Do massage guns break up muscle knots?

Author: Shanny Schmeler I  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

The gentle pressure can decrease any tight muscle tissue or soften scar-like tissue, called adhesions. This helps to elongate the muscle fibers.” Stretching and massage therapy can do this, too — but with a massage gun, you can do it on your own, from the comfort of your couch.

Can you actually massage knots out?

Trigger point massage can be firm and specific pressure to the areas of restriction or “knots” and cause release of that knot. Effleurage massage after a workout or strengthening exercises can prevent or reduce the tightness or restriction that one may feel.

How do you dissolve a muscle knot?

1. Heat: applying heat to an area causes capillaries to dilate, thereby promoting more blood flow into that area. Increasing blood flow to a muscle can be an effective means of getting knots to release. 2. Stretching: muscle knots are areas of the muscle that fail to fully relax/elongate.

Should you use a massage gun on tight muscles?

A massage gun can target deeper tissues and improve blood flow, aiding recovery for tight muscles. It shouldn't replace stretching, but can be a helpful addition after your routine. Focus on stretching and foam rolling, then use a massage gun on specific tight areas for a well-rounded approach.

Should I roll out a muscle knot?

If you massage a muscle knot, you can ease the pain and irritation because you stimulate bloodflow to the area. So foam rolling is helpful because you can stimulate bloodflow to your muscle knots, thus releasing the knots and making you feel better.

12 Rules For Massaging Away Knots, Muscle Strains, or Tendonitis

Can a massage gun get rid of knots?

With proper use and caution, muscle massage guns can be an effective tool for managing muscle knots and improving overall quality of life.

How do you self release a muscle knot?

Johnson shares these tips for treating and preventing muscle knots:
  1. Use heat and/or ice to treat a sore muscle. ...
  2. Get a massage. ...
  3. Apply pressure to trigger points. ...
  4. Use self-massage tools. ...
  5. Don't forget to stretch. ...
  6. Stick a needle in it. ...
  7. Give it time.

Where not to use massage gun?

And to use massage guns safely, people should avoid the following areas on their body, Krzyzanowicz said:
  • Neck.
  • Eyes.
  • Directly over the heart.
  • Inner groin.
  • Directly behind the knee.
  • Reproductive organs.
  • Areas with decreased sensitivity, such as something that's numb from surgery.

Can a massage gun break up fat?

Massage guns are designed to help improve muscle recovery, increase blood flow, and reduce muscle soreness and tension. While using a massage gun may help to improve circulation, it is not designed to burn fat directly.

Why does pressing on sore muscles feel good?

The chemical release caused by rubbing the skin plays a significant role in easing your pain. When the therapist places pressure on your skin, it stimulates the vagus nerve. This sensory nerve releases a chemical cocktail of wellness into your bloodstream.

How do you get rid of a knot ASAP?

Best Treatments for a Muscle Knot
  1. Get a massage. Ah, the soothing relief of a massage. ...
  2. Use a foam roller. Foam rollers allow you to perform self-massage by making tight muscles looser. ...
  3. Try a massage gun. ...
  4. Ask a physical therapist about dry needling. ...
  5. Stretch. ...
  6. Use ice or heat. ...
  7. Try acupuncture.

What does it feel like when a muscle knot releases?

The first sensation you'll get is a springing give that feels like a release. This is the tissue's elastic component giving way, which means you stop there, you won't see a long-term difference right away because it takes time to get deeper into the more plastic part of the tissue.

How long does it take to break up a muscle knot?

The duration of a muscle knot depends on the severity of the knot, its underlying cause, and what you decide to do to address it. In general, muscle knots can last from a few days to several weeks or longer, depending on the cause.

Is a chiropractor or massage better for knots?

Muscle knots, or trigger points, respond particularly well to massage therapy. A skilled therapist can apply targeted pressure to these tight areas, improving blood flow and easing tension. However, if the knots are caused by spinal misalignment or poor posture, chiropractic care can help address the underlying issue.

Why do muscle knots feel crunchy?

Ever felt a crunch when massaging a knot? That crunchy feeling can be scar tissue, metabolic waste buildup, or fascial adhesions in your muscle. Muscle knots can be present in both superficial muscles, like the trapezius, and deeper ones like the rhomboids, which reside under the trapezius.

Does a knot feel like a lump?

Understanding the Basics of Muscle Knots

These discomforts are often due to muscle knots, areas where muscle fibers have tensed up and refused to let go, leading to what feels like small, hard lumps within your muscle.

What are the disadvantages of a massage gun?

Massage Gun Safety
  • Massage guns aren't ideal for sprains or strains because they may be too intense. ...
  • Overusing the device can put too much stress on fascia and muscles and may cause an injury.
  • The device puts pressure on muscles, but the pressure you apply could put too much force on an area.

Can I use a massage gun on my belly?

While it is possible to use a massage gun on your belly, it is generally not recommended as the abdomen contains many vital organs and delicate structures that could be harmed by the intense pressure and vibrations of a massage gun.

Can massage guns loosen tight muscles?

To manage delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS): Using a lower setting for up to two minutes on sore muscles can provide temporary relief of DOMS. To relieve tight muscles: Using a massage gun for 1-2 minutes can help to relieve tight muscles after sleeping, sitting, or performing everyday tasks.

Does a massage gun break up fascia?

It vibrates to help blood, oxygen and nutrients flow into the muscles, which can promote healing and faster recovery after a workout. Massage guns can also break up the tissue around the muscles (muscle fascia). This tissue can tighten up when it's stressed, which can lead to muscle stiffness or soreness.

Is it OK to use a massage gun every day?

“If you're treating a more specific area, having more control with a smaller head can be helpful and also improve safety with its use.” Manage frequency. While you can use a massage gun daily, Dr. Aeder recommends limiting use to two to three times per day.

Is a massage gun better than a vibration plate?

Typical vibration massagers aren't usually powerful enough to massage deeply. Massage guns have more powerful motors and reach deeper into muscle tissue, which can relieve pain, release tension, and even improve range of motion.

Can you dissolve a muscle knot?

Softly working the affected areas with your hands can be incredibly beneficial for reducing muscle knots. A specific kind of massage therapy called myofascial release therapy relies on constant, deep, gentle pressure to help release the tension and break up some of those constricted tissues in localized areas.

Is it good to pop muscle knots?

It can help loosen up the muscles and reduce the tension in the knot. Trigger Point Massage – During this type of massage a therapist will begin to apply pressure and stretch the muscle knot to release (a.k.a pop) it. You may experience minor discomfort, but long-term relief during this technique.

What causes knots under the shoulder blade?

Direct Trauma: Injuries to the shoulder region, such as falls, accidents, or sports-related impacts, can damage the muscles and connective tissues around the shoulder blades. This trauma can lead to muscle knots as the body attempts to heal and protect the injured area.

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