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Studies show that 80% of people will experience pain in their lifetime. Two of the most common forms of pain originate in the neck and back.
Are you part of this statistic? Or perhaps you're an athlete or fitness enthusiast looking to minimize muscle soreness and speed up recovery.
If so, you've likely tried everything to ease your discomfort and get pain relief. From medications, ice, and heating pads to massage, foam rollers or care from physical therapists. Are you fed up with spending money and chasing a solution?
It sounds like you need to discover the many benefits of percussive therapy using a massage gun. The best massage gun will help increase blood flow, decrease lactic acid, and reduce pain.
Unsure where to start when shopping for this useful recovery tool? Look no further!
Here, we'll cover what features to look for and how to choose the best massage gun for your needs.
Before we discuss how to choose the right massage gun, let's explain exactly what it is and what it's used for.
Massage guns are handheld massage devices that offer different speeds and heads to help loosen knots and muscles in the body. Massage guns are most commonly used for neck and back pain but can help other areas of the body as well, such as your forearms for tendonitis, and your hamstrings and calves.
Many professional athletes and active individuals use massage guns on their legs and arms to help increase circulation and reduce lactic acid build-up following a workout. Massage guns can also speed up muscle recovery and increase range of motion, making them a perfect complement to your fitness warm-up.
These are some of the same benefits you experience when visiting a massage therapist but at a more reasonable price. While some massage guns might run you several hundred dollars, the average massage costs $75 an hour, plus tip!
By purchasing a high-quality massage gun, you're making an investment in your health. You're also arming yourself with a tool that can treat back and neck pain in the comfort of your own home.
With this form of massage therapy, there is no making an appointment, no traveling, and no waiting!
With so many massage guns on the market, how can you choose? Knowing what features to look for and what type of relief your body needs are two important factors to consider.
First, let's take a closer look at the different features some of the best massage guns offer.
For beginners, this is one of the most important features to consider. Most massage guns are armed with several speeds that start out slow, steady, and gentle and rev up to a rapid, aggressive pounding.
If you're new to the world of massage guns, its best you start out on the slowest speed setting. Allow your body to adjust to the sensation.
You need to differentiate between a good discomfort as the massage gun works your sore muscles and actual pain if the setting is too high. Always start slow and increase speed over time.
The Percussive Massage Gun offers 20 different speed levels. Level one works at a rate of 1800 percussions per minute and level 20 is 3200.
A variety of speed settings means you can start slow and work your way up as your body becomes more resilient to the pressure and pulses.
The best massage guns come with detachable and interchangeable heads. Some rotate, others have tiny massaging tips for more direct stimulation, and others are curved to help target hard-to-reach areas.
Spherical heads are used for massaging the muscle tissue in the back, hips, thighs, calves, and arms. Most u-shaped heads help target the neck and spine.
Deep tissue massage for areas like the palms and plantar require a cylindrical head. The flat head attachment is designed for muscle relaxation and flexibility.
You can easily change the massage gun heads to target a specific area. This combined with varying speeds provides an individualized experience.
If you plan to invest in a massage gun, you want one that will last. Look for a gun that has a sturdy handle, a comfortable grip, and a rechargeable, long-lasting battery.
A massage gun with a long battery life guarantees that your massager won't quit in the middle of a therapy session. This is important for both trainers working with athletes and personal use.
Because massage guns are cordless handheld devices, they're perfect for taking on the go. Whether you're traveling or hitting the gym before work, you can easily loosen and massage tight muscles from anywhere.
As with any product, certain massage guns offer additional features and come with accessories that others don't. And now, we are even seeing mini and bluetooth connected devices from brands like Hyperice Hypervolt and Therabody Theragun.
Choose a massage gun that has a carrying case. After all, one of the greatest benefits of this handheld device is the ability to take it wherever you go. A carry case guarantees your massager stays protected and clean.
When it comes time to charge your device, some massagers offer a massaging stand to rest the device on. This isn't a must-have feature, but some users find it convenient.
Massage guns can be intimidating for beginners. As the name suggests, they look like a cross between a gun and a power tool. The aggressive "punching" may appear painful, but in reality, it's one of the best and easiest ways to treat sore muscles.
Here are a few things you can expect when choosing and using a massage gun.
One of the best things about using a massage gun is that it's easy! Once you master the simple on/off button plus a few speed settings, you're good to go.
Place the massage gun about one-inch from the affected area and start feeling the relief. Many manufacturers recently reduced the amount of noise that massage guns make, making them much less intimidating.
Quiet massage guns are also popular among trainers and medical professionals. A silent motor allows them to talk to their patients and explain what's being done without yelling over a noisy device.
One of the biggest questions people have about using a massage gun is, "does it hurt?" The simple answer is no.
If the massage gun is causing additional pain or discomfort, it's best you stop use and contact a medical professional. The sensation may be uncomfortable but should mostly feel good as it pulsates on sore or tight muscles.
You'll feel your muscle pain slowly resolve. Some people describe a warm sensation as the massage gun increases blood flow to the area and relieves muscle tension.
The vibration from a percussion massager is most often described as a pulsating sensation.
The Benefits of Massage Gun Use
Understanding the benefits of massage gun use can help you make a more informed decision. Whether you're an athlete, an active individual, or just someone looking for relief from back and neck pain, the following benefits can reduce discomfort and help you lead a healthier life.
Massage guns deliver a higher and faster recovery time following an intense workout or injury. Following extensive and intense workouts, a massage gun can help prevent muscle soreness. This means you can hit the gym just as hard the next day, without limitations.
Muscle fatigue is a common problem among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Massage guns increase oxygen and blood flow to the muscles, speeding the healing process by increasing blood flow and suppressing lactic acid build-up.
A major complaint of those suffering from muscle soreness and fatigue is a reduced range of motion. Massage guns can help restore mobility for those battling a stiff neck, poor posture, or recovering from an injury.
If sore muscles are preventing you from living an active lifestyle, a massage gun can help.
Once you decide on the best massage gun for your needs, you need to properly maintain it. Most manufacturers offer a 1 year warranty on their massage tools as an additional benefit.
It's important to clean your massage gun regularly. This is especially important if you're a trainer using the gun on multiple patients or athletes. Even couples or friends sharing a massage gun need to maintain proper sanitation to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Cleaning your massage gun also increases its longevity.
Most massage guns can be wiped down with warm, soapy water or a sanitary wipe. Avoid getting water or disinfectant in the mechanics of the gun including the on/off switch and speed settings. Wipe down the grip after each use.
The interchangeable heads of some massage guns are dishwasher safe. Be sure to read all the instructions prior to use and cleaning to ensure you don't damage the gun.
Have you been curious about massage guns but aren't sure where to start? Now that you know the features of the best massage guns and what to look for, you can make an informed decision.
From increased blood flow and range of motion to faster recovery, a massage gun can help support an active, healthy lifestyle.
