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Wearing the right shoes and working in an ergonomic office chair can help prevent knee pain—but when you need more immediate relief, the best knee massagers are your best bet. These devices fit comfortably over your knee cap and use vibration, heat, cooling, or some combination of these to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in your joints. Given their price point and specialized design, they’re not what experts would call a must-have. But they can come in handy if you deal with chronic pain or muscle soreness in your knees, Danny King, PT, the national director of recovery and performance at Life Time, tells SELF.
“I wouldn’t consider it a go-to item, in favor of things like a percussion massage tool that can be used on multiple body parts, unless a person has a very specific knee issue as their only concern,” he says. If your bad knees are your number-one pain point, a knee massager could be worth the splurge. We pored over the best models out there—shop our picks below, then read on to learn more about how a massager can help you feel better.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Hyperice X Knee, $429
- Runner-Up: Therabody RecoveryTherm Knee, $450
- Best Budget Pick: Hydragun HeatPulse Knee Massager, $149
- Best Knee Brace: Mueller Sports Medicine Self Adjusting Knee Brace, $20
Shop the best knee massagers
Knee pain relief is in reach with these sleek devices.
Best Overall: Hyperice X Knee
“The only item in this family I have personally used is the Hyperice X Knee wrap, and I’m a big fan,” King says. We like that the Hyperice X Knee lets you ease into the world of massage —it doesn’t pulsate or feel too intense. Instead, it addresses knee pain using contrast therapy, which applies alternating heat and cooling to the area. You can switch between heat settings manually or use one of the preset therapy routines on the Hyperice App. Either way, the change is quick (within 60 seconds) and effective.
“It gets surprisingly cold without using ice or water, and can switch between hot and cold relatively quickly,” King explains. “I really like that it can be put on and still allow movement, so it can be incorporated into a warm up or cooldown stretch with a client.”
Functions: Heat therapy, cold therapy | Power source: Rechargeable battery; up to 1.50 hours battery life | Weight: 2 pounds
Runner-Up: Therabody RecoveryTherm Knee
Therabody
RecoveryTherm Knee
You probably know Therabody for its massage guns, but it has a whole range of tools designed for all-over muscle relaxation—without the hassle of leaving your house. The brand’s knee massager uses contrast therapy to target discomfort, as well as vibration to boost blood flow to the area (research suggests that increased circulation can help with muscle recovery—win, win).
You can opt for an unheated vibration massage (at either the low, high, or wave settings) or run it in tandem with heating and cooling—whatever feels best for you.
Functions: Cold therapy, heat therapy, vibration | Power source: Rechargeable battery; 90 minutes battery life on hot mode, 60 minutes battery life on cold mode, 30 minutes battery life on contrast mode | Weight: 12.17 ounces
Best Budget Pick: Hydragun HeatPulse Knee Massager
Hydragun
HeatPulse Knee Massager
When effective massage tools regularly cost over $300, it’s refreshing to find a decent device, like Hydragun’s HeatPulse Knee Massager, for $150. It has seven temperature settings ranging from 104 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit and three vibration speeds. Its vibrating nodes are positioned to deliver soothing pulses to the entire muscle area, as opposed to just your kneecap, and its versatile design makes it easy to wear over your elbow or shoulder too.
Functions: Heat therapy, vibration | Power source: Rechargeable battery; up to 3 hours battery life | Weight: 10.58 ounces
Best Knee Brace: Mueller Sports Medicine Self Adjusting Knee Brace
Mueller
Sports Medicine Self Adjusting Knee Brace
For those looking for a low-tech solution to their knee discomfort, consider a compressive brace like this option from Mueller, which one psoriatic arthritis patient previously recommended to SELF. Braces and sleeves are time-tested methods for addressing knee pain and stiffness, King says. They work by stabilizing the joint and relieving pressure during exercise. It won’t provide the same immediate relief as, say, a heated knee massager, but it’s a great option for anyone recovering from an injury who may need some additional support.
Functions: Compression | Power source: N/A | Weight: 9.60 ounces
Frequently asked questions about knee massagers
What are the benefits of using a knee massager?
“Heat and vibration can be great for pain relief, and compression and cold work great for reducing inflammation,” King says. “So if you have generally stiff, sore, or inflamed knees, [a knee massager] could be very helpful.” He adds that knee massagers are especially beneficial for people dealing with longer-term or chronic conditions.
Is there any reason why you shouldn’t use an at-home knee massager?
“There are very few specific risks” to using a knee massager as part of your wellness and recovery routine, King says. However, you should check with your doctor or physical therapist before trying one if you have acute pain or a recent injury. They’ll help you determine the best approach to healing and getting some relief.
Related:
- The Best Compression Socks for Traveling, Recovery, and Being on Your Feet All Day
- The Best Red Light Therapy Devices for Clearer, Smoother Skin
- Treat Yourself to the Best Compression Boots—Your Legs Will Thank You
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