This $20 Neck Wrap Melts Away My Neck and Shoulder Tension

Any time I get a massage or a facial, every practitioner points out how much tension I hold in my neck, shoulders, and upper back. I'm told that my knots are pretty gnarly. While I should probably see a professional massage therapist to alleviate my muscle tension and stiffness, I can't do that every day — although a girl can dream. Luckily, I found a few at-home self-care tools that help deliver targeted relief for my neck and shoulders, one being the PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow ($20).

As the name suggests, the PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow is a weighted wrap that can be warmed up or cooled down to facilitate at-home temperature therapy. It's also infused with calming lavender and mint notes to deliver a moment of aromatherapy for holistic wellness and self-care. As someone who deals with constant neck and shoulder discomfort, I used the PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow for about a month to see if it helped to relieve my tension.

Ahead, you can read my full review of PS's Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow.

Sharon Gam, PhD, CSCS, is an exercise physiologist and certified strength and conditioning coach.

Ellen Thompson is a certified personal trainer and head personal trainer with Blink Fitness.

I've used my fair share of pain-relieving wraps, but the PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow combines all my favorite features into one product. Unlike others on the market, this one does not slip off, even if I'm moving around and getting some errands done. This wrap is designed to stay in place thanks to its rounded shape, weight distribution, and velvety fabric that grips onto my clothes.

It sits perfectly at the base of my shoulders while the collar remains upright, hugging and supporting my neck. The clay beads are allocated evenly throughout the wrap, with channels that keep them in place so they don't all shift to one side. Because I tend to shrug my shoulders up — creating tension unknowingly — I appreciate having the two pounds of weight push them back down. Feeling that pressure reminds me to actively relax my shoulders so I don't cause more stiffness, aches, and pains.

Although the weighted feel helps with relief, being able to use hot or cold therapy is what truly makes this wrap a winner in my book. Instead of using a separate ice pack or heating pad, I can just throw the PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow in the microwave or the freezer to get the temperature therapy I need.

Certified personal trainer Ellen Thompson previously told PS, "Heat therapy helps relax muscles, and increasing the blood flow helps healing and decreases stiffness, whereas cold therapy can provide relief for sore muscles by reducing inflammation and swelling." According to Sharon Gam, PhD, CSCS, "The research isn't clear on which one is better, so it comes down to personal preference." She recommends trying both types of therapy interchangeably to see which one provides you with more relief.

I like to switch between hot and cold, depending on how I'm feeling. For example, on a hot summer day, I use cold therapy for its refreshing feel, but if I'm feeling chilly, I'll use heat. I also prefer cold therapy after a tough upper body workout to help reduce muscle soreness. While using the heated neck wrap pillow, it feels as though the tension in my neck and shoulders is slowly melting as I embrace a state of relaxation.

When heating or cooling the PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow, it's best to do so in the accompanying storage pouch. To use the weighted neck wrap hot, place it in the center of your microwave for one minute and 30 seconds, flipping it over at the 45-second interval. If it's not hot enough for your liking, you can heat it for an additional 30 seconds, but should not exceed a total heating time of three minutes. For cold therapy, place the weighted neck wrap in the freezer for an hour or longer if needed. If it's too cold to use, let it sit and warm up a little before placing it on your shoulders.

Because it's quicker to heat the pillow in the microwave, rather than waiting for it to cool down in the freezer, I tend to use heat therapy most often. After several uses, I noticed that the scent of the aromatherapy filling was fading. Although I'm not too particular about aromatherapy in general, adding a few spritzes of your favorite fragrance at the ends of the wrap is an easy remedy.

The PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow is best for those who often feel tension and aches in their upper back, shoulders, and neck. Whether it's from sitting at a desk for long periods of time, waking up on the wrong side of the bed, or recovering after an intense upper body workout, this neck wrap is something I use pretty much every day. I recommend it to those with posture issues since it helps me sit up straight whenever I wear it. I also travel with the PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow since it adds comfort and cushioning to an otherwise uncomfortable airline seat.

The PS Weighted Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Pillow is available at Walmart and Amazon.

Rating:
★★★★★

Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.