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Massage guns are a relatively new invention that aims to relieve muscle soreness and improve flexibility. This can be great for those who regularly exercise or perform strenuous activities for work. Because massage guns offer a service that most everyone can benefit from, it is no surprise that their popularity has ballooned in the past decade. But what are massage guns, what do they do for the body, and do they actually work?
What are massage guns?
Said to be invented in 2008, massage guns have spread like wildfire and are regularly used by professional athletes, gym-goers, and those with chronic pain. Massage guns look and operate like a power drill, applying bursts of pressure repeatedly to your muscles in an up-down motion in what is known as vibration therapy.
Massage guns offer the same benefits as a deep tissue massage but give the advantage of portability. It’s like having a massage therapist with you everywhere you go, and it only takes minutes to do its job. You can also use a massage gun on yourself in most cases or have someone else get those hard-to-reach places on your back.
Massage Gun Benefits
Although the hype for massage guns is at its highest, many people are still sceptical about how one little machine can compete with an experienced masseuse. However, using a massage gun doesn’t necessarily have to replace getting a massage. It is simply a more frequent device to ease pain and/or aid in post-workout recovery. Some of the most important benefits are injury prevention, workout recovery, pain relief, releasing lactic acid, and increasing blood flow.
Injury Prevention
Massage guns improve blood circulation, leading to reduced inflammation and muscle tension. The improved blood circulation also increases the production of nutrients and fluids and helps break down adhesions, which repairs damaged tissue. Using massage guns before or after strenuous activity can speed up healing times and prevent further injuries. Massage guns also relieve stress and improve muscle contraction, which lengthens and strengthens your muscles.
Workout Recovery
Massage guns are mainly designed to relieve tension and relax the muscles. Using vibration therapy in between workouts will shorten your muscle recovery time by eliminating toxic waste in the body. When you use the massage gun, tension and fluids get released deep into your muscles. This allows for improved blood circulation and healthy tissue metabolism as the blood and tissue cells exchange substances. Nutrient and oxygen supply is also increased throughout the body so your muscles can recover faster and you can get back to working out.
Pain Relief
Massage guns send vibrations deep into the targeted muscle in what is known as percussive therapy. Among the many benefits is pain relief to any sore or stiff areas. You can apply the massage gun directly to the part of your body troubling you for instant pain relief and improved circulation to produce more oxygen in the muscles.
Releasing Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is the result of low oxygen levels in the body leading to lactate being converted into energy. This can happen during an intense workout session, and usually, the lactic acid will build up in the bloodstream at a faster rate than your body can burn it off. Lactic acid buildup can lead to muscle cramps, exhaustion, and nausea. Massage guns help release toxins such as lactic acid from the muscles and reduce muscle cramps.
Increasing Blood Flow
Deep tissue massage increases the blood flow and dilates blood vessels. Muscle contractions help the lymph remove toxins from the tissue and rely on lymph circulation to do its job. People who don’t regularly exercise risk poor lymph circulation while very active people are in danger of having too much lymph circulation. A massage gun can counteract either scenario by creating a balanced lymphatic system to effectively remove toxins and healthy blood circulation to get much-needed oxygen into the muscles.
How to use Massage Guns
Before purchasing one, you should know how to use a massage gun properly to get the best results. Improper use of a massage gun can lead to injury, making a pre-existing condition worse or creating a new problem that was not originally there. So, to make sure you are using your massage gun properly, we will outline a few tips for getting the most out of your device.
Massage guns are commonly used before workouts, after workouts, and when you are experiencing sore muscles. Using your massage gun before a workout increases blood flow to the muscles, which helps you warm up and increases your range of motion. For a pre-workout massage, spend a minute or two massaging the muscles you plan to exert during your workout and 30 seconds on surrounding muscle groups.
After you finish working out, you can cool off with your massage gun to get back into your resting state. By massaging the muscles you just worked out for 1 – 2 minutes, you can keep your circulation intact, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle soreness. When massaging sore muscles, adjust the speed and depth settings to relieve your soreness. You should not be in more pain while treating soreness, so stop immediately if you notice the pain is getting worse. For sore muscles, start at a lower setting and adjust it until you find a setting that feels good for you. From there, massage these areas for 60 – 120 seconds for the best results.
What to look for in a massage gun
As so many companies have hopped on the bandwagon, you will find there is a seemingly endless supply of massage guns on the market today. So, choosing the right one may be harder than you think. Of course, there are cheaper options that may entice you, but a massage gun should be an investment. If you want the best results, you should spend the money on a professional-grade device.
Other things to look out for are things like vibration and percussion. You want a massage gun that has varying degrees of pressure, vibration, and speed so you can experiment and see what levels feel good. Speaking of levels, noise is another important factor. All massage guns will make noise, but the quieter the device, the better. Lastly, you should try to find a massage gun that comes with or allows for different attachment heads. That way, you can treat different issues and get the most out of your massage gun.
Browse our range of Massage Guns today!
Massage guns are currently all the rage, and for good reason. They are great handheld devices that have tremendous health benefits. They also align with your schedule and can be used at the push of a button whenever you need them. Combine that with the fact that you can use a massage gun on yourself in most places and it really is a no brainer on why they are so popular.
Ready to try out a massage gun for yourself and see what all the hype is about? Browse through our range of massage guns today and find one that suits your needs, fits your budget, and relieves your tension. Get your massage gun today and see for yourself what you’ve been missing.
