Although the research is mixed when it comes to percussive therapy, people do report improvements for reducing aches and pains and muscular tension. Moreover, some research found that percussive massage treatments during a warm-up regimen could boost flexibility in athletes without sacrificing muscle performance. More from Tom's Guide We found this device to be quite large and, at 2.3 pounds, on the heavy side, so it may not be very portable or ideal for long self-massage sessions.

However, there are a few aspects that reveal why the Le3 is priced the way it is — namely, a less powerful motor and very light stall force threshold. If you’re a professional or recreational athlete, these weaknesses may be pretty glaring. Even a CrossFit devotee or amateur powerlifter would probably be happier with one of the Theragun or Hyperice models. The finishing touch is a sleek-looking digital control screen that’s simple to read and customize. Plus, the gun and attachments can be stashed in the accompanying carrying case, keeping everything in one place. As long as you can tolerate the noise, the Vybe V2 Percussion Massager is a good option if you only plan to use it occasionally or want to try out a massage gun before investing in a high end model. Gua sha: This traditional Chinese healing technique uses a tool to apply pressure to acupressure points and scrape your skin. Tools come in different shapes to target specific areas of the body. They’re small enough to toss in your bag to use on the go. Professional sessions are available, often from acupuncturists.

Foam rolling uses myofascial release to decrease muscle tension. Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. For various reasons, fascia can get tight, even inflamed. When that happens, your ability to move can be hampered. Yet the gentle to moderate sustained pressure you apply with a foam roller can help tight areas of the body relax or release, Malek says. We found it really easy to use, too and we were really impressed with its manual, too - actually featuring real-life test subjects, so you could safely practice using your gun appropriately. Electrical stimulation: A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device can stimulate muscles and promote relaxation.

Research shows that percussive therapy can help stop delayed onset muscle soreness, help your muscles heal faster and speed up recovery time. Massage gun customers should also look at the device’s amplitude. This is the distance the head will travel and how deep the gun hits the muscle. A massage gun with a higher amplitude can feel more intense even at a lower speed than a vibration-type massage gun. The massage guns that have higher amplitude should be able to target a specific area deep into the muscle to help reduce muscle pain and improve blood circulation. Massage gun brands state that their products provide a wide range of benefits, from promoting blood flow and accelerating muscle recovery to improving flexibility and encouraging lymphatic drainage.Our experts at the MH Lab tested the mettle of the best massage guns on the market. And, as the list below shows, they were more than up to the challenge. They may often look like power tools, but the benefits of massage guns include decreased muscle tension, relaxed muscles, and promoted blood flow,” says Dr Daniel Giordano, CMO of Bespoke Treatments. “We use one on a daily basis, and it can be used before, during or after a workout.” How to Use a Massage Gun for Best Results The best massage gun for your particular needs will depend on a few different factors. First and foremost, you need to look at your budget. If things are tight, opt for a smaller percussive massage device like the Renpho above, which is also small enough to stuff in a gym bag. However, there’s a few extra things to remember when using a massage gun for the first time.Most importantly, to avoid injury, don't use a massage gun on a bony area or a joint, or on an injury like a sprain or broken skin.

Its manual is impressive, too. It is very thorough, detailing muscle groups and how long to focus on each group with each of the four heads and four-speed settings. To narrow down the best massage guns, we tested 32 devices over 840 hours in the Verywell Testing Lab and continue to test each massage gun at home as part of our regular recovery routines. During the testing process, we evaluate each one for the following six key attributes: While Dr. Malek says the evidence is scant to conclusively link training benefits with massage guns, there is research to support the two modes of therapy that are behind the percussive massage treatment of massage guns. Those are: massage, a treatment in which your muscles are being kneaded and manipulated by another person; and vibration therapy, which involves placing a vibrating device on certain parts of your body. The device offers five speed options, allowing you to dig deep or go lighter on more sensitive areas. It may be the size of a small water bottle, but it’s brimming with impressive features. You get five interchangeable heads (most mini massagers come with just one or two) and there are five speed settings to flit between, giving you a whopping 25 massage combos to try. If you need some guidance, there’s a handy user manual, which provides step-by-step routines for warm-up, mobility and recovery. According to our tester, these were genuinely useful.Some massage guns come with a variety of interchangeable attachments, such as round balls, flat heads or cone-shaped tips. These attachments offer different massage techniques for various muscle groups. Noise Level Any massage gun should be comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver. Look for a design that allows you to reach various parts of your body without straining, and be sure to consider the size and weight, as these affect its ergonomics. While most massagers have a similar L-shape, some models, like the Theragun Elite and Mini, use a triangular design in an attempt to improve ergonomics. Noise Yes, it is generally considered safe to use a massage gun every day, though Dr. Costigan recommends spending no more than five minutes on each major muscle group. “If the muscle is feeling worse or progressively more so, it’s better to move on,” she notes. That said, you don’t have to go to a professional to see results. Percussive massagers — also known as massage guns — provide short bursts of pressure into your muscle tissue.

If you find a particularly tough knot, the bullet attachment lets you really target that, too. Each attachment has a different shape or density, designed for targeting muscles and knots in different intensities and locations on your body. Mini massage guns are especially useful for people who have weaker hands, or who have chronic arthritis pain, and can't hold heavier devices comfortably for an extended period. We like that the Theragun Mini has a sleek, ergonomic grip that helps reduce the strain on your hands. Therabody claims that this second-generation Mini is 20% smaller and 30% lighter than its predecessor, making it even more portable and perfect for travel. Secondly, no matter how exciting your new massage gun might be, you shouldn't be using it every day. Sports physiotherapists recommend using percussive therapy alongside your other recovery tools, such as foam rolling, or Epsom salt baths. Every few days is enough if you want your massage gun to still be effective. If you intend to bring your massage gun to the gym or studio, consider its size and weight. Some models are more compact and travel-friendly than others, and some come with carrying cases. Generally speaking, I found that miniature massage guns weighed anywhere from 1 to 1.5 pounds, while full-size massage guns weighed 1.5 to 2.5 pounds. Smart FeaturesSpeeds: 5 | Attachments: 4 | Amplitude: 12 millimeters | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Battery life: 480 minutes | Warranty: Lifetime Cheatham S, et al. (2021). Mechanical percussion devices: A Survey of practice patterns among healthcare professionals. If you’re after a small massage gun that still offers versatility, consider this fuss-friendly Boots offering. There are three speed settings and four interchangeable heads (a ball, fork, bullet and flat head) for alleviating aches and pains, whether you need some post-exercise relief or you’ve been hunched over your desk for too long.