Massage Guns

Massage Guns also called Percussive Therapy Devices are handheld personal Massagers that are designed to relieve inflammation and tension. They are great for using before or after a workout and allow users to effectively give themselves a massage instead of from another person.

Massage Guns have a similar form factor to a Hair Dryer with a handheld body that houses the engine and a head that can be fitted with different attachments. Massage Guns can be used on specific muscle groups in the body and vibrates them with repeat, rapid impacts from the head. The speed of the Massage Gun can be adjusted for comfort and different massage heads can be swapped for different types of massaging.

It’s important not to overdo it when using a Massage Gun as this can over stimulate the muscle and cause bruising. A little goes a long way for example a large muscle group like quadraceps only needs one or two minutes of use, with smaller groups needing even less time.

There is no evidence that Massage Gun use itself contributes to muscle building, but it does help with feeling better after working out, which in turn can help you be motivated to stick with a workout routine. After all the best workout habits are regular.

When a Massage Gun is used on a particular group of muscles it increases blood flow, relieves tension and reduces pain within that area. If trying to build muscle a Massage Gun can help warm up before any exercise routines and make recovery more effective afterwards.

Massage Guns increase blood flow in the areas where they are used which helps move nutrients into the muscles, and flushes out blood that can pool in the muscles leading to swelling. This increased circulation can also help flush out metabolites that can build up in muscles after a workout, which can cause a burning feeling if left untreated.

We recommend discussing if a Massage Gun is right for you with your GP or physiologist before purchasing or using one.

Massage Guns and Foam Rollers are lightweight and portable self massaging aids. Both can provide self-massage to prevent or relieve muscle soreness, smooth out knotted muscles and release hormones that promote relaxation. Each method has different advantages and many people find using a combination of both methods provides the best results. It's recommended to consult with a GP or physiotherapist before use or if you're experiencing significant or chronic pain.

Foam Rollers are designed to help loosen tight muscles and stretch out stiff joints. They work best in short intervals whenever a a break or relief is needed from sitting at a desk. When used before working out rollers help increase range of motion and may help prevent injury. Using a roller after working out increases blood flow and helps cut back on recovery time.

Massage Guns achieve similar goals but are better at providing deep, targeted relief to areas.

When shopping for a new Massage Gun, try to find a model that is a comfortable size and shape. Choose a model that will reach your personal sore spots and is easy to hold in their places for a minute or two.

A model with a wider variety of speeds is more versatile and has more opportunity to dial in the perfect intensity. Units with higher amplitude move further away from the base with each oscillation, which applies more force to the area for a deeper massage.

Most Massage Guns on the market are cordless so battery life is worth considering. How long a Massage Gun will run for from a full charge depends on the model and its settings. Most Massage Guns last between 2 to 3 hours at full speed, with some 4 hour models also available. If portability is king, seek a balance between the size / weight of the model and battery capacity.