According to Gallucci, there are multiple aspects to take into consideration when it comes to a massage gun, both pros and cons. Pros People with chronic pain also need to be extra careful with percussive massage. Fredericson says deep pressure could cause pain to flare, especially in those with fibromyalgia. And if a muscle is particularly sore, whether from a workout or stress-related tension, don’t overdo the pressure. “That muscle will only tense up more if it’s in a lot of pain,” Gangstad says.

A massage gun’s high-velocity vibrations stimulate nerve fibers, which in turn dampens local pain responses, explained Bianca Beldini, an acupuncturist, physical therapist and triathlete. “The oscillatory pressure vibrations can release tension in the fibers of the muscles and increase circulation of blood and lymph to the soft tissue, leading to relaxation of the muscle and a decrease in pain,” she said. Percussive massage devices are an increasingly popular do-it-yourself option. The devices are often referred to as massage guns, as many are shaped a bit like a gun, with a pulsating tip that repeatedly digs into your muscles. Best for those looking for a compact massage gun that's easier to hold and carry—and more budget-friendly—than larger devices.

Top-of-the-line performance with upgraded features for athletes, trainers, and anyone who takes their training seriously but with a price tag to match Small Home Appliances Home & Kitchen All Small Home Appliances Vacuums Air Conditioners Space Heaters Humidifiers The Atom Mini Massage Gun may only weigh 500 g with a mere 4 cm footprint. But it can also deliver 7 kg of force and generate the same 3200 ppm as most full-size massagers. It is the perfect portable massage gun.

This device offers a lighter touch, so it’s better suited to less intense recovery sessions or general R&R in front of the telly. On that note, it was one of the quietest models we tried, scoring almost full marks in our noise tests.Turn on the device. Most guns have a single-button use. Most work by long-pressing to turn on the device. The device will then start whirring. Make sure you have your desired massage head attached. We will talk about massage heads later. However, we’ll recommend (if you’re a beginner), to start with the squishy ball head. It targets most body parts and it’s actually gentle compared to the other attachments. Invest in a high-quality massage gun and you can use it before training to prime your muscles for a session, or post-workout to ward off any potential DOMS. It will help you recover faster, boost your circulation and lymphatic drainage, increase your flexibility and extend your range of motion – ultimately improving your performance across the board. Think of it as foam rolling turned up to eleven. Massage guns are exciting devices and we actually think that as long as you enjoy having them, don’t be limited by anything. Use them as often as it feels necessary. Stroke depth: Sherry suggests considering the stroke depth or “amplitude” of the massager. “A cheaper massager you can buy at the grocery store might plunge at 1/60th of the depth [of a high-end massager],” Sherry says. Topical products: Use topical products, such as massage oil, CBD balm, and analgesic ointment, to reduce friction and make applying pressure easier during a self-massage.

Imtiyaz S, et al. (2014). To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). What’s unique about these guns is that they go much deeper than the handheld massagers used to go, so you really feel it,” says Michael Fredericson, MD, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Stanford University. When lighter techniques like stretching and gentle massage don’t improve symptoms, a more vigorous approach might be necessary. We like that the head attachments glide smoothly over sore muscles. We also like that you can easily adjust the speed of the massage gun, which makes the device versatile for soothing mild-to-deep muscle aches. This Theragun option has five preset speeds, but you can also fully customize the speed range in the app to any speed between 1,750–2,400 percussions per minute. We also love the versatility of the five attachment heads that let you target all muscles—big and small.

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. However, because 10 minutes may sometimes not be enough, better devices will automatically shut off after 20 minutes. For example, a 2014 study from the National Library of Medicine in the USA confirmed that percussive therapy 'significantly' reduces DOMS at 24, 48 and 72 hours after exercise. Noise: 40-60 dB | Stall Force: 80 lbs | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Customizability: 4 head attachments, 5 speeds | Battery Life: Up to 3 hours