Should you use heat or massage gun first?

Author: Alessandra Hettinger I  |  Last update: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Tight muscles can be released by using a massage gun. Your muscles may become quite tender because of the extensive deep muscle therapy needed to release those trigger points and tension. Because of this, we recommend you stay away from heat for a short period of time after using a percussive therapy gun.

Is it better to use heat before or after a massage?

Use Heat Therapy (Hot Shower Or Heating Pad)

Heat therapy is one of the most effective ways to soothe sore muscles after a massage.

What is the most effective way to use a massage gun?

Proper Use of a Massage Gun

Move the gun slowly over the target area, spending about 15-30 seconds on each muscle group. Avoid staying in one spot for too long, as this can cause bruising or tissue damage.

Should you use a massage gun before or after a run?

The main pro is that it can help to massage deep tissue and relieve pain from DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). But using a massage gun after a workout is also beneficial. It can help speed up muscle recovery, reducing the time you feel sore and stiff.

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.

How To Use A Massage Gun - Risks, Benefits, Best Settings

Should you stretch or massage gun first?

The idea is to stretch the muscle first, then gently use the massage gun along the stretched area. Slowly increase the stretch as you feel the muscle loosen. You can try this on your shoulders, thighs, hip muscles, and buttocks, as long as you can stretch the muscle and reach it with the massage gun.

Is there a wrong way to use a massage gun?

Massage guns are powerful tools for pain relief and muscle recovery, but proper use is key to maximizing the benefits and avoiding injury. Make sure to stick to large muscle groups, start slowly, and avoid sensitive areas to ensure a safe and effective massage.

Should you use a massage gun fast or slow?

How and when to use a massage gun. After you identify the muscle areas you want to target, turn the massage gun on at a low speed and move it slowly across the muscle. You can adjust the speed and pressure as needed and according to your comfort level. Aim to keep the massager on muscles only, avoiding joints and bones ...

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.

What should you not do before a massage?

Here are some things you should avoid doing before a full body massage:
  • Eating a heavy meal. ...
  • Drinking alcohol or caffeine, as they can both cause dehydration and reduce the benefits of the massage.
  • Wearing restrictive clothing that makes it difficult for your masseuse to access the muscles they need to work on.

Is ice or heat better for trigger points?

At-Home Treatments for Trigger Point Pain

To relieve pain at home, try some of these treatments and exercises to relax the muscles: Apply ice to reduce inflammation, especially if the pain flares up after activity. If the pain lasts and your muscles become sore, apply heat to ease tight muscles.

Should you do thermal experience before or after massage?

Also, you should give your body some time (30-60 minutes at least) between an infrared sauna session and massage therapy. You can use this time to shower in order to get cleaned and cool yourself down before massage.

Is heat good before massage?

Take a shower or bath. While good personal hygiene is a courtesy to your practitioner, the warm water can physically benefit you, too. Moist heat helps to bring circulation to tense muscles and change the consistency of connective tissue from a solid state to a gel-like state.

Do massage guns break up lactic acid?

A massage gun can help dispel the extra lactic acid into the circulatory system and get you going again. This also has the potential to reduce DOMS that may happen later.

Is it good to use 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)

Do you put heat before or after massage gun?

Tight muscles can be released by using a massage gun. Your muscles may become quite tender because of the extensive deep muscle therapy needed to release those trigger points and tension. Because of this, we recommend you stay away from heat for a short period of time after using a percussive therapy gun.

Is it OK to use a massage gun every day?

Is it okay to use a massage gun every day? Absolutely. “I'd advise everyone to incorporate a massage gun into their daily routine,” says Skevis. “Think of a massage gun like an electric toothbrush.

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 work for 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.

Is it safe to massage your neck?

In rare cases when a massage is applied too hard or if a preexisting injury exists in the neck, massage can lead to serious complications, such as vertebral artery damage and stroke. To experience the soothing effects of a neck massage, most people do not need the massage to be vigorous.

Can a Theragun help break up fat?

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

Is it better to stretch or massage first?

Stretching before a massage is immensely beneficial to reap all the advantages a massage gives. When scheduled to receive any type of massage, stretching beforehand helps to relax the muscles and improve circulation.

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.

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