A good massage can mean the world to most of us, but we don’t always have the time or means to visit a professional.
Fortunately, home massage devices have gotten a lot better of the years.
The Brookstone Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager is one of the better products on the market.
The makers promise that its deep kneading technology will help you deal with your muscle pain, remove knots, improve circulation, and promote better sleep.
So how good is this massager?
We’ll go everything we like and don’t like about this massager.
After we’ll take a look at some other worthy Brookstone massagers on the market.
Brookstone Cordless Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
Brookstone Cordless Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
- Cordless function for 60 minutes
- Unique shape
- Deep kneading nodes
- Auto-reverse option
- Heating Function
Features
At first glance, the most beneficial feature of the Brookstone massager is its cordless capability that gives you the freedom of movement and peace of mind. You can use it without worrying where to plug it or how long the cord will be.
Also this massager comes with a unique shape that allows you to place it comfortably over your neck, like an elongated travelling pillow, while controlling the amount of pressure with your handles.
The feature we really liked is the healing heat that radiates from the pillow, relieving any tension and relaxing your muscles any time you need it.
Let’s explore the Brookstone massager features a bit further:
Cordless & Portable
One of the more practical features of the Brookstone massager is its portability and flexibility.
You can choose to use it cordless at home, and this type of freedom of movement definitely has its benefits (you’ll want to enjoy your massage instead of worrying about cables).
Be careful though, the massager is not to be used lying down. Since you need to use your hands to control the pressure, the massager is best used standing, or sitting as an alternative.
Another option would be to take it with you to the office or to a trip.
Do not intend to multi-task, and use it while you’re working at the computer since it was designed to be used with your hands inside the handles.
Otherwise it might slip, or you might crush the back side, so the experience won’t be pleasant either way.
A full-battery massage will last you for 60 to 90 minutes without the need of a cord. After it is empty charging it again takes 2 hours.
There is an indicator light on the massager which goes from red to green when fully charged.
You could also choose to use it plugged in at home, and you will definitely notice an increase in intensity once plugged in. People that enjoy a higher intensity massage keep it plugged.
Deep Kneading Nodes
There are eight deep kneading nodes placed all over the surface of the massager.
The nodes are not connected to each other in a single row which makes them easier to handle.
They look like little balls that visibly turn in circular motions.
The movement follows the ancient shiatsu method which was a part of the Chinese traditional medicine until the 6th century when it was adopted by the Japanese.
Shiatsu is mostly devoted to relieving blockages in the energy flow of the body.
The goal of the kneading nodes is to relieve tension, speed up recovery and improve your overall circulation and health. The massager can also prepare you for a deep sleep.
Massage Modes
There are 2 different massage modes you can choose from. The first one is one-direction movement, and the second one is auto-reverse mode.
The auto-reverse mode changes its course back and forth each minute to simulate a real massage. You can also switch the direction of the nodes manually.
The beauty of the Brookstone shiatsu massager lies within its strap design. You get to reach inaccessible areas in your back with comfort. Some people report using it on their legs without issues.
Heat Function
The heat function is where the Brookstone massager gets fabulous. The intensity of the heat is perfect for most people and they use it to relieve sore muscles.
You will need to wait for 5 minutes for the heat to build up, and then it’s time for warm bliss.
This function is extremely helpful in any case. Whether you wish to relieve tension, soothe your muscles or simply relax, adding heat to the process can be a very helpful option.
One thing we didn’t like is the time limitation on the heating feature.
You can only use the heat function for 20 minutes at a time, which is not enough for most people, but that’s how the manufacturer planned it.
The heat function drains the battery considerably so the massager only lasts for 30 minutes if the heat function was turned on.
What Customers Are Saying
Most of the people that tried the Brookstone shiatsu massager are happy with the cordless option.
They report feeling the maximum benefits in the first 45 minutes of the massage and then the massager slows down a bit.
The kneading option feels fine for most people. Since they can adjust the intensity with the help of the handles, the product is fit for most needs.
They really like the control the handles give them, although some desire a hands free massage option to use while working at the PC.
People that used the Brookstone massager for a while report feeling better sleeping better and getting fewer headaches.
The product is advertised as cordless but most people end up using it plugged in since it is stronger that way, and you can use it longer. So if you need a stronger intensity, that’s the way to go.
Warranty
The massager comes with one year warranty for all parts. If you have an issue with your Brookstone massager within a year of purchase they will fix it or replace it with a new one.
What We Like
- Mobile and unique design
- Heating option
- Massaging in both directions
- Tension and stress relief
What We Dislike
- Cordless and heating time limitation
Other Popular Brookstone Massagers
Brookstone F4 Shiatsu Foot Massager
- Carry-on design
- 3 massage programs
- Compression massage
- Heating option
If you’re already a fan of the Brookstone massagers, they have something for your feet too!
The foot massager works with the help of massage rollers that give you a kneading sensation, and dual air-compression.
The F4 model comes with a built in cord-wrap to keep things easy and will fit men’s 12.5 and women’s 14 sizes.
It is an amazing companion for work or home, to energize yourself in the middle of the day, or relax you at the end of it.
This massager will be especially helpful for people wishing to improve their circulation, warm up their feet and relieve stress and tension with the heating option.
What Customers Are Saying
When it comes to health beneficial features, and giving a complete relaxing experience, this poduct excels. People that use it rave about coming home from work for a foot massage.
Others use it for a hand massage as well.
Some people have experienced issues with the heating option and feel it is not strong enough.
Another issue that keeps coming up is the life-span of the product.
If used non-stop on the highest intensity setting its life span shortens to a month. Make sure you use it for 30 minutes and make a break of at least 2 hours between massages.
Brookstone S8 Shiatsu Massaging Seat Topper
- Fits any chair
- Dynamic squeeze massage
- Remote control
- Vibration seat
Finally, I found a massaging experience where you can just sit back and allow your chair to massage you.
This is exactly the main feature of the Brookstone S8 massaging seat topper. It transforms any old chair into a massaging station.
What Customers Are Saying
Most people are extremely satisfied with this product and love the massaging experience.
Some of them feel the intensity is too much, and dislike the protruding balls, especially the ones around the neck.
It takes some time to get adjusted to this seat topper, but most of the people that got it agree it is a good massaging experience.
Brookstone 3D Back Massager
- 12 massage nodes
- Fits in any chair
- 3-dimensional massage
The Brookstone 3D back massager is a unique massaging tool that can be placed virtually anywhere.
The manufacturer advertises it leaned on a chair, but in reality it can be positioned anywhere you would need it. It can be tilted to target specific groups of muscles.
The motor is surprisingly powerful and you should expect a deep tissue massage when using it.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers that got the 3D back massager are happy with their purchase. It helps them with lower back tightness and helps relax your muscles if you have to sit in your chair for a long time.
The Verdict
The Brookstone massagers are definitely making a stir on the market and most people that tried them like the experience. We absolutely agree they are good and beneficial for your health.
The unique design of the Brookstone shiatsu head and neck massager (plus the cordless option) makes it our top pick of the list.
