Look for a massage gun with a high percussive force and adjustable speed settings so you can deliver adequate force to different muscles. Another factor to consider is amplitude, which describes the amount of distance the massage head travels back and forth.
Conclusion. The likelihood is that investing in a massage gun will not bring any benefit to your recovery, performance, or overall wellbeing.
Higher-priced options may have more power, greater customizability, and better durability. But that doesn't mean you can't find a high-quality, budget-friendly massage gun that offers powerful relief. They just may not have as many features as their higher-priced counterparts.
A foam roller is often the better choice for improving overall mobility or flexibility, releasing tight fascia, and addressing larger muscle groups like the legs, back, or hips.
No matter the size, check that the massage gun comes with different attachments to help you hit hard-to-reach or difficult spots. It should also have different settings so that you can choose more gentle or more intense percussive movements.
Ability to Change Speed Settings
As such, different muscles require different levels of intensity. Higher speeds are great for large muscle groups, while lower speeds are better for sensitive areas, so look for a massage gun with multiple speed settings to customise your experience.
Targeted Use: Massage Gun: Massage guns are often used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts for post-workout recovery and muscle maintenance. They are also popular for self-massage at home. VibraCussor: VibraCussors are primarily used by healthcare professionals as part of manual therapy treatments.
“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.
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.
Expect guided massage routines, a whisper-quiet profile, and even breathing exercises, making it a fantastic all-rounder. There are more powerful massage guns around for deeper, sports massages, but the size and additional features on offer make the Theragun Sense a great option - especially for $300 or less.
Some massage guns have specific attachment heads or designs tailored for targeting specific areas of the body, while others offer adjustable speed and intensity settings to cater to different pain thresholds and preferences.
If you are looking for a convenient and affordable way to massage your muscles, a massage gun may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a more personalized and relaxing massage experience, hand massage may be a better choice.
While what your massage gun is made of might not make a huge difference right out of the box, it is going to come into play in the long run if it's going to withstand the test of time. Durable materials like anodized aluminum and silicone are going to last a lot longer than pieces made of plastic and foam.
The best therapeutic frequency range
In general you'll get the best benefits using your massager at about 50 Hz, while anything from 40-60 will be pretty good. Most machines give their speed as per minute so that is about 2,400-3,600 rpm, with the ideal about 3,000 rpm.
Some research shows that whole-body vibration, when performed correctly and under medical supervision when needed, can: Reduce back pain. Improve strength and balance in older adults. Reduce bone loss.
Massage guns can ease muscle tension in the low back by gently working out kinks or tight spots in back muscles that may be contributing to tightness or pain. Better circulation. The pressure and vibrations of a massage gun can bring blood flow and healing nutrients to the low back.
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 ...
Can a massage gun break up fat? Unfortunately, no. While massage guns can be used to help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, there is no evidence that you can use a massage gun on stomach fat to break up fat cells.
The reason I do not recommend the use of percussive devices or massage guns is that the risks outweigh the benefits. Unlike vibrating massage heads or foam rollers, these devices create a downward force into the body's tissue like a jackhammer, and the smaller the head(s), the more concentrated the power.
However, it is possible to cause or worsen an injury by using a massage gun incorrectly. “If a massage gun is causing bruising, sensitivity or discomfort, you should stop using it for a few days to allow the body to recover before trying again at a lower setting,” says Ilyza.
Both foam rollers and massage guns are valuable recovery tools. However, foam rollers are better for a lighter touch and larger muscle groups, whereas massage guns can target muscles and smaller areas with a deeper massage. This makes them more useful for specific pain points.