A professional massage isn’t always cheap or convenient, which is why the best back massagers for knots can save you time and hassle. That said, there are various types of massagers, and not all of them are well-suited for working out knots. According to Kyle Freeman, PT, DPT, a physical therapist and lifestyle coach, the most beneficial massager is one that allows for “deep pressure relief” of overworked trigger points.
“A trigger point is a band of muscle that is in spasm as a result of overuse, poor positioning, or weakness,” Dr. Freeman tells Mic. “Applying deep pressure to a trigger point with a massager for a few minutes can help calm the nervous system and allow the spasm to ‘release.’” Many different types of massagers can do this, but for knots specifically, Dr. Freeman says “massagers that enable you to utilize your own body weight for pressure moderation are my personal favorite. [...] Because of this, I like handheld trigger point massagers and roller ball massagers.” If you’re looking to work out a larger area rather than a specific knot, however, Dr. Freeman recommends percussion massagers and shiatsu massagers, which are “better for relaxation and muscle soreness relief.”
