Have you ever missed out on a proper warm-down and stretching after a workout because you didn’t have time? have.
This is the reality of trying to stay healthy in our hectic daily lives. When you’re pressed for time, it’s easy to put off a proper massage, or even a warm-up in the first place. You need tools to help you take control of both your body and your schedule.
That’s where the massage gun comes in. It turns out those mesmerizing skin ripples are more than just the odd muscle knot. This portable muscle therapy started with professional athletes, but has also made its way into the lives of everyday gym-goers who don’t have the time or money to foam roll on sore days. That means you, us, everyone.
If you suffer from chronic shoulder, neck or back pain, being able to give yourself a deep tissue massage at home can be life-changing. There are a variety of models to cater to your muscle recovery needs, from basic to professional athlete level. Here is some information to help you get started.
How does a massage gun work?
Percussion therapy is exactly what it sounds like, a more technical term that means “muscles love stimulation.” Athletes use deep tissue massage to quickly relieve pain and speed recovery. This is when a professional masseuse delivers powerful, rapid blows to specific areas to stimulate specific muscle groups. Percussion therapy with a massage gun allows individuals to perform the same type of penetrative tissue stimulation on themselves, without any special help. These devices are said to provide the equivalent of hours of massage in just a few minutes.
What are the benefits of a massage gun?
Massage guns deliver short pulses that increase blood flow, release stiffness, and speed up muscle fiber repair — all of which translates into a better warm-up and faster recovery time. It might even boost your mood: Relieving pressure points through massage has been linked to reduced cortisol (the stress hormone), increased endorphin production (feel-good chemicals), and even a slower heart rate.
It’s important to point out that percussion therapy is not a panacea. While a massage gun can be an alternative to an expensive massage, nothing can replace the nutrients that come from a balanced diet, sleep, and proper hydration for the muscle growth and recovery process.
What is the difference between a percussion massager and a vibration massager?
Percussion massagers mimic the kneading motion of a masseuse, applying pressure below the surface layers to stimulate damaged muscle fibers. They are great for intense exercise. Occasional exercisers or those who suffer from chronic pain may prefer surface-level vibrations, which are fast pulsating but have less impact.
What features does a massage gun have?
Massage guns tend to have a few key features that are common across multiple models.
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Battery life — Many people rely on massage guns to cool down in a hurry during their busy schedules, but it can be very inconvenient to charge them after each use. The best massage guns have a battery life of up to 3 hours, while the lower quality ones only last about 40 minutes at most.
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Massage head – The first thing you’ll notice when buying a massage gun is that it usually comes with a variety of different heads, each designed to stimulate specific muscle groups in a different way for different results.
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noise — No one wants to use a noisy device like a pneumatic drill at the gym (or at home with a sleeping baby). It’s impossible for a massage gun to be completely silent, but check reviews for volume.
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speed — Look for a gun with a range of speeds, or revolutions per minute (RPM), but remember that faster speeds don’t necessarily mean more power. Amplitude (how deeply the massage head presses into your body) depends on the amount of force in each pulse, and a stronger pressure at a slower RPM setting will feel more intense than a weaker pressure at a faster RPM setting.
Keep these points in mind when purchasing a massage gun.
What is the best massage gun?
There’s a lot to know about massage guns. It’s important to do your research before buying one. To make your life a little easier, we’ve found 6 of the best guns to cover every muscle area. We’ve tried to find something for everyone and every budget. Just scroll through the options and choose your favorite. Your muscles will thank you. Well, we promise they won’t complain as much.
These are the best massage guns of 2024.
