Is it good to use a massage gun after a workout?

Author: Rory Hessel  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

To cool down after a workout: Using a massage gun for up to one minute on each muscle group you targeted during your workout helps to maintain blood flow, which brings recovery-boosting oxygen and nutrients, reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation.

Should you use a massage gun right after working out?

Before, during, or after! Really, you can use a massage gun before you exercise, during exercise, and after. There is research that shows that immediate use after exercise can help reduce DOMS. So I typically recommend AFTER.

When should you not use a massage gun?

Do not use a massage gun: If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, iron deficiency, kidney disease, blood clotting disease, or any other condition that may make it easier to damage your cells.

Do massage guns help muscle growth?

Both whole body and localized massage gun therapy have been shown to improve muscle mass and strength in older adults. Massage guns can greatly improve muscle endurance, increase power, and improve kinesthetic awareness. The effects include decreased pain, improved muscle tone, range of motion, and circulation.

Can a massage gun break up belly fat?

No evidence suggests that using a massage gun specifically targets or burns fat. It is not a substitute for regular exercise and a healthy diet when it comes to weight loss. However using massage gun can help cure constipation and relieve belly pain if any to some extent.

What Do Massage Guns Do And Is It Worth It?

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.

Does vibration burn belly fat?

Do vibration plates help you lose belly fat? Research suggests that they may help you lose belly fat. A study found that vibration plates were better at reducing visceral fat than a traditional aerobic and resistance training program.

Does a massage gun help cellulite?

Is a massage gun effective in treating cellulite? While massage guns are not a standalone solution for cellulite, they are an effective complement to a holistic approach. Regular use, in conjunction with a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and consistent exercise, can lead to noticeable improvements.

Is a massage gun better than stretching?

When it comes to whether you should stretch or use a massage gun, the short answer is both. By combining stretching and a massage gun use, you can unlock a range of benefits. Stretching helps improve flexibility by elongating the muscles and increasing their range of motion.

Can I use a massage gun on my face?

Absolutely. The gentle, rhythmic pulsations of a massage gun can significantly relax facial muscles, much like a professional facial massage. This relaxation not only alleviates tension but can also contribute to a smoother, more youthful appearance by minimizing fine lines caused by stress and tension.

Where to avoid with a 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.

Should I drink water after using a massage gun?

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before and after using the massage gun to help flush out toxins and support overall well-being.

Is it OK to use a massage gun before bed?

Studies show that using a massage gun before bed may even help lull you to sleep. A study of 73 people found that using a Theragun before bed can benefit sleep. Here's what the study found: 87% of participants fell asleep faster (by an average of 4 minutes and 15 seconds)

Is it better to massage before or after a workout?

If you prioritize injury prevention, increased range of motion, and mental preparation, a pre-workout sports massage might be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you're focused on muscle recovery, relaxation, and injury rehabilitation, a post-workout massage may be more beneficial.

Is it okay 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.

Do massage guns break up lactic acid?

Lactic acid builds up in your muscles after exercise or other activity. This build-up often causes pain and soreness. When you use a massage gun after a workout, the percussion forces muscle fibers to release lactic acid, reducing the soreness you'll feel.

Is it better to use a massage gun before or after a workout?

You can use a massage gun whenever you want to relieve muscle tension, but it's most commonly used before workouts to activate muscles and then post-workout to reduce soreness or stiffness, according to UCLA Health.

What's better, a massage gun or a roller?

Foam rollers offer broader muscle relief and help with flexibility, while massage guns provide focused, deep-tissue therapy. Choosing the right tool depends on the kind of relief you're after—whether it's general muscle maintenance or targeting specific areas of tension.

Should you stretch or foam roll first?

100% you should roll before you stretch!!

Rolling is utilised to break up tightness and density within muscle tissue. This then enables us to lengthen out the muscle with stretching exercises to really build long-term flexibility.

Can you lose belly fat with massage gun?

If you're looking to lose fat, it's important to focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management. While massage guns may be helpful for muscle recovery and relaxation, they are not a solution for fat loss on their own.

Does vibration break up cellulite?

A study indicated that Whole Body Vibration reduced the appearance of cellulite in women compared to a control group.

Can a massage gun help loose skin?

These devices have become increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts and athletes for their ability to relieve muscle soreness and improve recovery time. However, recent studies have suggested that muscle massage guns may also be effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Why only 10 minutes on vibration plate?

Research shows improved skin blood flow after only 10 minutes of therapy, which could, in long term, improve lymphatic drainage and removal of toxins, and even reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Can a tummy belt reduce belly fat?

Besides, there isn't any scientific proof that vibration belts can reduce belly fat. Our genetic features also play a vital role in determining the areas in our body where fat gets deposited. Factors like these cannot be altered merely by using a machine.

Are vibration plates bad for kidneys?

This is not scaremongering, it is reality: kidneys for example suffer quite negatively from the effects of vibration, and this has been documented for decades, long before vibration plates became popular.

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