Massage guns, otherwise known as percussion massage guns, have become a readily available tool for relieving sore muscles. The end of the gun oscillates to massage various parts of your body. If you’ve thought about investing in one of these handheld massage tools, check out the pros and cons below. We’ll help you determine if using a massage gun is right for you.
How Massage Guns Work
A massage gun is a handheld device that you can use to massage sore muscles through percussive therapy. The end of the tool vibrates rapidly to knead your soft tissues. Most massage guns come with interchangeable attachments to target different areas, like a small ball, a flat head, or a pronged attachment. You can swap the attachments or change the intensity to meet your needs.
Massage guns come in a wide range of sizes, weights, power levels, and more. Some are louder than others. Some have more adjustability than others. Some are significantly more expensive than others. But as a whole, they are all designed to help a person massage a sore muscle or minimize the need for hand massages.
Benefits of Using Massage Gun for Pain Relief
Massage guns are powerful and convenient tools for massaging tense muscles. If you have sore feet at the end of a workday or shoulder pain after an intense workout, a massage gun can relieve some of that discomfort. Using a massage gun may improve circulation, increase blood flow, and reduce muscle tension in targeted areas. It may help you heal faster after a muscle injury or break up the developing scar tissue as you heal.
Using a massage gun has healing benefits for many applications, but only if you use it correctly. If you experience chronic muscle pain or have a lingering sports/work injury, talk to a pain management specialist near you about your options.
Downsides to Using a Massage Gun for Pain Relief
In some cases, using a percussive massage tool may do more harm than good. This usually happens when the intensity is set too high or you massage the same area for too long. If you bounce off a bone, such as your knee or ankle, you may feel a surge of pain. Limit movement to soft tissue as much as possible.
Some massage guns are heavy to operate, especially if you have joint pain in your hand. The vibration in the gun may be difficult to handle for certain users, depending on intensity.
Massage guns can be a costly investment, and the cheap ones available at department stores usually don’t last long. If you’re going to invest in one, plan to spend at least $150 for a good-quality massage gun.
Find Personalized Pain Relief That Lasts – Macomb Pain Management
If you’re looking for effective, long-lasting pain relief for musculoskeletal pain, Macomb Pain Management provides many treatment paths for you to explore. We personalize each treatment to fit the person’s unique needs, so you will receive a tailored pain relief plan that aligns with your goals. We accept many forms of insurance, and we are happy to educate you about your options. Our office is located at:
Macomb Pain Management
8152 25 Mile Rd Suite B
Shelby Township, MI 48316
Contact (248) 844-8281 to schedule a consultation for chronic pain treatment from Macomb Pain Management.
