Percussion Massagers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do massage guns work?
Absolutely! Percussion massagers, or massage guns, deliver the long-standing benefits of deep tissue massage and other well known manual percussive therapies like tapotement used in Swedish massage. The massage gun is an innovative advancement that delivers percussion therapy in 1000’s of revolutions per minute and can be used in both home and professional settings for connective tissue pain and muscle soreness relief. This relatively new massage tool has proven to be highly effective and is quickly becoming the go-to device for athletes, therapists and everyone who is physically active.
How should I use a percussion massager?
Percussion massagers are easy to operate with little difference between brands with the exceptions of power source and available options like head attachments and variable speeds. Most massage guns are ergonomically intuitive as they are shaped like a power drill and operate cordlessly by battery. Should your massage gun have multiple head attachments, refer to your instruction manual to choose the best one for your specific needs. Typically larger heads are for larger areas of the body and the smaller or pointed heads are better for targeting trigger points and smaller muscles. To begin massaging, turn on the unit on a low speed setting and apply to the affected area. Adding manual pressure is not recommended as the strength of the gun itself should be enough. If more pressure is desired, turn up the speed setting. Please note that tolerance to speed can vary from person to person and on different parts of the body. Increase or decrease speeds accordingly to find the right comfort zone for you. Continue to move the massage head around the targeted area for a few minutes or until you begin to feel some relief.
Are massage guns worth the cost?
As percussion massagers are a relatively new advancement, not much scientific data is available to make a case for the effectiveness of these massage tools themselves; however, the history of percussive therapy is extensive and the manual versions of this massage technique has been proven effective for decades. Having access to percussion massage in a home setting, at your training facility or, in some instances, in your gym bag is potentially a money and time saver in the long run. At the end of the day, massage guns offer convenience along with undeniable relief to those who experience muscle strain, tension or pain.
Are percussion massagers safe?
For the most part, yes, massage guns are safe. That said, it is always advisable to consult with a physician before using a percussion massager or any other type of massage tool. As deep tissue massage should be avoided by individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions, back injuries, and during pregnancy, so should percussion massage tools unless approved by a doctor.
What are the benefits of percussion therapy?
Massage guns provide a fast and effective way to alleviate or prevent muscle soreness in everyone from professional athletes to those who currently have or are resuming active lifestyles.
Percussive therapy benefits include:
• Prevention of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness);
• Relief for muscle soreness;
• Improved blood circulation, flexibility and lymphatic drainage;
• Release of stress, tension and anxiety;
• Relief from insomnia;
• Use as a warm-up technique pre-workout or game;
• Improved stamina and endurance;
• Breaking down tissue adhesions post-surgery to reduce recovery time;
• Drug-free pain relief for overworked muscles, joint and ligament discomfort.
For more information, visit our complete and detailed evaluation of the best percussive therapy devices available today for both professional and at-home use.
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