly on your target area or press against it for a deeper tension.

If we talk about portability, you can easily bring this device to the gym for post-workout relief. On a single charge, the battery can last you 3 hours. Still too short? Well, the great thing is this lithium-ion battery is also removable so you can replace it if you need.

Overall, Hyperice is a powerful device that you can bring to a gym. Because it uses the “quiet glide technology,” you don’t have to worry about annoying other people with the noise. The unit is also able to maintain an even percussion cycle on each speed and pressure with any head attachment. Other than that, you will also no longer have to dispose of the whole massager when your battery stops working because it is removable.

TimTam Power Massager – Editor’s Choice

Built for Heavy-Duty

The TimTam Power Massager looks badass, and just like its overall look, it’s a tough device. According to the manufacturer, the massager’s threaded shaft is patent-pending because it is designed to perform well, with durability in mind.

Moving Head

What separates TimTam to our other units is its head. The device’s head is capable of moving in a 90-degree angle. Because of its articulation, you can hit multiple areas without needing to move your hand much. The handle of the unit also makes its usage easier compared to traditional “shower head”-looking massagers.

The massager comes with the round silicone massage tip already attached. We should also note that the round tip, compared to the one that Hyperice uses, TimTam’s feels harder. Sadly, if you want other tips, you have to purchase them. TimTam has two available metal tips:

• One (warmup tip) is round and flat and designed for warming up broad areas
• While the other one (trigger point tip) is cone-shaped for targeting specific areas.

Other separate products that TimTam offers are therapy gels (cooling, warming, and gliding) and wireless transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device that you can use with their mobile app. These additions are great for people who are in recovery.

Effortless and Powerful

During usage, the massager is powerful enough that we think makes up for good performance even without the variable speed control. It is capable 2,000 strokes per minute, so breaking down muscle knots is a breeze. You don’t even have to apply force when placing it on your target area, just pull the trigger, and let it release your muscle tension. However, it is louder compared to our previous model, and as we said earlier, it has no variable speed setting.

This power massager is wireless and has a removable lithium battery. Because it is removable, you can easily buy an extra battery in case your previous one runs out or gets broken. We should also note that this massager only lasts 30 minutes during usage, which can be short or enough depending on how long you usually use a massager. But because of its powerful strokes, we think that massaging an area under 5 minutes is enough to break down knots.

For recovering athletes and people with chronic injuries who need something effective and will last, TimTam is a good choice. You will also get a durable carrying case that comes with this unit so you can save some money from buying a separate case.

PUREWAVE CM-07 – Best Value for Money Deep Tissue Massager

There are different types of massage techniques, and among them are percussion and vibration. If you want to know more about these techniques, you can jump to our buyer’s guide.

But back to our review, the next deep tissue massager we have is the PUREWAVE CM-07. Now, the reason that we mentioned the different massage techniques is because this device uses two techniques: percussion and vibration. The vibration motor is located on the device’s handle, and the percussion motor is on the other end.

Dual Motor and 6 Head Attachments

Compared to our previous model, CM-07 includes 6 head attachments, with the last three compatible with the percussion mode and vibration mode.

• Air-cushion massage tip: best used for bony areas such as the joints and collar bones
• 6-headed tip: best used for deep tissue massage on muscular areas that are tight, sore, stiff, or cramped
• Pointed tip: best used for stiff muscles and knots because it mimics the feeling of acupressure
• Body massage oil tip: best used for the back
• Scalp massage tip: best used to relieve tension and headache
• Facial massage tip: this tip attaches at the end of where the vibration handle and is best used to enhance your moisturizing rituals

As you can see, this is the first unit we reviewed that involves a feature specific for head and face use. The CM-07 really deserves to be titled “best value for money” because of its overall versatility. The only thing that it lacks was variable speed and intensity settings, which would have been useful for giving you a more personalized experience, especially with the number of head selections.

The device is also cordless and uses a rechargeable lithium battery. You can get it fully charged in an hour and will last you a total of 120 minutes of usage. However, during prolonged use, CM-07’s battery life gets shorter and lasts only under 10 minutes.

WIMO Handheld Cordless Massager – Best Battery Life Deep Tissue Massager

Another cordless unit that we have is the WIMO deep tissue massager. Compared to our previous massagers, the WIMO can last you 4 and a half hours when fully charged! This device also gives you a definite time interval to keep you safe because it automatically shuts off after 15 minutes of usage.

During usage, you can choose your own speed (9 levels) and intensity (9 modes) with any of its 5 head attachments (round, flat, pointed, multi-pointed, and six-headed tip best for large areas.) Because of these selections, you can customize your experience per session whether you want deep pressure to break knots or just relax with the round head attachment.

The handle of the device feels comfortably long in the palm, and you can easily reach difficult areas like your back and legs with it without bending too much. It is also designed to not slip from your hand.

LUYAO Handheld Deep Tissue Massager – Best Deep Tissue Massager Gift Idea

If you have a loved one who might need a deep tissue massager, you can start with the LUYAO device. It has some great features and stylish look that you won’t feel embarrassed to give as a gift.

Upon purchasing, you will get 4 head attachments that come with the unit (rounded, pinpoint/nipple-like tip, multi-pointed, and three-headed tips.) As with most devices, the rounded tip is used for more gentler experience, while the multi-pointed tip is great for getting rid of discomfort on your neck and calves. You can also use the three-headed tip for evenly massaging larger body areas and the pinpoint tip for mimicking a Shiatsu massage.

You can easily replace the head of the unit using its spiral lock attachment. Once you have placed your desired tip, you can choose your speed (6 levels) and intensity (6 modes) via the buttons on its body. Just like the WIMO, this device will also automatically stop after 15 minutes of usage to keep you safe.

Overall, LUYAO is a great gift idea for someone who can benefit from pain relief or relaxation with its heads and changeable speed and intensity. It is also a fairly powerful device capable of 3,800 percussions per minute in the expense of being corded and a bit heavy. However, as stylish as it looks, we are not sure if it is durable enough to last long.

Wahl Deep Tissue Massager – Best Corded Deep Tissue Massager

8-Foot Long Cord

While cordless massagers give you the flexibility to use it anywhere, corded deep tissue massagers give you the confidence that it won’t suddenly die on you. The Wahl Deep Tissue Massager may not be cordless, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick by the wall. This device has an 8-foot long cord, so you still get some independence with it.

Variable Speed and Intensity

Wahl isn’t also straying too far from our previous products because it also has variable speed and intensity. The highest it can get is 4,000 percussions per minute, while the lowest is 2,000 percussion per minute. You can choose your desired variable and intensity with either of its 4 head attachments.

4 Head Attachments

You can use the ball-shaped tip for relaxing, the flat tip for large areas like the back, pointed tip for the accurate tension relief, and the four-headed tip to mimic finger massage. Partner any of these attachments with your desired speed and intensity, and you can get a unique massage experience depending on what you want that day.

Designwise, we like that Wahl’s handle is long and slightly curved with indentations so that you can comfortably grip it while reaching your target areas. However, if you’re sweaty after a workout, the grip can be slippery. Another drawback we have with it is it has no auto-shutoff setting for safety. Though you don’t have to worry about dangerous accidents like shortage because the unit’s cord rubber connector to the base feels well-built, an extra safety feature would still be nice.

TheraFlow – Best Affordable Deep Tissue Massager

If you’re on a budget, don’t lose hope because you can still get quality and effective deep tissue massage with the TheraFlow. You can control the intensity of this device to get a more customized experience, and for this price point, you will also get 3 head attachments.

Compared to our previous units, TheraFlow doesn’t include a flat attachment. Instead, you will get a bristle tip, nipple-like tip, and a two-headed tip.

• The bristle head attachment is great for your neck and scalp after a long day of staring down the computer or perhaps for relieving tension and stress.

• The pointed/nipple-like head attachment, on the other hand, is great for mimicking the feeling of a Shiatsu massage. You can think of Shiatsu massage as similar to acupuncture because it involves applying pressure to specific points on our body. This is the reason why this head attachment has a tip so that it can pinpoint pressure on a specific area.

• Lastly, the two-headed tip is a breath of fresh air from our previous models who used three, four, and six-headed tips. Because of its two heads, you can use TheraFlow to target the areas like around your spine or your shoulder and calves, just like how a therapist knead these areas with his/her hand.

You will also get the head attachments upon purchase, so you don’t need to buy them separately. However, the attachments can feel quite hard, so be careful when using them near your bones as it might be painful. The device also feels heavier compared to our other models, but since it effectively removes muscle knots without too much annoying noise, we think it’s a fair compromise.

Best Deep Tissue Massager Buyer’s Guide

If you found our introduction too brief, don’t worry, because we will elaborate more information here in our buyer’s guide.

Types of Massagers

• Massage Chairs

This type of equipment is the most expensive of all three. The idea behind the massage chair is genius, and who knows? Maybe the person who thought of it came up with it while sitting on an ordinary chair. Massage chairs use vibrations or other features and technology to stimulate the feeling of getting a massage from a therapist.

• Handheld Massagers

Handheld massagers, on the other hand, are best used for targeting specific areas on your body. They operate with batteries while some are electric. All of the products we reviewed are handheld massagers designed for giving deep tissue massage.

• Massage Pillows

Massage pillows are pillows that stimulate the feeling of getting a massage. Depending on the product, you can get different massage techniques. Some pillows are designed for the back, while some can be placed on your shoulders and neck or on your lower body.

• Foot Massagers and Palm Massagers

These devices have flat areas where you can place your feet or palm into. Compared to the previous massagers, these types are not as versatile to use with other body parts.

Types of Massage Techniques

You might have seen a couple of terminologies from our reviews, and to help you further understand, here are some explanations.

• Shiatsu Massage

The name of this massage is derived from a Japanese word meaning “finger pressure.” Shiatsu is often described to feel like acupuncture without the needles. Pressure can also be applied on specific body points to promote energy flow and correct imbalances in the body.

• Rolling Massage

Rolling uses long strokes to compress your muscles laterally. This type of massage is useful for stretching the muscles and stimulating blood circulation.

• Kneading Massage

Kneading massage is so-called because, during practice, it looks similar to the hand movements when kneading dough. Similar to a dough on a table, your tissues are compressed against each other or against the underlying bones.

• Compression Massage

This type of massage uses pressure directed on an area that is held then released. Compression massage is commonly used to reduce swelling and relieve muscle tightness.

• Vibration Massage

Notice how an electric toothbrush moves while it vibrates? The trembling movement from vibration causes muscles to contract and stimulates blood flow to the targeted area. This technique is often used for relaxation.

• Percussion Massage

Percussion massage looks similar to how someone would strike a drum swiftly in sequences. This is the technique that is commonly stimulated by deep tissue massagers because it can reach deeper tissues in the body.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

• Relieves pain

As seen in these studies, deep tissue massage can ease pain and other painful conditions like fibromyalgia. Deep tissue massage also improves circulation, reduce inflammation, and loosen tight muscles to relieve pain.

• Speeds up muscle recovery

After recovering from an injury, your muscles can form scar tissues. Once scar tissue is resolved, you will have a wider range in motion. Deep tissue massage smoothens and loosens scar tissues, which are also related in alleviating pain.

• Reduces stress

Like with most massage techniques, deep tissue massage is useful to reduce stress. It can lower the secretion of cortisol, which is the stress hormone and helps us feel more relaxed by enhancing the activities of our parasympathetic nervous system. Deep tissue massage is also related to increased production of serotonin, our happy hormone.

• Improves heart and lungs function

Another benefit we can get from deep tissue massage is it can lower blood pressure and improves the healthy functioning of the lungs.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Deep Tissue Massager

Buying a deep tissue massager is an investment. The reviews might have given you some choices already, but in order to make your decision easier, here are some questions you can ask yourself.

What is/are my target area/areas?

To get the most out of your device, you have to know which part of your body is your target area. Although some units are capable of working on multiple places, if you have a specific area in mind that needs the most attention, you can opt to a device specialized for that part.

Can I Adjust Its Speed?

You can get a more personalized massage experience if the unit you get has an adjustable speed setting. When you can customize the speed of the massage, you can set it according to your mood. Having a device that can slow down for relaxation and speed up for relieving tension is more valuable than you think.

Do I need it to be portable?

If you travel a lot and you’re thinking of bringing your massager with you, you might consider something lightweight or is rechargeable so that you use it even without an outlet. If you’re at home, you can opt to get a device that has a decent cord length so you can use it even when you’re not immediately next to your outlets.

What attachments do I need?

A lot of brands have included different kinds of attachments in their units that sometimes it can get overwhelming for buyers to know which ones do they need. You have to know which device has the attachments that can provide you the experience that you want. An example of this is some units have head attachments that mimic certain massage techniques. If you also want and need kneading, then choose a unit that can do that in addition to its main features.

Conclusion

Deep tissue massage may sound intimidating and might scare you off, thinking it will hurt. The truth is, it isn’t painful, and more than just relieving pain, it can also be a form of relaxation. You can experience its benefits such as pain relief, muscle recovery from strenuous activities, improved heart and lung functions, and stress relief without the need to book appointments for therapists.

At the comfort of your own home, whenever you want, you can give yourself or your loved one a soothing and beneficial massage using deep tissue massagers. These devices can do different massage techniques to stimulate the feeling of getting a massage from therapists. And the best part is, you no longer have to spend hefty amounts per session.

For us, the TimTam Power Massager is a great investment because it is built to last you for a long time. It is also a powerful and easy-to-use device, so you don’t need to exert additional effort in releasing tension and knots on your muscle. However, if you want a device that can give you a more customized massage session, you can check out the Hyperice Hypervolt Portable Massager that has an adjustable speed and intensity. Units who have multiple head attachments are also an attractive option so that you can get a variety of massage experiences.

All in all, in order for you to get the most out of your massager, you should ask yourself which benefits and features of the device do you need to prioritize. Weigh out each pros and cons, compromise wisely, and do an extensive research about the model in your mind. It will also be safer to ask your doctor first if you have any underlying medical conditions that might not be good for a deep tissue massage.

Do you have any questions about deep tissue massagers? Feel free to comment them below!