While you may think that massage is good for you no matter what, that's not always the case. Rather, there are some specific scenarios where massage guns should not be utilized on the body. Percussion massage in El Segundo should be avoided when a patient is dealing with a muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle.
Helping recovery: The evidence suggests that massage guns can improve short-term recovery (between bouts of exercise spaced a few minutes apart), but the evidence for improving long-term recovery (how you perform the next day) is contradictory.
Davé adds that it's crucial to avoid using a massage gun near surgical wounds, in areas with deep-vein thrombosis (often indicated by swelling, pain, and warmth), or near a pacemaker or any other type of implanted hardware. Pregnant people should also avoid using massage guns, Davé advises.
It's important to note that you should never massage a strained muscle that hasn't been given 72 hours to rest. Massaging a freshly-strained muscle can actually increase inflammation and even cause further injury, so be sure to wait at least three days before attempting any massage therapy.
Yes, massage guns can be beneficial for sore muscles. The vibration and percussion help stimulate the muscles, breaking up adhesions and relieving tension. This can help reduce stiffness in the muscles, improve circulation to the area, and increase the range of motion.
How long does a pulled muscle take to heal? If you only have a minor (grade I) muscle strain, it should heal within a few weeks. Moderate (grade II) muscle strains may take several weeks to months to heal completely.
After exercise, or anytime you feel stiffness or aching in the hamstrings, a massage gun can quickly ease tension, increase movement and play a big role in preventing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
Gentle stretching to the area can be beneficial, but the key is to keep it gentle. Avoid any prolonged sitting, bending, heavy lifting, twisting, or driving - all of which can make the pain worse. Giving the area of pain a rest, at least for the next 24 hours, will most likely be beneficial.
An acute injury is a sudden, sharp, traumatic injury that causes pain. Typically the result of an impact or trauma such as a fall, strain, sprain or collision. Massage shouldn't be performed on the injured site because it encourages circulation and can increase swelling during the body's initial response to injury.
Head and neck: You should avoid using a massage gun on your head and neck as the pressure can be too intense and cause damage to the delicate structures in these areas. Varicose veins: If you have varicose veins, using a massage gun can cause the veins to rupture, leading to bleeding and bruising.
There are downsides to massage guns, including the risk of aggravating injuries or other chronic injuries. This risk is increased if the individual is using the massage gun incorrectly. These risks can be remedied through training on the proper use of massage guns.
Quick Answer: How Long Can I Use A Massage Gun For? Massage guns are powerful and are able to penetrate deep into muscle tissue with precision, increasing blood flow and speeding up recovery. They should only be used for a maximum of two minutes on any given muscle group. They can be used 2-3 times daily.
Do wait three days to a week after the injury, depending on severity and symptoms, to begin stretching. Using pain as a guide; if you feel sharp pain in the injured area, it means it is too early to start stretching. Do wait until the inflammation mostly goes away before the first stretch.
In terms of effectiveness, muscle massage guns have been shown to be highly effective in treating muscle knots. One study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that using a massage gun for just one minute on each trigger point led to significant reductions in pain and discomfort.
A back specialist can typically diagnose a mild strain or sprain by reviewing your symptoms and learning how your injury occurred. Depending on the severity of the pulled back muscle, they may recommend additional treatments, such as: Prescription medications for pain or inflammation. Muscle relaxant drugs.
Key Differences Between Torn and Pulled Muscles
In contrast, strained muscles typically represent mild to moderate overstretching without complete tearing. Symptoms: Torn muscles often present with sudden, intense pain, swelling, and bruising, and may include a 'popping' sensation at the site of injury.
The time it takes to recover from a muscle strain (pulled muscle) will depend on how bad your injury is. It also depends on how active you need to be afterwards. Some injuries take a few weeks to heal, while more severe strains may take months to fully heal.
Even with mild strains, it's important not to overdo it. Swimming, walking, and stretching are good activities to begin with, increasing intensity gradually. Moderate to severe strains require a longer recovery period.
Unless otherwise indicated by a physician, you should avoid using heat on the injured area to prevent tissue damage and promote healing. You should also avoid stretching or massaging the injured area, which could worsen the tear.
After an acute injury, ice should be used to minimize swelling for the first two to three days. After this period, heat can be used to increase blood flow and assist the natural healing process. Applying heat too early may cause additional swelling by increasing blood flow to the injury.
Rather, there are some specific scenarios where massage guns should not be utilized on the body. Percussion massage in El Segundo should be avoided when a patient is dealing with a muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle. This type of injury occurs when a muscle is stretched past its normal range of motion.
Applying heat helps improve blood flow and relaxes muscles. Put a heating pad on the area for 20-30 minutes at a time. Once your pain is gone, slowly start to increase your activity level. Hamstring injuries are common, but with some care and patience, you'll be back to normal in no time.
For grade 1 and 2 strains, foam rolling can be an effective tool to treat a pulled muscle, especially when paired with RICE. It promotes blood and nutrient flow to the injured area, breaks down damaged scar tissue, and stimulates healthy soft-tissue growth.