Can a massage gun replace your therapist? Here’s what you need to know.

Massage guns are currently popular all over the world. Also known as a percussion massage gun. It uses percussive therapy and vibration therapy to massage the muscles without the expense and hassle of a visit to the massage therapist.

Starting at about $80, these electric massage tools, similar to electric drills, offer powerful massages and often come with a range of replaceable accessories, such as massage ball and bullet-shaped head, and have different settings. They’re designed to be used by anyone, but they’re most popular among endurance athletes such as triathletes and marathoners. 

Advantages

The aim of the massage gun is to massage deep tissue with high-frequency vibrations and percussions to relax tight muscles, break down scar tissue and adhesions, and minimize muscle soreness and tension. Research found that percussive therapy is just as effective as massage in preventing DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

If someone uses a massage gun on you, regardless of their qualifications, skills or experience, they will have no idea how much pressure is being put on your body or how much pain you might suffer as a result. If you use it on your own, you get direct feedback and adjust the intensity in a timely manner.

Massage guns can "wake up" muscles before a workout or promote recovery after a workout. They are also useful tools for non-athletes. Because they are easy to use, reduce stress and enhance function, they are suitable for people of all ages. From injured athletes to people who use computers all the time.

The more the better?

The use of a massage gun is not the more the better. If the area becomes red quickly, it is recommended to move the massage gun to another part of the body. If a massage gun is left on one area for too long (more than a few minutes in some cases), the skin may become sore and soft, and there is a risk of bruising. In general, you should avoid holding the massage head in the same position for more than a few seconds when you use it. Instead, move it around in a small radius in one area.

Attention

Massage therapists are licensed professionals with specialized training, including the study of human anatomy. On the other hand, to own a massage gun, you just need to buy it online.

Usually you need to get permission from your massage therapist to use a massage gun. Under no circumstances should a massage gun cause pain. If your muscles are in a painful massage process, your muscles will not relax. If it's painful, stop immediately, because you're pressing too hard. In the worst case, pain may indicate that you are suffering a real injury. If you feel a tingling or needling sensation, then you've actually touched a nerve - the massage gun should be put down.

The percussive massage gun is used on muscles, rather than nerves, bones, joints or tendons. People should also avoid using massage guns on any part of the body that feels damaged, especially for patients with peripheral neuropathy. Without accurate sensory feedback, you could damage your body without even realizing it.

Never use a massage gun on your head and neck, but you can safely use a massage gun on the shoulder or trapezius muscle to reduce the tension that can result from frequent computer use.

Overall, the percussion massage gun is very portable and powerful and can replace your physical therapist for daily training, fitness, exercise and work, but it can't completely replace your physical therapist. For people with injuries or medical conditions, a physical therapist is preferred.

In addition, you need to do a lot of comparative analysis when choosing a percussion massage gun on the Amazon. Choose branded products that are powerful, quiet, durable and ergonomic. A metal massage head is better than a plastic one. Not the more expensive the product is, the better it is, but the quality and technology of the product that is too cheap is definitely not good enough. You can choose medium to upper price massage gun devices. It can guarantee the quality without spending too much money.