Massage guns are a tool that is commonly used today to ease muscle pain, improve mobility, and aid in muscle recovery. There are a variety of brands of massage guns that have quickly become a “fad” within the health and fitness industry. How do they work and what are the benefits of them? It may only take a device small enough to fit in your palm to provide relief!
What Is A Massage Gun And How Does It Work?
The Massage gun target is a small handheld device that looks and sounds like a drill. Massage guns come in a variety of pieces and speeds that can be used to treat muscle pain. The prices of the different brands range from $40 to $500.
A type of percussion (vibration) therapy is used with massage guns. If needed, a massage gun can target very specific areas, but foam rollers, lacrosse balls, trigger point balls, or massage can provide similar results. They can be used either before or after a workout, as needed, to reduce inflammation and muscle tension.2 Massage guns promote blood flow to a specific area, which reduces inflammation and muscle tension. It is true that massage guns can be used by anyone, but endurance athletes are most likely to use them after workouts to loosen up tight and sore muscles. The massage gun will come with different attachments to target specific parts of the body.
How Effective Are Massage Guns?
Researchers have found that massage guns can be effective in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and improving short term muscle length. DOMS can cause muscle soreness for 24 – 72 hours following an intense workout.2 By using the massage gun on the muscles used in the workout, you can reduce the amount of muscle soreness, thus aiding in muscle recovery.
The effectiveness of vibration (or percussive) therapy on the plantar flexor muscles, or calf muscles, was examined by Konrad et al. Using percussive therapy for five minutes on these muscles, the study found a significant increase in ankle dorsiflexion, or the ability to pull the toes towards the shins. There was also no significant change noted in the torque or power of the calf muscles.3 This study demonstrates the effectiveness of percussive therapy to improve short-term muscle length.
Physical Therapy When You’re In Pain
When using a new tool for muscle recovery, always listen to your body’s signals. Consult a physical therapist if you are unsure whether a massage gun is appropriate for your pain. Massage guns may help improve muscle soreness, but they are not always the answer to an injury or pain. A medical professional should be consulted sooner rather than later if you experience abnormal pains and aches. Almost all states allow you to schedule an assessment at Athletico without a prescription. Our Athletico team will assess your pain and provide recommendations for treatment. Our Telehealth platform offers free assessments both in-clinic and virtually.