Did you know that it's estimated that approximately 2.5 million people in the UK suffer from back pain every day? Instead of putting up with this discomfort, take action and invest in a massager. Massagers have incredible benefits like improving circulation, promoting relaxation and increasing flexibility.
Whatever your reason for wanting to buy a massager, here at Yours, we know how important it is to do your research before committing to a purchase. That's why we've enlisted the help of Senior Commercial Content Writer, Lily Anderson to put the Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager to the test.
Build
From the moment you open the box, you can tell that the Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager is built to last. From the two changeable covers to the infrared heat and control buttons, the massager has been designed with function in mind
We'd be clutching at straws to find a drawback with its build - the only thing we could say is that the wire used to pug in the device could be placed in a better position. That said - it doesn't draw back from the relaxing experience too much.
The build is so good that the massager has been recommended by the German Olympic Association and Physiotherapists. If it's good enough for Olympic athletes, it's good enough for us.
Usability
Unlike massage guns, the Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager can't be used at the gym, straight after your local park run or after your yoga class. Mainly because it wouldn't fit in a bag easily, but also it needs to be plugged in to work.
That said, if you're looking for a device that is going to help you unwind after a stressful day or you want to help elevate pain from sore spots, then the Donnerberg is up to the challenge.
From the ability to control the intensity level to switching between the two infrared heat options, you'll be able to enjoy a shiatsu massage on your neck, shoulders, back, feet or legs.
When testing the Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager, we found it effortless to use when sitting at our home office desk. Better yet, this was enjoyed from the comfort of bed one Sunday morning and during a car ride home from a UK staycation - yes, it does include a car adapter which is fantastic news for anyone who aches during long journeys.
Performance
Whether it's testing it out for a foot massage or to provide relief with backache, this massager was resilient and multi-functional.
The best bit about it - while holding the massager in place, you could change the speed setting, increase the intensity of the infrared heat, turn on the vibration and let the machine work its magic.
After using the machine, you'll really notice the difference in your well-being. Instead of complaining about aches and pains, we've been able to take a break and enjoy the movement from the massage heads.
Any negatives to the performance of the Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager? While it's clearly quieter than other massager motors and still very powerful, when using the vibration function, it is still quite noisy.
Price
At £179, the Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager is not the cheapest option on the market by any stretch. From a quick search on Amazon or Google, you'll find neck massagers starting from as little as £27.17.
That said, if you're looking for a top-quality massager that will help you get rid of knots in your neck, back, legs, and shoulder area, then you need to splash the cash. Along with an excellent product that will replicate a salon massage experience, this massager has gone through a thorough testing process and offers not one, but a seven-year worry-free warranty in case anything goes wrong.
Score: 4/5
Verdict
Overall, we were impressed with this bit of kit. From the moment you take it out of the box, you're able to plug it in and attend to those muscle knots. The multiple setting gives you complete control of your massage, whereas many other devices on the market have limited options. With the Donnerberg The Original Premium Neck & Shoulder Massager, you can adapt the speed, heat, change the direction of the massage heads and add vibration.
The biggest drawbacks of this massager: it isn't designed to be portable and it's more expensive than similar neck and shoulder massagers. If you're looking for a massager to take to the gym to help prevent injury and help with the cooling down process, this probably isn't for you. However, if you're working at a desk all day and want to relieve stiff neck and shoulders, this is the perfect device.
Yes, you're parting with more cash - but think of it as an investment. It comes with a seven-year warranty, and it will save you from having to spend hundreds of pounds getting a massage with a professional masseuse.
How we tested it
Senior Commercial Content Writer, Lily Anderson, is a seasoned pro when it comes to getting massages. Frequenting her local salon monthly for a deep tissue massage, she was up for the challenge of comparing this massager to professional therapy.
Whether it was testing it in her home office, on a drive home from a staycation or from the comfort of her bed, Lily was able to get a good idea of how this massager really worked.