What does theragun do to muscles?

Author: Prof. Elinor Bauch DVM  |  Last update: Monday, November 24, 2025

“Think of it like a mini hammer, repeatedly impacting the soft tissue and causing blood flow to increase in that area,” Dr. Calabrese says. “The gentle pressure can decrease any tight muscle tissue or soften scar-like tissue, called adhesions. This helps to elongate the muscle fibers.”

Is a Theragun good for your muscles?

Massage guns like the Theragun harness the power of percussive therapy to enhance muscle recovery, manage pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. With science supporting their many benefits, massage guns are a tool everyone can use to improve their muscle recovery and overall well-being.

What are the side effects of Theragun?

Massage guns can cause severe damage
  • Damage to blood vessels (arteries and veins). ...
  • Excessive damage to muscles leading to rhabdomyolysis (a condition that can damage the kidneys) either through excessive use or because the person has a systemic illness. ...
  • Damage to eyes after using the gun on the face.

Can Theragun break up muscle knots?

A massage gun repeatedly loosens the knots, improving blood supply and decreasing inflammation and tension in joints and muscles. Improved blood circulation means more blood and oxygen for the affected muscle parts, relaxing them and breaking up the troubling muscles' knots.

What happens to your muscles when you use a massage gun?

Massage guns can be used to prevent injury by increasing muscle temperature which increases pliability and flexibility. This accelerates warm-up and recovery, and contributes to reduced injury risk. They can be used before a workout to wake up the muscles as a warm up.

What Do Massage Guns Do And Is It Worth It?

Is it okay to use Theragun every day?

You can use your Theragun Sense as often as you need. When using the the Theragun Sense we recommend a maximum of 2 minutes on any one area of the body in a session.

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.

Is it bad to use a Theragun on a pulled muscle?

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.

Does a massage gun release fascia?

Percussive massage helps distribute the thickened fascia fluid to relieve the pressure and tightness you feel. Repeated pressure at high speed thins the fluids, making the fascia more pliable so that your muscle can move more easily and efficiently.

Do massages actually get knots out?

Massage therapy techniques can help to relieve, reduce or even prevent muscle knots. Deep tissue massage or sports massage techniques work on the muscles that are tight or have the knots. Trigger point massage can be firm and specific pressure to the areas of restriction or “knots” and cause release of that knot.

Does Theragun reduce inflammation?

Engineered with six breakthrough therapies, Theragun PRO Plus relieves pain, improves mobility and optimizes recovery. Relieve joint pain and treat sensitive areas. Loosen up stiff muscles and accelerate recovery. Reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.

Can you Theragun your abs?

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.

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.

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.

Is anything as good as Theragun?

The best overall is the Hyperice Hypervolt Go. It's priced the same as the Theragun Mini but packs a better punch and is only slightly bigger. It's also the ideal massage gun if you're on the go, so you always have muscle relief available.

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.

Does Theragun get rid of muscle knots?

Fortunately, there's a quick remedy within reach; Theragun. This deep-muscle massage gun uses quick, permeating Percussive Therapy to target your trigger points, increase blood flow, and alleviate those agonizing knots.

What does fascia release feel like?

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.

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.

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 Theragun loosen tight muscles?

A: A foam roller and a Theragun are both treatment modalities based on the principles of myofascial release. Both target muscles and fascia with the intent of relieving pain and soreness as well as decreasing tightness and increasing flexibility.

Should you foam roll a pulled muscle?

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.

Can theragun help with belly fat?

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

Can massage break up cellulite?

While cellulite cannot be removed completely, the appearance of cellulite can be lessened. One of the best parts of a cellulite massage is that the results are immediate. Not only will your skin tone look smoother, but it will feel softer too.

Are massage guns good for lymphatic drainage?

Benefits of Massage Guns

Reducing lactic acid buildup that causes muscle soreness. Improving flexibility. Improving lymphatic flow, which helps to rid your body of toxins and support your immune system.

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