I’ve been using those microwavable cushions for my neck for awhile, but they don't do anything for the knots. This Snailax massager is a different beast. First, it’s got some real weight to it. It feels hefty and heavy-duty, not like a cheap plastic toy. The kneading is legit - it actually feels like someone is digging into your muscles. I found that reversing the direction mid-way through really helps hit the spots from a different angle. Power tip: I thought I’d want the highest intensity, but the lower setting is actually better for the really deep knots because it moves slower and has more "grip." I’ll be honest, I thought the arm slings looked goofy, but they’re actually brilliant. You can pull down on them to get good pressure, control exactly how much pressure you want, and it makes it so easy to use while just sitting on the couch watching TV - for a longer session. It’s way less annoying than trying to use a massage gun on your own shoulders/upper back, which I can't do for very long and that ends up rattling my body/brain. Only minor "critique" is the heat. It doesn’t get super hot. If you have a thick hoodie on, you might barely feel it. But actually... I prefer it that way because I can leave it without worrying about it burning my skin. Took about 2.5 hours to fully charge. If you carry all your stress in your neck/shoulders like I do, this is worth it.