Shopping·10 min read

15 Products That’ll Relieve All Your Aches and Pains

9 Massagers, Foam Rollers, and More Products for Your Aches and Pains
Design: theSkimm | Image: WTHN, Lululemon
August 23, 2023

This post was originally published in August 2022 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

Aches and pains: They’re an inevitable part of life. They can sneak up on you after sleeping in an odd position, after a workout, or simply going about your day-to-day. (Hi, neck and shoulder pain after sitting at your computer all day.) When life gives you another knot, we’ve got recs so you’ll be better prepared. From back massagers to foam rollers to pain relief patches and more, here are some products that’ll have you feeling better before you know it. And check out more of our fave wellness products even if you don’t have a ton of time for self-care.  

the good patch
The Good Patch

Wellness patches designed to help relieve common ailments…

Like period pain, muscle strain, or joint tension. They’re vegan-, gluten-, paraben-, and latex-free, and have been dermatologist-tested. To use them, all you have to do is peel the back off and stick the patch to the affected area. Voila: sweet relief. You can wear the patch for up to 12 hours then discard when you’re done. We love that you can customize the number of patches in each bundle, from four to 40. Pssst…we tested these ourselves — they’ve also got ones designed to target fatigue, hot flashes, and hangovers — and you can read our official review here. ($3 per patch, The Good Patch)

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Herbal powder
Moon Juice

A powder that supports relaxation…

Add a spoonful of this magnesium mix to your nighttime tea or water and feel the tension drip away. Its ingredients help with brain function, bloating, and relaxation, and it comes in a tasty berry flavor that’s easy to sip on. Customers say it alleviates anxieties and love taking it before bedtime. ($42, Moon Juice)

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Mini foam roller
Uncommon Goods

A mini roller for your hands and wrists…

You do a lot with your hands, so it’s only right they get a little TLC every now and then. This mini roller will target all the joints and tendons in your wrists that might be overworked, relaxing and readying them for the next day. Keep it at your desk or by your bedside to treat yourself whenever you need to. ($15, Uncommon Goods)

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Massage rollers
Chirp

Wheel massagers that’ll help with pain and muscle recovery…

Whether you just need a post-workout stretch or want to target aches in specific areas. We rec the bundle of four ranging in wheel sizes from 4 to 12 inches — perfect for delivering light to deep pressure and working out tough knots and targeting pressure points. Each roller has 11 millimeters of padding and a deep middle groove meant to protect your spine. After one week of use, one HQ’r experienced less regular pain and felt more flexible. Sounds like a win. ($74.99+/2-pack, Chirp)

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Foam roller
Lululemon

A two-in-one foam roller you won’t dread taking to the gym…

Thanks to its chic, lightweight design (it weighs 1.7 pounds) and dual functionality. This roller is perfect for relieving any tension built up after a sweat sesh. You’ll get a traditional grooved roller, recommended for your arms and legs, and a rounded roller for your back that can be stored inside. It comes in two patterns, orange and purple, and black and white.  ($64, Lululemon)

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Theragun massage gun
Theragun

Theragun massagers that’ll target muscle tension anywhere in your body…

This cult-fave brand has options at every price point. The Theragun Mini, the most affordable one, is small enough to fit in a carry-on or laptop backpack but doesn’t skimp on the ability to help work out any cramps, knots, or tension. If you’re looking for something with more power, level up to the Prime, Elite, or Pro models, which come with extras like interchangeable attachment heads, extended battery life, and more. ($179+, Theragun)

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Massage gun
Amazon

Or a more budget-friendly version to help relieve all those muscle aches…

If working from home has meant working hunched over on your couch or a less-than-comfy chair (psst…we rec this one), your back is probably feeling it. This massage gun works via percussive therapy,so it repeatedly massages muscles to release tension and stimulate blood flow. It can reduce lactic acid buildup, meaning a faster recovery for aches and pains. Along with the massage gun, this set includes six heads so you can reach every muscle. ($119.99, Amazon)

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Acupuncture mat
WTHN

An acupressure mat that’ll target stress and chronic pain…

Like tech necks, headaches, or body stiffness. This mat utilizes the traditional principles of acupressure via its gentle stimulators that activate different pressure points throughout the body. The mat is made from coconut fiber and linen, and the pillow is from memory foam. Customers say it’s great for unwinding after a long day, even if you only have a couple of minutes available for self-care. ($78, WTHN)

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Portable car massager
Amazon

A portable back massager to keep in your car…

Or place wherever you’re seated, whether at the office or your dining room table. This Shiatsu-style massager uses deep-kneading massage nodes to help relax your muscles, automatically changing direction every minute to mimic a natural massage. It also has a heating function and an automatic safety shutoff so you won’t have to worry about overheating. It contours to your body, so you can comfortably use it on your calves, thighs, and abdomen area too. Stiffness, be gone. ($54.95+, Amazon

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Icy hot pain relief patches
Amazon

Icy Hot pain patches with lidocaine for serious injury relief…

These are made with 4% lidocaine — the highest percentage of the numbing agent you can get without a prescription — combined with the brand’s signature cooling and heating sensations. If you find yourself unable to focus because of joint or muscle pain, simply stick one of these patches on the affected area for quick relief for up to 12 hours. ($9.98, Amazon)

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Cordless heating pad
Target

A cordless heating pad you can wear around the house…

So you won’t have to be tied to your couch or bedroom. This one comes in seven different colors and has three heat levels and three massage modes. Wear it on your belly if you’ve got period cramps, or flip it around to your back if you’re feeling any soreness or pain there. The velvet backing is designed to prevent skin contact burns and the automatic shut-down design will turn off the device after thirty minutes. ($84.99, Target)

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Tiger balm
Amazon

An herbal balm that soothes and cools…

This one’s an HQ’r favorite when it comes to healing sore muscles. It's great for use after hard workouts or active days. Just rub it on your most-needed spots and let the camphor and eucalyptus melt away the tension. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Vitamin Gummies
Olly

Gummies meant to relax your muscles overnight…

These are packed with melatonin and vitamin D to help aid in muscle and body function. You’ll get a good night's sleep while your muscles recover from their hard day’s work. Just take two before bed and wake up feeling refreshed. ($15.99, Olly)

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Seat Cushion
Amazon

A seat cushion that’ll help you stay upright…

If sitting at a desk all day is part of your 9-to-5, this seat cushion might become your new best friend. It evenly distributes your weight throughout your lower body and helps with tailbone and lower back relief. Snag one for the house and one for the office — you’ll thank us later. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Toe separators
Amazon

Toe separators to help with foot pain…

A gentle reminder: Most shoes aren’t designed to be anatomically correct. That means your toes are probably being squished on the regular. These toe spacers help open up your feet to encourage proper positioning. They can help correct crooked toes, bunions, and calluses and are meant to be worn with your regular shoes. Easy fixes? Yes, please. ($8.99, Amazon)

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