6 Therapy Guns That Professionals Recommend For Muscle Relief

 It might be time to get a targeted deep-tissue massager, often known as a massage gun, whether you're an athlete searching for ways to aid in your post-workout recovery or are having newfound back discomfort as a result of a less-than-ideal work-from-home setup.

After a particularly taxing workout or a long day on your feet, you can use a massage gun in the convenience of your own home to aid in the recovery of your muscles. According to physical therapist John Gallucci Jr., CEO of JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, "what the massage gun does is combine impact and movement, known as vibration therapy, to help loosen up tight and sore muscles, similar to that of a massage, as well as stimulate blood flow to help increase recovery."

We talked to specialists about how the gadget works and gathered some of their favorite massagers on the market to assist you to choose the best massager for your requirements.

The ideal massager for beginners is: Wahl

Wahl Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massager

For beginners seeking a cost-effective choice before making a more significant commitment, Conrad suggested this alternative. It features four attachment heads, a 9-foot power line, and although it isn't battery-operated, it allows for mobility. With up to 3,350 PPM, it also offers two speeds and two vibration levels. Travel weapons like these, according to Conrad, may not have the strength to effectively target larger body parts like the hamstrings, but they can be effective against smaller ones like the calves and forearms.

Best massager with custom settings: Thurgau Thurgau Prime

Conrad's preferred massager overall is this one for three reasons: It is powerful, silent, and has a comfortable handle. The fourth-generation [therapy gun] lives up to the high-quality products that Thurgau is known for, and Gallucci concurred: "Thurgau is the pioneer in this field." Theragun Prime includes four attachments, five built-in speed settings, and tywo hours of battery life, and the company claims that it is 70% quieter than earlier iterations. There bod is another app that users may download; it interfaces with Google Fit and Apple Health and suggests guided wellness regimens depending on your activity. You can choose any speed between 1,750 and 2,400 PPM using the app.

Features to think about with massagers

The experts we spoke to said that there are a few distinguishing characteristics that buyers should look for when comparing various massage gun types.

Noise. Gallucci cautioned that some devices can be highly noisy, making it uncomfortable to use them close to the head or neck. To prevent purchasing a massage pistol that is too loud, he advised reading reviews and looking for noise level issues.

Strength. PPM, or percussion per minute, is a unit of measurement used to describe the speed of some massagers. Higher power models will penetrate deeper into the muscle fibers, while higher speeds or velocity will produce a more surface-level numbing impact, according to Baldini.

Weight. The weight is crucial because a massage gun is designed to be held in one hand. The gun's weight could cause your hand or arm to tire before your massage is finished, according to Gallucci.

Portability. If you wish to carry your massage gun when you travel or store it in your gym bag, you should also take its size into account.

use simplicity. Think about your ability to apply pressure on your own as well as how simple it is to quickly switch between different speeds when you work on other sections of your body.

clever app. Some massagers include Bluetooth connectivity and may be used with their own apps to customize settings, regulate speed, or choose from a variety of programs depending on activities or areas of concern.

head affixing. Investing in a massage gun with a variety of head attachments will allow you to operate on various body parts. Experts advise using a flat head on small, dense muscle groups like the shoulder blades and a huge round head on larger muscle groups like your quads.

Pros and downsides of massagers

Gallucci believes that there are many factors, both advantages and disadvantages, to think about when it comes to a massage gun.

Pros

Gallucci stated that tired muscles are normal after a challenging workout or even some demanding house or yard labor, and a massage gun can assist. Many people have turned to massage to relieve sore muscles, and the massage gun is a handy, portable solution to bring your massage wherever you are, he added. By helping to remove waste from damaged tissue and break up scar tissue, the massage gun not only reduces pain but also shortens the recovery period.

In contrast to other massage equipment like foam rollers, massage guns, in Gallucci's opinion, also provide enough pressure to genuinely make a difference. Some people are terrified of the discomfort they could experience in the affected area, while others find it physically impossible to push as much as they should. Because they are mechanical and battery-powered, massage guns never hold back and always deliver the same degree of intensity and pressure.

Cons

It's important to use massage guns appropriately. Inexperienced users or those who haven't done enough study on how to use the massage gun safely run the risk of hurting themselves. Doing more harm than good, Gallucci warned, "you can end up massaging a place that is having referred pain and not really targeting the area that needs help with recovery."

When used on wounds like strains, sprains, fractured bones, or even acute swelling, massagers run the risk of escalating the harm. They may further worsen the wounded tissue's swelling, according to him. If you have a chronic disease, consult your doctor to determine whether using a massage gun is appropriate for you.

Beldini also cautioned against abusing a massage gun excessively. "Using a massage gun on a spot too long may eventually result in soft tissue injuries and internal bruises. Black-and-blue bruises are not always evident. "Deeper tissue can aggravate and inflame more," she said. Baldini recommended moving the gun quickly (between 10 and 20 seconds in each place) in order to avoid this. This will make sure that you aren't using too much tissue at once, she explained.

How To Correctly Use A Therapy Gun

Gallucci cautioned that if you don't see your doctor before utilizing a massager gun, you risk causing further damage. To avoid injuring oneself, he advised doing a study on the machine, learning what it is meant for, and using it correctly.

Following your investigation and consultation with a physician, Gallucci advises bearing in mind the following advice:

Prior to using the massage gun, make an effort to totally relax your body. "There is a reason that a masseuse performs their services in a tranquil environment," he stated. "When the muscle is relaxed, your body will experience better results from the massage."

Maintain a modest, steady tempo. It will treat the targeted muscle more effectively, particularly during the first few uses of the product.

Don't only concentrate on the sore spot. Work on the muscles that surround this area as well. When one muscle is under stress, the body "compensates by asking the neighboring muscles to act," he said. The healing process might be accelerated by treating the entire afflicted area.

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