The 7 Best Hand Massagers to Reduce Stress and Pain
Knead, cool, roll, and massage your way to pain-free hands with our top hand massagers.
Health / Kristin Kempa
Medically reviewed by Forest Miller, OTR/L
Whether you spend your time typing on a laptop or using construction tools, many of us subject our hands to hours worth of repetitive strain each day. A good hand massage isn’t just relaxing— it’s also great for stimulating blood flow and managing pain. If you suffer from chronic stress, tension, or conditions like arthritis and carpal tunnel, consider investing in a good hand massager to keep symptoms at bay.
Keep in mind, not all hand massagers are created equal. Physical therapist Liyah Chen, OT, CHT, says vibration and compression-style massagers are good for stimulating blood flow and should reduce pain in the short term, but could be too intense if you have carpal tunnel. Board-certified specialist David Kahana, MD, suggests looking for a hand massager that has multiple functions and variable intensities. Start with the lowest intensity and work your way up to the ideal level of compression, heat, kneading, or vibration.
To help you make an informed purchase, we researched some of the best hand massagers according to function and pathology and asked physical therapists for their recommendations. Next, an occupational therapist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy. From vibrating massage guns to manual fascia release tools, these hand massagers will ensure you can use your digits comfortably all day.
Best Overall: Flow Nano Massage Gun
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Why We Like It
The Flow Nano Massage Gun is our pick for best overall because it features multiple settings, including heat. It’s also easily rechargeable, has good battery life, and is suitable for other body parts.
The massage gun comes with four interchangeable heads, meaning it can also target wrists and arms. Dr. Chen advises that mini-vibration tools like this one are generally a good choice for relieving hand pain, adding that they work well for targeting fingers and dealing with neuropathy.
It’s Worth Noting
Chen says vibration is not advised for people with carpal tunnel as it can aggravate symptoms, but for those with generalized pain and inflammation, this massage gun should be safe and effective.
Product Details
- Type: Percussion, handheld
- Settings: Three heat settings
- Heat: Yes, optional
- Battery Life: USB-C, 3 hours
Best Budget: Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha
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Why We Like It
If you’re not sure which device to use or not sure about the root cause of your pain, an inexpensive Gua Sha is a great place to start since it allows you to test out hand massaging without aggravating your symptoms. The Kitsch Stainless Steel Gua Sha takes our pick because it’s less than $20 and is made from stainless steel, which is easy to sanitize.
Dr. Chen also recommends a Gua Sha tool for carpal tunnel because it releases fascia. This one is more durable than other Gua Sha tools that are made from jade, quartz, or other natural stones and can break on impact. If you’d like to add some cold therapy to your repertoire, pop this one in the fridge for 30 minutes before rubbing it against your skin.
It’s Worth Noting
A Gua Sha works well for massaging your hands and wrists, but it’s a bit more difficult to target fingers.
Product Details
- Type: Manual
- Settings: N/A
- Heat: No
- Battery Life: N/A
- Price at time of publication: $15
Best for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Arboleaf Mini Massage Gun
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Why We Like It
If your doctor has given you the all clear to use a hand massager to manage arthritis, then the Arborleaf Mini Massage Gun should be your top pick. The portable massager allows you to target specific areas, while the five speeds mean you can adapt the intensity depending on the type of relief you need. The massage gun is lightweight, durable, and portable enough to take in your bag. The heads are silicone-based, making them easier to clean than other foam-based options.
It’s Worth Noting
Drs. Kahan and Chen both emphasize that you should consult your doctor before using a hand massager to alleviate arthritis, since some tools can aggravate symptoms.
Product Details
- Type: Percussion handheld
- Settings: 5 speeds
- Heat: No
- Battery Life: USB-C, 2 weeks if 30 minutes per day
Best for Carpal Tunnel: BYYDDIY 3-in-1 Muscle Scraper Tools Set
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Why We Like It
Dr. Chen advises that people with carpal tunnel avoid hand massagers with compression or vibration because they’re likely to worsen your condition. Instead, she recommends muscle scraping tools like the ones included in the Byyddiy 3-in-1 Muscle Scraper Tools Set. The set features three tools to target larger areas like your wrists, as well as some smaller ones to contour around your wrists and in between fingers. We love that each piece is made from medical-grade stainless steel, which is easy to clean and sanitize.
It’s Worth Noting
We recommend checking the manufacturer’s website to familiarize yourself with each tool and make sure you’re making the most out of your kit.
Product Details
- Type: Manual
- Settings: N/A
- Heat: No
- Battery Life: N/A
Best Compression: LifePro Legra Hand Massager
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Why We Like It
Compression massagers are a little different from the other items on our list because they use air compression rather than massage to relieve pain. The LifePro Legra Hand Massager utilizes this style of massage, which soothes aching joints and increases circulation. It also has five massage modes, five intensities, two vibration patterns, and optional heat, so you can customize the massage to meet your needs.
It’s Worth Noting
As with many products on this list, those with carpal tunnel should avoid using this massager to avoid aggravating their symptoms.
Product Details
- Type: Compression, vibration
- Settings: 5 massage modes, 5 intensities, 2 vibration patterns
- Heat: Yes
- Battery Life: 4 hours
Best Cryotherapy: iECO Cryosphere Cold Massage Roller Ball
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Why We Like It
Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, can redirect fresh blood to injuries, stimulate tissue repair, and reduce muscle pain. The iECO Cryosphere is a handy tool because it incorporates the benefits of cold therapy and massage. We particularly like that it’s filled with non-toxic cooling gel and is ergonomically designed to fit in your palm, with a rubber base to assist with grip.
The Cryosphere is well suited for people with carpal tunnel, and it’s also great for fascia release on the arms and the areas between your thumb and index finger.
It’s Worth Noting
The design isn’t the most convenient for massaging your fingers.
Product Details
- Type: Manual
- Settings: N/A
- Heat: Yes
- Battery Life: N/A
Best for Fingers: Gaiam Restore Hand Therapy Kit & Components
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Why We Like It
The Gaiam Restore Finger Massager is a simple tool to stimulate circulation, restore pressure in your tendons, and increase blood flow. This finger massager is dual-ended, which means it targets individual fingers and the areas in between the fingers, too.
For pain relief, we suggest rolling over the same area multiple times instead of rolling with more pressure. The massager also has a massage guide to make the most of the dual-ended design.
It’s Worth Noting
It’s made from plastic and is potentially less durable than other types.
Product Details
- Type: Manual
- Settings: N/A
- Heat: No
- Battery Life: N/A
- Price at time of publication: $10
Where We Stand
The Flow Nano Massage Gun is our best overall hand massager due to its efficacy, versatility, ease of use, and long battery life. We love that it comes with four massage heads and a portable travel case. We’ll continue to research the best hand massagers and will update our list with any must-have finds.
How We Selected the Best Hand Massagers
To select the best hand massagers, we researched the top options on the market. We also asked doctors which types they recommend and got their insights on what shoppers should look for and avoid depending on their specific physical condition. Our experts also provided insights into options for specific conditions and whether they are better suited to heat, cold therapy, vibration, or percussion massage.
Based on these recommendations, we conducted research, read testimonials and reviews, and narrowed down the most effective hand massagers that won’t break the bank or fall apart after a few weeks’ use.
Our Experts
What to Know About Hand Massagers
- Who Should Use a Hand Massager: Repetitive strain injuries due to workplace use of computers, construction tools, or musical instruments can create consistent hand pain. Likewise, people with carpal tunnel and certain types of arthritis will benefit from these tools.
- Contraindications: Dr. Chen says to avoid using a hand massager if you experience chronic pain, acute inflammation, infection, fracture, injury, or swelling. Most hand massagers provide immediate relief but won’t treat the underlying condition in the long term, so be sure to seek professional help if you continue to experience pain after one month of consistent use.
- Type: People who have post-surgical scarring, chronic pain, or who need sensory re-education or desensitization may benefit from vibrational massage. Manual tools like a Gua Sha suit those with muscle pain and tendonitis, while deep compress tools are perfect for those with pain or swelling. Heat is usually recommended for chronic conditions, but it’s not essential, says Chen. Vibration is another good option, though it might aggravate carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Features: When shopping for a hand massager, there are a few features to look for. Some manual massagers are dual-ended, making it easier to get into the finer parts of your fingers and hands. Others have multiple functions such as heating, cooling, vibration, kneading, or compression available in varying intensities. Some handheld devices come with adaptable heads so you can target various areas.
Your Questions, Answered
Is hand massage good for arthritis?
Certain types of massagers can provide temporary pain relief from arthritis symptoms, but both of our experts advise that it’s important to consult a medical professional. Early cases of osteoarthritis or wear-and-tear arthritis may benefit from a hand massager. Dr. Kahana advises caution for those with advanced or deforming arthritis, as well as autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis. As always, if you’re unsure whether a hand massager is right for you, seek professional advice before incorporating new tools into your routine.
Are heated hand massagers safe to use?
Dr. Kahana says hand massagers are safe for general hand soreness, tension, and fatigue. However, using the wrong type of hand massager may aggravate symptoms. If you have severe pain, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional before using a heated hand massager.
How much can you expect to pay for a hand massager?
The price of a hand massager varies depending on the type you choose and the features it includes. You should be able to pick up a small and manual device for less than $50. Massagers with heat and compression elements can cost upwards of $250, though our research suggests that it’s possible to find a quality product for closer to $150.
Who We Are
Isabella Ubaldi has 10 years of research and writing experience that includes covering how to shop for the best personal products online. Her curiosity about the world feeds her keen interest in helping people reduce the shopping noise and simply make better decisions. As someone who spends her day sitting at a computer, typing on a keyboard and using a mouse all day, she has a personal interest in preventing repetitive strain injuries that come with everyday tasks.
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