We could probably all use a spa day right now, but COVID-19 still has many of us searching for ways to relax at home. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially when you're dealing with muscle pain or stiffness. Thankfully, there are plenty of cheap ways to find relief, all for less than the price of a professional massage. Here are some tried-and-true favorites.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
$17 from Amazon
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How's a foot massage while you're sitting at your desk sound? The 10 rollers and countless ridges and nubs on this reflexology-inspired wooden gadget can accomplish just that. At only 1.5 pounds, it's also easy to bring when you're on the go.
$30 from Amazon
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Plenty of users swear by Biofreeze, saying it really does "cool the pain" as it claims. Made with menthol, it comes in an easy-to-use roll-on that helps make targeted relief as mess-free as possible.
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$31 from Relax the Back
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The only thing more frustrating than a sore back is not being able to massage just the right spot yourself. The lightweight Theracane, designed with several nodes and projections for individualized relief, makes it easy to massage away stiffness and pain right where you're hurting most.
Related: 11 Ways to Deal With Back Pain
$36 from Amazon
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Feel those muscles relax when you drape this heated wrap around your shoulders. Zap it in the microwave for cozy comfort or chill it in the freezer to use it as an ice pack. Enjoy the added benefit of aromatherapy from a blend of lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and cinnamon.
$49 from Tempur-Pedic
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This versatile little memory foam pillow can cushion sore muscles and help prevent more pain, too. Use it as a lumbar cushion, neck roll, leg spacer, or anywhere else you could use some extra cushioning. The cover is removable and machine-washable, too.
If you're plagued by body aches and ready to invest a bit more in a peaceful night's sleep, check out Tempur-Pedic's ProAdapt mattress. It's specially designed for serious pressure relief.
$4 from Amazon
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Don't underestimate the power of one of the oldest sore-muscle remedies: A nice warm bath filled with epsom salts. If lavender isn't your thing, this Amazon brand is also available in several other scents, or unscented.
$50 from Amazon
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A personal neck massage might be the gold standard for sore muscles, but this massager is a good stand-in. It has four deep-kneading, rotating nodes, soothing heat, and an automatic 20-minute shutoff for safety.
$5 from Amazon
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This Asian answer to Vicks Vaporub is "old-school relief," one happy reviewer says. Though the scent is strong, users say the blend of camphor, menthol, mint, clove, and more does a good job of easing minor aches and pains.
$20 from Amazon
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It may look like a medieval torture device, but this mat and pillow with nearly 8,000 acupressure points does a great job relieving neck and back pain, reviewers say. Some say it has also helped them overcome insomnia.
Related: 9 Things Robbing You of Sleep, and How to Beat Them
$22 from Amazon
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Menthol isn't the only game in town when it comes to muscle soreness. This blend of magnesium chloride and organic oils is "simply the best purchase I could have made," one reviewer raves. It comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle, much like shaving cream.
$8 from Amazon
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This simple plastic roller can relieve soreness in just about every part of the body. The nine grooved plastic beads help reduce stiffness and promote circulation, and the ergonomic handles are easy to grip.
$100 from Amazon
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Though this massager might fall into the "splurge" category for some, devotees praise its ease of use and effectiveness. The convertible head has 10 attachments, each specially suited for a common pain point. A rechargeable battery offers up to four hours of use.
$24 from Amazon
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Here's the ultimate indulgence for sore feet. You can adjust the temperature with your toes, and a splash guard helps keep floors dry. A removable pumice stone is included for additional pampering.
$30 from Amazon (12 ct.)
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Here's a delicious way to help reduce soreness. Anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant flavonoid in cherry juice, can help soothe muscle pain and speed recovery after a hard workout. There's no added sugar, but there is a splash of apple juice for sweetness.
$12 from Amazon
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The Bed Buddy's long, flexible shape means it's easy to soothe aches and pains in any spot, even when you're turning in for the night. Filled with grains, herbs, and flowers, it can be heated in the microwave or stashed in the freezer for hot or cold therapy.
$15 from Relax the Back
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Those knotted muscles are no match for the compact Wizmo, which can apply firm pressure just about anywhere you need it. A wheel with nubs allows for smooth, systematic rolling over sore spots.
Starting at $15 from Amazon
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Athletes have long sung the benefits of foam rollers, but you don't need to be an Olympian to find some relief. The molded polypropylene is strong enough to soothe tense or cramped muscles, but light enough to take on the go. Choose from four sizes and several colors.
$19 from Amazon
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A staggering number of reviewers vouch for Penetrex, saying this mix of arnica, glucosamine, Vitamin B6, MSM and more can reduce inflammation and pain wherever it's needed. It also doesn't have the overwhelming scent of menthol-based products.
Related: 9 Signs You Might Have Chronic Inflammation and How to Fix It
$69 from Amazon
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If hunching over your computer or smartphone all day is giving you nagging upper-back pain, a few minutes with the Backpod might be just what the doctor ordered. It's designed to help stretch the spine and reduce soreness around the neck and shoulders.
$8 from Amazon
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One of the most well-known homeopathic remedies out there, arnica has legions of fans who say it offers natural anti-inflammatory relief for sore muscles. This non-greasy topical gel is unscented and paraben-free.
Related: How to Practice Self-Care While Stuck at Home
$30 from Amazon
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Sometimes it's hard to beat an old-fashioned heating pad that can provide a steady stream of warmth for as long as your aching muscles demand it. This best-seller, large enough to drape over your shoulders or soothe most of your back, is made of soft microplush and has three heat settings.