Despite its compact size, it has everything its bulkier counterparts offer, including five different massage heads, with each one designed to target a different muscle group. It also scored top marks for ease of use – there’s just one button for speed control and a handy manual that explains what each head is for and how to use it.

Best massage guns UK 2023: Theragun, Pulseroll and more tested Best massage guns UK 2023: Theragun, Pulseroll and more tested

Use in a similar way to a foam roller; either before exercise to activate muscles and increase blood flow, or after to release tension and prevent DOMS. Or, simply when you feel your shoulders creeping up towards your ears and tension setting in. As outlined above, using a massage gun before working out can help warm up and activate sleepy muscles. 30 seconds of direct massage is all it takes to reawaken the mind/muscle connection and get your body primed to perform at its best. However, don’t get too excited and go overboard with it. Here’s a summary on how often you should use them and how. You get three different attachments (the first gen only offers one) – a standard ball, a dampener for bony areas and a thumb to target trigger points – for a more personalised massaging experience and it connects to the Therabody App via Bluetooth so you can access an extensive library of wellness routines.When it comes to mid-workout treatments, a similar approach is taken. “During a workout, there are times when someone may feel tight and want to stretch between exercises, which may actually decrease their performance by negatively affecting their force output,” warns Giordano. “Instead try flushing the area for 15-30 seconds to increase blood flow and decrease muscle tension. This should excite the muscle, loosening it again for the rest of your workout." The Shavron Vibration Massage Gun is approximately the same price as the Hydragun, above, and is another excellent mid-range percussive massager. It's not as quiet, but it's lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for long sessions. A timer will cut the motor after 10 minutes to help ensure you don't keep going for longer than is recommended. We’re going to put a HUGE asterisk on this when and start by saying, always consult a medical professional first! But yes, you can use a massage gun while pregnant! After a workout session: Your body is in a heightened condition and the best thing you can do is get it relaxed. That’s where a massage gun comes in. Target the tensed muscles and massage for about 1-2 minutes. Again it’s important to aim for the belly of the muscle and avoid joints and bony areas. It’s recommended that you do not massage your muscles straightaway. Let your body rest for a couple of hours and then get to work. Use different heads for different parts for better results.

Best massage guns 2023: Theragun to Power Plate - British GQ 18 Best massage guns 2023: Theragun to Power Plate - British GQ

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. Having seen why it’s important to properly use a massage gun, we’ll now look at how to actually use one. There are a few things to keep in mind when using a massage gun during pregnancy. First, make sure to use a massage gun that is specifically designed for pregnancy. Second, avoid using the massage gun on the abdomen. Third, start with a lower setting and gradually increase the intensity as needed.The manufacturers know this and that’s why most massage guns come with a well written instructions manual. Invest in one of the best massage guns out there and you can use it before exercise to activate your muscles and increase blood flow, or post-workout to release tension and ward off DOMS. It will help you recover faster, boost your circulation, increase flexibility and extend your range of motion. Phew! You can also use it to soothe WFH-related niggles, or for a spot of relaxation after a stressful day – trust us, it feels pretty darn good. This chopping away at your muscles is often painful to say the least. But the kind of “painful” that’s actually helpful. But some techies in the industry thought of a better way to make things easier. Theragun recommends using a massage gun for at least 15 seconds and up to a maximum of two minutes per muscle group, with a full-body session not exceeding 15 minutes. Carried out two to three times a day, your aches and pains should feel noticeably better, and you'll be well on your way to muscle recovery. Can massage guns get rid of knots?