Move slowly up and down the length of the muscle for around 30 seconds – if you find a particularly sore spot (or ‘trigger point’), spend a little more time on it, but there's no need to apply more pressure. Try not to wince. Massage guns need to be utilized properly. Those who are inexperienced or have not done enough research on how to properly handle the massage gun can end up injuring themselves. “You may end up massaging an area that is experiencing referred pain and not actually targeting the area that needs help with recovery, doing more harm than good,” Gallucci said.

Using Bluetooth capabilities, you can also connect the Theragun PRO to the Therabody app for personalized wellness routines. Why it made the cut: The Hypervolt 2 Pro includes customized options and recommendations based on individual fitness levels.The first thing to know about Compex is that it is a brand of the highest quality standard. Founded in Switzerland 30 years ago, the company is now a global leader in the industry of portable muscle stimulators. Compex products are medical-grade devices and are used by professional therapists and athletes. These devices have proved practical pain management and muscle recovery tools. Apply it both before and after workouts to improve your athletic performance and speed up your recovery. This is the first massage gun that appeared on the market and is still the market leader. The Theragun company was set up in 2007 by Dr. Wersland, a chiropractor who decided to develop his own product after he had suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident. This brand is the leader in the market and is well known for its professional-grade products. Pro and Elite are the brand's most powerful models that are used to treat muscles, assist recovery, and relieve pain. When used well, massage guns can be used pre or post-workout to help your body recover faster and aid circulation, improve range of motion and boost overall performance. When used with one of the best foam rollers, you've got a recipe for success. SUPER QUIET LESS THAN 45dB: The brushless noise reduction motor is equipped with a new generation of noise reduction technology to control the noise within 45dB, just like whispering in the ear, making the fatigue and soreness of the body all resolved in the silent vibration, you enjoy a quiet moment of relaxation!

From getting started and looking at how to use your muscle gun correctly, to expert hints and tips for enjoying the greatest gains possible, we’ve got you covered. What exactly is a muscle gun? Use a slow and steady tempo. Especially when you are first using the product, it will treat the targeted muscle more effectively. If you’re a serious athlete wanting a powerful machine, note the amplitude — the higher the number, measured in millimetres, the more deeply the massage gun can hit. Look for one with a choice of low, medium and high speed settings, too. These are usually measured in rpm or ppm, which stands for revolutions or percussions per minute.Weight. A massage gun is meant to be used with one hand, which makes the weight extremely important. “If the gun is too heavy, your hand or arm may become fatigued before you are finished with your massage session,” Gallucci said. When some consumers are looking at the best massage guns, having a variety of attachments or heads will be important to them. Most devices average about five attachment head options, usually, a cushioned head, rounded, fork, and flat options, as well as some cone-shaped (bullet) attachments that target a specific area. How do I use a massage gun? Dr. Melissa Prestipino, PT, DPT, owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in New Jersey, told Healthline, “The Theragun Elite offers a very quiet percussive force, which is quieter than other massage guns on the market. This feature is beneficial when using the device in a public place and not wanting to draw attention with a loud sound.” Electrical stimulation: A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device can stimulate muscles and promote relaxation.

Percussion massagers are used for rehabilitation as they enhance lymphatic and blood circulation. This therapy is helpful for stiff and spasmed muscles. Also, deep muscle stimulation prevents atrophy. However, there are a few aspects that reveal why the Le3 is priced the way it is — namely, a less powerful motor and very light stall force threshold. If you’re a professional or recreational athlete, these weaknesses may be pretty glaring. Even a CrossFit devotee or amateur powerlifter would probably be happier with one of the Theragun or Hyperice models.

How does a muscle massage gun work?

Massage guns are designed to target sore muscles with high-frequency, targeted vibrations. A massage gun is a perfect tool to use when recovering from a workout to help increase blood flow and reduce muscle pain with dedicated attachments that help target different areas of your body. Massage guns are also super convenient because of their hand-held size and portability, with most devices including a travel case. Professional massage: A massage from a licensed therapist is one of the best ways to relieve muscle tension. For affordable options, search for community clinics, massage schools, and businesses offering a sliding scale.

Our expert tester trialled a range of massage guns over a three-week period, using them after a wide range of exercises, from weightlifting and running to HIIT and yoga. They considered how easy each massage gun was to control, how smoothly it moved over the skin and whether the different massage head attachments were effective, as well as the practicality and intuitiveness of each massager's controls and overall design. We run each massage gun on its highest setting and record how long each one lasts before running out. Imtiyaz S, et al. (2014). To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). For athletes. Percussion massagers are used by professional trainers as they are known to help athletes enhance their performance. After intense workouts, they have to deal with sore muscles, which is why recovery is an integral part of professional-level workouts. Providing more muscular contractions, these devices reduce recovery time, while the enhanced blood flow decreases fatigue. All this makes the athletes stronger and more durable. Our experts at the MH Lab tested the mettle of the best massage guns on the market. And, as the list below shows, they were more than up to the challenge.

Other popular percussion massagers | Reviews

After a tough workout or even some strenuous house or yard work, Gallucci said that it’s common to experience sore muscles, and a massage gun can help. “To soothe those achy muscles, many have turned to massage, and the massage gun is a convenient, portable way to bring your massage anywhere that you are,” he said. Using the massage gun not only alleviates pain but also speeds up your recovery time by aiding in the removal of waste product from damaged tissue and breaking up scar tissue. This guide covers the best percussion massage guns currently available on the market, from the most powerful professional-grade deep tissue ones to lightweight models that effectively combine percussion and vibration types of massage. Some models were developed for athletes and have proven to be most effective for recovery after workouts and rehabilitation. You will learn about how percussion guns work and what they are used for. Mueller SM, et al. (2021). Effects, side effects and contraindications of relaxation massage during pregnancy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.