Physical Therapists Swear by These Massage Guns for Muscle Pain Relief - Prevention.com

[massage]

The signs of a great workout are unmistakeable: You’re sweaty, you’re tired, and your muscles are on fire. But the next day? That jolt of energy is often replaced with uncomfortably achy muscles. The good news: Soreness, tightness, and just straight up pain isn’t something you have to suffer through. If your average foam roller just isn’t doing the the trick, there are massage guns that can help improve your recovery.

“Massage guns use percussion, or pressure, therapy to lower pain-inducing inflammation, increase blood flow, and reduce muscular tension,” says Brandon Trachman, P.T., M.P.T., O.C.S., a physical therapist at PT Central in Oklahoma City, OK. “This helps boost post-workout recovery, reduce muscle spasms, and help prevent delayed onset of muscular soreness.”

If you’ve never used a massage gun, it’s not as intimidating as it may sound. They’re handheld devices that deliver targeted pressure to particular muscle areas, sort of like a jackhammer that’s gentle enough for your body. This pressure relaxes muscles and fascia (connective tissue that holds things like muscles, organs, bones, and nerve fibers in place) at both the surface level and deep within, explains Heather Jeffcoat, D.P.T., owner of Fusion Wellness & Physical Therapy in Los Angeles. Massage guns can also help break up scar tissue, which may form after an injury and continue to trigger discomfort long after you’ve healed.

To use a massage gun, lightly sweep it over the muscle, avoiding bony spots. When you’re first starting out, only spend a few minutes on each area. As your body gets used to the treatment over time, you can extend your session up to about 15 minutes max, as experts agree that going longer than this doesn’t provide any benefit and it may actually cause muscle bruising or soreness from overdoing it.

“You’ll know this tool is working if you notice a few things: less sore muscles, improved range of motion, and the ability to work out on back-to-back days without discomfort,” says Kellen Scantlebury, D.P.T., C.S.C.S., CEO of Fit Club NY in New York City.

Massage guns vary in price, intensity, and loudness—so which one is right for you? Read on to find the best models out there.

1
Best Overall

Theragun Prime
amazon.com
$299.00


Theragun is one of the oldest and most popular massage gun brands. This model is sturdy and powerful, so it’s perfect for non-athletes who still get in a hard workout. “Theragun is my favorite because of its adjustable head and multigrip handle that allows you to easily move at different angles,” says Leada Malek, P.T., D.P.T., C.S.C.S., a board-certified sports physical therapist. Plus, it’s much quieter than other massage guns, which is just one reason we included it in our 2021 Fitness Awards.

2
Best Value

RENPHO Mini Massage Gun
amazon.com
$69.99
$59.99 (14% off)


Even though it’s portable due to its smaller size, this powerful massage gun still comes with five different heads and operates at five different speeds for more targeted muscle soreness relief on-the-go. And at $70, it’s a more affordable introduction to the world of massage guns compared to other models on the market.

3
Expert Favorite

Hyperice Hypervolt Plus Bluetooth Massage Gun
amazon.com
$399.00


“This is what I use in my practice,” says Jeffcoat. “I love this device for new users because you can pair it with an app and get guidance on warmup, recovery, and general maintenance. It also has one of the quieter motors and smoothest percussive motions on the market.”

Trachman agrees and loves that it is quieter than some of the cheaper models. “I personally favor this massage gun and use it in the office and at home,” he says. It has three speeds so you can find the intensity that’s right for your recovery needs.

4
Rave Reviews

Legiral Le3 Massage Gun
amazon.com
$199.99
$129.99 (35% off)


This massage gun has more than 30,000 reviews on Amazon, with 85% coming in at a perfect five stars. For those who aren’t dedicated athletes but need help in the muscle recovery department post-workout, this is a solid pick for under $200. With six different heads, a comfortable silicone handle, and two-hour battery life, it’s comparable to some of the pricier models out there.


5 Theragun Mini Massage Gun

amazon.com
$199.00


Another high-quality option from Theragun, this portable unit is also perfect for travel. It’s small enough and light enough to drop in your gym bag, but still delivers the pressure power you need to find relief. Choose from black, red, or white, and don’t forget to keep it safe by storing it in the included soft case.


6 TOLOCO Massage Gun

amazon.com
$99.99


This massage gun boasts 20 speeds and pressure levels and comes with 15 different heads, which makes targeting specific muscles extremely easy. The grip is also made of silicone for less slippage when your hands are sweaty. Testers praise its durability, ability to relieve pain, and long-lasting battery charge.


7 TimTam Power Massager

amazon.com
$249.99


TimTam is another leader in the massage gun space, and for good reason. The brand’s massage guns are designed with consultation from physiotherapists, coaches, and athletes—all people who know a thing or two about muscle recovery. Best of all, the tip is heated for maximum pain relief and the unit is made of antimicrobial plastic.


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