Donnerberg Shiatsu Neck Massager: Review
One of the major downsides of fibro is the pain. I can wake up one day with everything hurting, from my scalp right down to my feet. I have wondered from time to time if some sort of high-quality massager or massage pillow would help with pain relief.
Massage therapy can help improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. I’ve seen people using manual massagers, handheld massagers, massage guns and even massage balls, but is there anything else available?
So when Donnerberg got in touch about their shiatsu neck massager, I was interested to see whether it would help me.
The Donnerberg shiatsu neck massager uses eight rotating massage nodes and three different speed settings to help it get to those tight, sore neck muscles. It claims to relieve stress, aches, muscle tension and knots as it massages the neck. If you need a bit of heat therapy for the area, the unit also has an optional heating function with different heat settings. You can add infrared heat to your massage through the massage heads at the push of a button.
There is no need to worry about overusing the unit. After 15 minutes, it switches off to remind you that it is time to stop the massage. It even includes the ability to change between two settings of massage strength and a cloth for those with sensitive skin. I think this is one of its most essential features.
While it is billed as a neck and shoulder massager, it actually offers all-round muscle massage. You can use it in many different places, including the base of the back, stomach, legs, arms and hands. If you feel you need a bit of a massage in a specific area that isn’t listed here, it is worth trying the device there to see if it gives you some relief.
Charging the shiatsu neck massager
The Donnerberg shiatsu neck massager comes with an in-car adaptor. The car charger means that you can charge on the go. The mains charger includes an EU plug, and I did find an adaptor that works for multiple inputs and outputs included in the original box. However, when I tried to use it, it fell out of the wall, so I had to buy another before I could use the device.
My thoughts
With my Fibromyalgia, I had to be very careful how I used this. As the name suggests, this isn’t a nice gentle massage to relax you but more of a pummelling. Traditional shiatsu massage uses massage techniques like deep tissue massages. The movement is rotating and is supposed to help relieve tension deep down by targeting certain areas of the body.
Sadly, this meant it pushed into many of the pressure points that cause a lot of pain thanks to my Fibromyalgia. This meant that it was unbearable for me to use in many places.
Overall I think this is an excellent idea for the right person who needs a massager that can tackle those deep-down knots. It also means you don’t have to keep paying for a massage therapist. However, if, like me, you have issues with pain, you should think about getting something a little more gentle, at least to start with.
Next, I might try some massage chairs or a percussion massager.
The Donnerberg shiatsu neck massager costs £169.00 and is available on Amazon*, eBay and Donnerberg’s website where you can use LIFE10 to get 10% off at checkout.
*PR Sample
Whoa! This looks awesome and is just about what I need right now. My muscles have been so tense lately and I think this neck massager would help tons!
Definitely worth giving a try then – it is definitely a great machine – I was amazed by how well it does work. x
I have been wanting to get a massager like this. I don’t have fibro but I do have chronic pain, especially neck and back pain.
It’s definitely worth trying, if you can try one before you buy though I would suggest it just so you know if it is the right type for you 🙂 x
I should get my husband one of these\. It might help reduce his neck pains. I’ll check it out.
It is really nice to just sit and let it work it’s magic 😉 x
Ooo I could really use one of these! Looks amazing.
I just received one exactly like this for review but it’s not the same brand. I feel the same way in that it is a but too rough for me.
It is such a shame isn’t it – I wish there was a softer setting on it for those of us who don’t like it quite so rough. x
Oh this sounds perfect for me! I would love to have this for at home as I constantly get a stiff neck (especially when I am always on the computer!)
IT’s awful what sitting at a computer does for you isn’t it – definitely not the best way to spend days. x
My husband always wants neck rubs and they hurt my hands. Maybe this will help his neck and give me a day off.
Yes you definitely need something like this for him then 😉 x
I could really do with this right now my shoulder muscles are pretty tense at the moment. This looks great and not too big as to take up too much room.
It isn’t that big at all I should have said it does have a carry case as well so you can just bag it up and pop it in a cupboard when you aren’t using it! x
Man, I would LOVE something like this. My husbands massage skills are, well, let’s just say I really need one of these. I am on a compute a lot and after have a sore back by the end of the day. I’m going to look into this for sure.
Ohh good luck getting one – it can be so hard when you sat down for a long period of time 🙁 x
Oh now I really do like the sound of this and think it might be helpful for the mister and his neck pain x
Ohh definitely worth trying – just be careful to start with it 🙂 x
This sounds like such a great little product. I know a few people who have neck and back issues and would probably benefit from this! Every little helps when you’re struggling!
I would love this. My neck always seems to be tense or sore. This would be so nice.
I’ve never seen these before, they do look like a very good idea
That sounds so relaxing, and truth be told, I’d be hard pressed to find a time when I wouldn’t want to use this!
Ive tried this and found it too much even on a slow setting
Like you say its not suitable for all
I definitely think if you can try before you buy with this it is a good idea. x
This looks like it would be perfect for me. I have horrible neck pain and the heating option would be great for that.
My mom suffers from fibro and she always had a hard time with massagers, saying they were too rough. This might work well for other type of pain, though!
It is amazing how if it hits one of those pressure points the pain it can cause, it’s hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t had it / knows someone who has it.
I should really look into something like this.. I work on the computer all day and plus blog in my spare time, it means I spend a lot of time typing, using the mouse and as a result I always have a massive pain in my shoulder and neck. This looks like a perfect solution! Thank you for sharing!
My daughter loves a deep tissue massage so this would work perfectly for her. I’m glad you clarified that it may not work for people in pain and that they probably need something more gentle.
The last thing I want is to cause people more pain – I’m sure it will help many people, but to help those with pain issues probably not.
Christmas might be over but my husband’s birthday is about to come up! He loves stuff like this so I think I may have to get this for him for his birthday.
I bought it on Amazon last month and I must say I’m quite impressed with its quality and efficiency. It really relaxes tense muscles and alleviates the pain with appropriate amount of pressure on different areas of the body. For more intensive massage I change the speed to fast and tighten the straps, but when I want soothing and relaxing massage then I leave it on slow speed. My husband is delighted with it, because it gives the impression like someone is actually massaging you with two hands. Definitely worth the price, we don’t have to go to the masseuse anymore. I warmly recommend it to everyone experiencing neck or back problems.
PS It comes with the UK plug too, I forgot to mention that.
It is great to hear it works well for some people, that is always awesome to read and that the plug works for others as well 😉 enjoy your massager 😉 x
It’s nice that the Neck Message shuts itself off, because knowing me I would fall asleep. I wonder if this would work well on an airplane, especially nice is the car adapter for long road trips or even to plug into airplane, stuck on that flying mode of comfort with a neck message.
I can imagine people who do a lot of long trips pop it into there car to try and relive the tension along the way. x
I need this in my life immediately. I work on the computer all day long, and it is SO hard on my neck. I think this would make me feel so much better.
I love a good massage when it’s needed. The size of this is perfect for travel as well. The only thing I don’t think I’d like is if it’s pretty rough. I’m more into a more gentle but firm feeling. Thanks for sharing!
I have couple friends who suffer from fibro. If this helps them release any pain than it is worth purchasing. Will share with them so they can decide for themselves.