It’s never recommended to use massage guns directly on sore or injured bones, nerves, cuts or the upper spinal cord. Make sure you consult your doctor before using one regularly. (BestReviews)

Whether your muscle stiffness and soreness are related to your lifestyle, workout, injury or your job, you could very likely benefit from finding an at-home remedy for your aches and pains. You can buy either a massage gun to target specific areas of your body or a massage pillow to stimulate your muscles in a general area. But which one is right for you? Before buying a massage gun or pillow, think about where your body hurts, your lifestyle and when and where you’ll use the tool.

A massage gun is a powerful at-home massage tool that resembles a drill but has attachments that are used to work out different muscles. You can choose different combinations of speeds and attachments for the head of the gun, giving you complete flexibility to utilize the massage gun anywhere on your body. Massage guns are used by placing the head of the gun directly on the area experiencing discomfort. You use your own movement and strength to work the gun around the area, while the pulsing settings on the gun help stimulate circulation, movement and reduce stiffness in tissue and muscles.

Massage guns are easy to use, store and operate. Most come with a charger or USB attachment and can hold a charge for several hours at a time. Massage guns also offer great flexibility. Since they have several speeds/modes to choose from, as well as different heads to alternate on your gun, you can easily customize your massage settings based on your preferences and the area of your body. And since you use the machine yourself, you're in full charge of placement and motion. All in all, massage guns can offer great stimulation and relief to your sore areas.

Since you’re required to hold and operate the massage fun for the duration of your massage, this might be a problem if you have mobility or flexibility issues. Likewise, holding the massage gun might get tiring if you’re looking for a longer or deeper massage. You may require a friend to help with any hard-to-reach areas.

Massage Gun Deep Tissue: available at Amazon This massage gun is quiet, easy to handle and operates for 4-6 hours at a time. It includes 20 speeds and six interchangeable heads meant to target various muscle groups and areas of the body requiring a massage.

Theragun Elite 4th Generation Deep Tissue Massage Gun: available at Amazon The Theragun Elite is fairly pricey compared to other massage guns, however, it is a great investment if you are looking for a high-quality, deep tissue massager. Not only does this unit have five attachments and two hours of battery life, but it also delivers a pressure of up to 40 pounds.

Muscle Therapy Deep Muscle Back Massager: available at Amazon This well-priced, quiet unit includes options for 30 different speeds and 10 different head attachments, making it an affordable and flexible option for anyone looking to relieve muscle tension.

Massage pillows are a great investment for those suffering from sore and stiff necks or backs and shoulders. They use nodules and rollers to stimulate your muscles. They're electric and offer different settings for a more relaxing massage or therapeutic one. Some massage pillows are even heated. Typically, people who experience workout injuries or who are often stiff as a result of sitting at a desk all day find relief in relaxing and using a massage pillow on a regular basis.

Massage pillows are great for people experiencing upper back, shoulder and neck pain. Even people suffering from headaches can find almost instant relief. They are simple to use and best of all you don’t have to use any energy to operate one. Simply place it on the area where you’re feeling stiffness and relax.

Massage pillows don’t offer much flexibility in terms of massaging very specific muscles or parts of the body. The pillow will remain situated around a broad area (for example, your entire lower back) and you’re required to lay and relax for the duration of the massage. While this may be enjoyable, it’s not the best if you have a specific muscle that you’re trying to target.

HoMedics 3D Shiatsu and Vibration Massage Pillow with Heat: available at Amazon This 3D massage pillow uses its nodules to work in a circular motion inwards and outwards. It has heat settings to help relax sore, stiff areas as well as vibration settings to loosen muscles up. It's attached to a 6-foot cord.

WOQQW Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager: available at Amazon This massage pillow is equipped with an AC/DC adapter making it perfect to use in the car while on your commute or at your work desk. It also offers heat and a variety of deep-kneading massage settings to provide relaxation and relief.

HoMedics Pro Therapy Vibration Neck Massager with Heat: available at Amazon This neck pillow offers gentle heat and vibration and can be worn around the house or while you work. It is specifically designed for stiff, sore necks and rather than deep tissue massage. It offers gentle vibration, which is soothing to those with more intense injuries.

While both tools target stiffness and muscle pain, a massage gun is more flexible due to various settings and usage potential. But ultimately, the best choice really depends on what you’re looking to get from your purchase.

The massage gun is better for stimulating and decreasing stiffness and pain in specific parts of your body. A massage pillow offers a more relaxing experience and is a therapeutic option for those who wish to gain relief from their sore muscles.

Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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