I tend to hunch while typing; it’s completely unconscious and unintentional, but it results in me bunching my neck and shoulder muscles to the point of pain. I love the idea of a massager that I can passively operate on my own — without having someone else hold it, or without having to angle and hold it myself.
Photo courtesy of truMedic
The truMedic InstaShiatsu+ Neck & Back Massager with Heat is an all in one package that can be used on multiple parts of the body. Included in the box are the massager, a charger …
Photo courtesy of truMedic
… and a handy carrying bag.
The massager is covered on the outside with an easy to wipe down vinyl material; on the part that touches your skin, there is a mesh covering. Inside the business portion of the device, there is a powerful cordless shiatsu massager that can supply deep, kneading, heated massage to the part of the body where it is applied. There are loops built into each end to sling your forearms or wrists through.
The control panel on the left shoulder of the massager controls heat, power, the direction of the massage, and it has an LED to indicate when it is on or charging.
Photo courtesy of truMedic
The charging port is at the bottom of the left shoulder strap; the included charger has a long enough cable that the massager can be used when it’s plugged in, but the internal battery allows several hours of use on a single charge.
When wearing the massager with your arms looped through, you can easily place the massage portion on your neck or back — moving your arms adjusts how strong the massage is. I’m wearing the massager as I write this review, and I’ve got to tell you, it feels pretty good! My neck is getting a deep rub, and when I move the massage to my back it inches its way down working my muscles.
You don’t have to only use it on your back, though, it’s great for your legs, feet, belly, calves — anywhere that needs a rub.
Photo courtesy of truMedic
While I won’t say that it’s better than visiting a massage therapist, I will say that owning the InstaShiatsu+ is much more convenient than having to wait until an appointment to get relief. You can take it with you anywhere, it gives a deep, penetrating massage, and it seems to be heavy-duty enough to last for years.
If you or someone you love is a victim of frequent body pain, the truMedic InstaShiatsu+ is a great option — and it costs about the same as two visits to your local massage therapist!
The truMedic InstaShiatsu+ Neck & Back Massager with Heat retails for $139.97, and it is available directly from the manufacturer and from other retailers including Amazon [affiliate link] for $113.23
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Easy to use, and easy to adjust the strength of the massage based on tension applied with the wrist straps; Works with or without the charging cable plugged in; The heat option is lovely
What Needs Improvement: Nothing