Is there any science behind Theragun?

Author: Prof. Saige Okuneva  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

By harnessing the principles of massage and vibration therapy, Theragun devices provide a scientifically supported method for enhancing muscle performance, alleviating pain, and promoting overall relaxation.

Are theraguns scientifically proven?

Despite their novelty and increasing interest by the clinical and scientific communities, there is limited scientific evidence to support their use and standardize their effects and parameters.

Is there any science behind massage guns?

A significant relationship was found between a single application of PT delivered by massage guns and an acute increase in muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, with multiple treatments eliciting a reduction in experiences of musculoskeletal pain.

What is the theory behind Theragun?

The scientists at The Open University in the UK concluded that massage guns like the Theragun that deliver percussive therapy can help improve acute muscle strength, including explosive muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce experiences of musculoskeletal pain.

Is there scientific evidence that massage works?

“Massage therapy has been noted to relax the nervous system by slowing heart rate and blood pressure. Stress and pain hormones are also decreased by massage, reducing pain and enhancing immune function,” says Dr. Tiffany Field, who heads a touch research institute at the University of Miami Medical School.

Massage Guns: The Science of Percussive Therapy

Do muscle knots hold toxins?

Muscle knots don't contain toxins. But some people claim that deep tissue massage can lead to lymphatic drainage and the release of toxins. While the lymphatic system does work to remove waste products from your body, there's limited research on lymphatic drainage treatment in general.

Are massage guns clinically proven?

“The research is clear that these devices have not been proven to improve speed, power or endurance. They may, however, improve your range of motion (ROM) and perception of fatigue which may ultimately benefit you.”

Does using a Theragun break up cellulite?

In conclusion, the use of muscle massage guns for cellulite is a promising treatment option that has shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite. By breaking up fatty deposits and promoting healthy tissue growth, a massage gun can help to smooth and tone the skin in the affected area.

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.

Do massage guns release toxins?

Massage guns help to get rid of those toxins, which promotes quicker muscle recovery. Massage guns are beneficial when you use them on yourself. Yes, you could have a trainer do it for you, but by using them on yourself, you will know exactly where your trouble areas are, and you can help your healing that much better.

Does Theragun break up fascia?

While massage guns can aid in overall muscle relaxation and may help with some superficial fascial issues, their effectiveness in breaking down deeper fascial adhesions is unclear. The rapid percussion might not penetrate deeply enough to impact significant adhesions.

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.

Do massage guns get rid of knots?

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.

Are Theraguns actually good for you?

How effective a Theragun is will depend on the needs of each individual. Small research studies suggest that percussive therapy can increase a person's range of motion, prevent muscle soreness, and reduce pain. However, larger studies are necessary to confirm this, and Theragun products can be expensive.

Do physical therapists use Theragun?

The new wave of massage guns, such as the Theragun percussion gun, pulse in and out, percussing the tissue (and stimulating deeper). These recovery tools are used by physical therapists, athletes and individuals who work out to relieve pain and improve circulation.

Do theraguns release knots?

Yes, they can. You can always give yourself a massage, and if you're using percussive therapy with a Theragun, we have different protocols for tightness, knots, and trigger points that target each issue in a specific way.

Why does pressing on knots feel good?

When you massage a knot, it often feels like you are stretching a rope or taffy which is stuck in your muscle tissues. This may be a result of increased blood flow to the site of tension, but it also may be due to the relaxation of the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles (called fascia).

Can you massage a sore muscle too much?

Massage therapy is a great way to recuperate from injuries faster and can be vital for helping athletes reach peak physical fitness when playing sports. However, too much manipulation of sensitive areas and injured muscles is actually detrimental to the body's natural recovery process.

Why do foot rubs feel so good?

During a foot massage, the pressure applied to specific points on the feet can help soothe the nervous system and release endorphins, providing a soothing and relaxing effect.

Can Theragun break up belly fat?

The short answer is NO. There is no reliable evidence that shows massage guns can break down fat cells on their own.

Where should I not use my Theragun?

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 Theragun tighten skin?

By gently stimulating the face and neck, microcurrent firms and tightens skin while improving muscle tone and contour. Combine with the power of Red and Infrared LED Light Therapy to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles in an all-in-one routine.

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.

What are the contraindications for Theragun?

General Theragun Prime Device Use

This device is intended for use by people in good health. This device is contraindicated against and should not be used by those with acute or severe cardiac, liver, or kidney disease/condition or other underlying conditions linked to these diseases.

Are massage guns a placebo?

Decreasing pain: The research seems to suggest that massage guns are better than placebo, foam rolling, and sports massage at decreasing pain. Improving flexibility: The available research seems to agree that massage guns can improve flexibility.

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