At first glance, it may seem like an electric drill (and sound like one), but massage guns like Theragun, TimTam and other popular brands are actually the most desired muscle recovery tool .
Their popularity has increased thanks to the professional athletes who use them publicly, as well as viral Instagram videos that show the fascinating effect of the rubber mallet of the massage gun on the skin.
Let's face it, many of us would get in the car and buy massage guns just to see celebrities and influencers enjoy them, but there's a big barrier to entry: the price. Theragun, one of the leaders in the field of percussion therapy, costs about $ 600. Which brings us to the question: are these devices really worth it?
What do massage guns do?
Massage guns offer what is known as percussion or vibration therapy. This type of massage provides rapid bursts of pressure in the muscle tissue of the body (hence the undulating effect of the massage guns) as your head swings from side to side. The masseuses have traditionally used a series of light strokes from the hands or wrists to the muscle group to obtain this effect. However, massage guns allow athletes to obtain the same benefits, but in the comfort of their own homes (and without having to pay routinely for services of a luxury spa). And unlike myofascial massage tools, such as foam rollers, which can produce similar results, massage guns can focus on a specific problem area. For those who consider foam rollers uncomfortable or too manual, massage guns offer a more agile and automatic solution.
Percussion therapy does not completely eliminate muscle pain. But what it does is increase blood flow to a specific muscle area, which can help reduce inflammation and muscle tension and break those annoying knots that seem to persist after hard training . Massage guns are also used before intense workouts to help warm up the muscles before the activity.
Do massage guns really work?
As percussion therapy becomes more popular, more studies on its benefits and possible limitations are published. A 2014 study suggested that vibration therapy and massage (which are part of percussion therapy) are equally effective methods to prevent DOMS, late-onset muscle pain, which means you are less likely to feel muscle pain or oppression 24 to 72 hours after intense training
Tapotement, the Swedish massage technique that uses the same principle (but without the device), has also been shown to improve the agility and overall performance of athletes with only five minutes of treatment.
Although the scientific signs seem to point in favor of these devices, it is important to note that there is not much research on massage guns specifically, as well as the vibration and breadth of the percussion therapy they offer .
However, there is much anecdotal evidence supporting the idea that massage guns do help . Theragun, for example, was developed by Jason S. Wersland, a chiropractor who created the device to help him with his own rehabilitation after a motorcycle accident. Wersland set out to create a massage tool that would help relieve pain with its use of high frequency and amplitude. According to Wersland, since its inception, other health professionals have opted for Theragun. “I have dozens of doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors around the world who say this changes the way they practice their profession,” he says.
And Daniel Giordano, physiotherapist and co-founder of Bespoke Treatments, also supports the device and calls the massage guns as Theragun "an absolute change in rehabilitation and sports performance."
Are there affordable massage guns?
As we mentioned, Theragun tend to be among the most expensive percussion therapy tools that exist, and the company's line of massage guns ranges from $ 249 for its most basic Liv device to $ 599 of the G3 Pro, a grade device professional that can manage blows 40 times a second and offers users a 60% deeper massage than standard vibration massagers. Another premium brand is TimTam, which ranges between $ 249 and $ 499. If you are looking for a luxury option, there are many designs that adapt.
If $ 249 is too expensive for your current budget, know that there are affordable massage gun options . At Amazon, for example, there are a variety of highly rated models priced as low as $ 100.
Opove M3 Pro massage gun ($ 199.99; amazon.com)
More than 4,000 Amazon buyers have rated this affordable massage gun with a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. This device comes with a variety of heads and three different speed levels so you can customize your massage based on the target area. A safety timer will automatically turn off the device to ensure that your muscles do not work too much.
Sylphim massage gun ($ 99.99; amazon.com)
One of the most affordable and highly qualified massage guns we have ever seen Amazon comes from Sylphim. This iteration comes with another impressive 4.8 star rating. It has a silent design that is ideal for gyms and other public training spaces. But most importantly, it doesn't skimp on quality.
A critic writes: “I bought this for my husband, who often complains of pain in the elbow and shoulder of tennis. He used it after a particularly intense workout (weightlifting) and you would think this is the best massage he has ever received! "
DamKee Professional Massage Gun ($ 169.99, originally $ 189.99; amazon.com)
DamKee's professional massage gun goes beyond fulfilling duty when it comes to customization. This massage gun is designed with 20 different adjustable speeds, as well as six massage heads, which offer 120 different massage options. And although normally this top-notch massage gun is priced at $ 189.99, the DamKee is currently for sale.
Mebak 3 massage gun ($ 149.99; amazon.com)
The Mebak 3 massage gun has reached the status of holy grail of Amazon products, receiving a perfect 5-star rating from customers. As one satisfied client points out: “This massager exceeded my expectations and has significantly reduced the amount of pain in my knee. With the different accessories and the guide, it has really helped me to target different parts of the body. ”
The weapon comes with seven different massage heads, as well as a carrying case.
Note: The prices above reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.