Massage guns are all the rage these days, but do they actually deliver on their promises? Today, we're cutting through the marketing hype and diving into the research to see what these devices are capable of. We'll compare the claims of major massage gun companies with scientific studies and explore if there might be better options for muscle recovery, increasing range of motion, and reducing soreness.
I'm Dr. Sean Hiller, a doctor of physical therapy and certified strength conditioning specialist. Welcome to the Vulcan blog! Let's get started.
Massage gun companies like Theragun, Hyperice, and Hydragun make bold claims about their products. They assert that their devices can relieve soreness, increase range of motion, decrease pain, help you recover faster, repair injured tissue, boost healing, and even enhance performance. Here’s a quick overview of what some of the most popular massage guns currently on the market promise to users:
But do these devices live up to their marketing?
To find out, we looked at two systematic reviews. Systematic reviews summarize multiple studies, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing research.
In summary, both reviews suggest that massage guns can help with short-term recovery, range of motion, and muscle soreness. But how do they achieve these effects?
The primary benefits of massage guns come from increased blood flow and muscle activation. When you use a massage gun, the percussive action stimulates blood flow to the targeted area, delivering nutrients and facilitating healing. This increased circulation and muscle activation contribute to the temporary relief of muscle soreness and improved flexibility.
While massage guns can be effective, there are other methods that may offer better results for recovery, range of motion, and reducing soreness:
Where massage guns truly shine is in stress relief. Unlike BFR or E-Stim, using a massage gun can help you unwind and relax after a long day, making it a great tool for de-stressing. While BFR and E-Stim can lead to long term stress relief by giving you a greater muscular recovery, the acute effect of both of these treatments can actually add to your physical stress load.
Yes, massage guns do work. They can help with muscle recovery, increasing range of motion, and reducing soreness in the short term. However, there are often more effective methods available for these specific goals. The real value of massage guns lies in their ability to relieve stress, offering a portable and easy-to-use solution for relaxation.
If you’re considering a massage gun, be selective about how you use it. For optimal results, integrate it thoughtfully into your recovery routine, focusing on its unique stress-relief benefits.
Interested in learning more or getting a massage gun? Check out the links in the description for recommended products and additional resources.
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👉Great Massage Guns:
✅Theragun Pro Plus (Black): https://amzn.to/4be4ZW0
✅Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 (Black): https://collabs.shop/wubngr
✅Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 (White): https://collabs.shop/0trbkk
✅Theragun Prime Quite (Black): https://amzn.to/44gHI3m
👉Our Favorite Blood Flow Restriction Cuffs:
✅ SAGA BFR CUFFS: https://saga.fitness/?ref=0nsuo_kQCnxc5k------ Get 10% off using the code: VULCAN10
✅EDGE Mobility Cuffs: https://collabs.shop/y4kfaq
✅SMARTCUFFS by SMARTTOOLS: https://www.smarttoolsplus.com/detail...
👉E-Stim Options:
✅Compex Wireless: https://amzn.to/3WbwriL
✅PowerDot Wireless: https://amzn.to/3W6084P
✅Compex Wired: https://amzn.to/3Udo5ol
DISCLAIMER: I have to state that some of the links above are affiliate links which means by clicking on them and purchasing the items I get a small commission. I'm part of an Amazon Affiliate program and earn revenue from qualifying purchases. Using the provided links does NOT change the price for you.