Massage guns enable you to massage yourself and receive benefits equivalent to those of visiting a massage therapist. Also referred to as vibration therapy, percussive therapy, or percussion massagers, massage guns have become even more useful today due to the necessity of physical distancing.

Starting at about $100, these devices look a lot like power drills. They come with various settings and feature several components, including ball head attachments of varying firmness. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use massage guns to massage their muscles before or after workouts or during their rest days.

Benefits of Massage Guns

Early models of massage guns were initially designed to be used by pro athletes such as ultramarathoners and triathletes. Over the years, they have become increasingly popular among gym-goers and other fitness enthusiasts because they offer several benefits.

Massage therapy helps reduce muscle inflammation by draining away extracellular fluid such as venous blood or lymph fluid from the muscle tissue into the bloodstream. A massage gun can break up scar tissue, relax tight muscle groups and relieve tension and soreness.

The design of massage guns makes them especially suitable for self-massage because you can feel the pressure and intuitively know when to ease up. If someone else, even if they’re a trained and experienced massage therapist, uses a massage gun on you, it’ll be hard for them to know the optimal amount of pressure to apply.

You can use massage guns before exercise to warm up your muscles and afterward to help muscle recovery. These devices are easy to use. Anyone — athletes, gym-goers, joggers, and so on — can use perform vibration therapy without any training on performing massage therapy.

How to Use a Massage Gun Properly

Remember to exercise some moderation when using a massage gun. For the best results, focus on one muscle group for a few minutes and move to another. Instead of holding the massage gun static, make circular motions around the target muscles to facilitate circulation into the tissue.

If you experience pain while using the massage gun, stop or ease up to avoid injuring your muscles. If an electric or pins-and-needles sensation accompanies the pain, you may have touched a nerve, so take a break and use a lower speed setting next time.

Buying the Right Massage Gun

Massage gun prices vary widely. They can be as low as $100 or go for upwards of $1,000. However, with a few considerations in mind, you can find one that fits your budget and preferences.

You may want to buy your massage gun from a reputable and reliable company rather than buying a generic device. Other considerations you might want to make are a massage gun’s ergonomics and how audible its vibrations are. You want a device that is easy to use and not disruptive to others around you.

Compare the specifications of different massage gun brands and models to identify the one that best suits you. Some specifications to consider include RPMs, power voltage, and interchangeable head attachments. Narrow down to a few options and read customer reviews.

With these considerations in mind, you’re sure to get a massage gun that makes an excellent addition to your workout gear and enhances your fitness lifestyle.