Last updated: September 08, 2022
Do you suffer from muscle soreness? You’re not alone!
Did you know that over 40 million people suffer from severe pain every day?
This is why people experiencing pain often turn to alternative treatments such as yoga, massage therapy, and meditation.
But now, there’s a new solution that can help you get instant pain relief. Muscle massage guns are everywhere today, and they’re quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to relieve muscle soreness.
You will want to see my top muscle massage gun reviews to learn which ones to you should consider purchasing as well as which models to avoid!
Let’s get started.
Top Choice
Theragun is the Cadillac of massage guns! It is the brand used by more professional trainers and athletes than all other brands combined.
You can see my full review on the Theragun Pro here.
For the weekend warriors that may have been on the sidelines for a minute, or experienced athletes looking for some muscle fatigue relief, I have created this resource on the best muscle massage guns.
Massage Gun Benefits
There are many benefits of using a massage gun, including:
- Increased circulation: Massage guns can help to increase circulation by delivering powerful vibrations to the muscles. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Improved range of motion: Massage guns can also help to improve range of motion by breaking up knots and trigger points in the muscles.
- Faster recovery: Massage guns can help the muscles to recover faster from workouts or injuries by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
- Massage Gun Benefits
- Ergonomic design
- Speed and noise
- Depth of percussion
- Warranty and reviews
- Theraguns vs. Other Muscle Massagers
- TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26
- Theragun Pro Massage Gun
- RENPHO Active Massage Gun
- Dacorm Massage Gun
- VYBE Percussion Massage Gun
- HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun
- BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun
- Conclusion
Deep Tissue Massage Gun
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.
It is helpful for chronic aches and pains, as well as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.
Deep tissue massage uses some of the same techniques as classic massage therapy. But, movements are slower and the pressure is deeper. It is more concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
Muscle massager guns aren’t just cool for viral videos; they’re an incredibly beneficial tool that helps recovery and injury prevention.
- Top Choice
- Deep Tissue Massage Gun
- What is the cause of muscle soreness?
- Understanding (DOMS) or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
- Microtears are good for muscle growth
- How to treat muscle pain
- How to relieve sore muscles in legs
- What helps sore muscles after a workout?
- Massage guns are wildly popular
- Percussion massager reviews
- Are muscle massage guns worth it?
- What to look for in a massage gun?
- Best Handheld Massager
- Best Massage Guns by Theragun
- Best Portable Massage Gun Reviews
- Powerful Massage Gun
- Best Theragun Alternative Massagers
- Â Top Mini Massage Gun
- Summary
What is the cause of muscle soreness?
The list of benefits of exercising is long. Exercise is great for weight control, by helping you maintain your current weight levels, preventing weight gain, as well as aiding in a weight loss program.
Exercise fights off several types of health conditions and diseases.
Exercise boosts energy levels, as well as improves your mood and memory.
Exercise promotes better sleep.
Exercise is good for bones and muscles.
I think you get the message. Exercise is good for you!
However…
Exercise can often come at a cost of muscle pain, soreness or discomfort.
In most cases, this muscle fatigue and soreness are only temporary.
Starting an exercise routine can be difficult.
Making time to exercise, building a balanced routine, and setting objectives are challenging enough, but throwing in the muscular discomfort that comes with adjusting to that program, and staying on track may be difficult.
See related… Can you use a massage gun while it is plugged in?
Understanding (DOMS) or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
The steadily rising discomfort that happens between 24 and 48 hours after activity is referred to by exercise physiologists as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and it is completely natural.
DOMS is a typical side effect of physical exertion that pushes the muscular tissue beyond what it is accustomed to.
When the muscle performs eccentric exercises or lengthening contraction, delayed onset muscle pain occurs. Running downhill or the prolonging phase of a bicep curl are two examples.
Mild muscle strain injuries cause tiny damage to muscle fibers. Scientists believe that the pain is caused by this damage, as well as the inflammation that occurs as a result of the muscle tears or microtears.
Microtears are good for muscle growth
Microtears are what happen after a muscle gets physically worked.
Once microtears occur, the body sends blood to the area to heal which, in turn, is how you grow muscles.
How to treat muscle pain
Recovery is just as essential as the action of exercise itself when it comes to working out. Muscle recovery requires a mix of physical activity and diet, however, you may also use high-tech recovery techniques and tools to minimize muscle discomfort.
While many athletes may see a massage therapist for muscular discomfort, at-home recovery tools are becoming increasingly popular. As a result, the massage gun has become very popular.
Trying to choose the ideal massage gun for your needs can be difficult, so let’s go through how these muscle massagers operate and why they can be so beneficial.
How to relieve sore muscles in legs
Watch the video below to learn how to relieve sore muscles in legs! Super easy and super effective.
What helps sore muscles after a workout?
Massage has long been considered a recovery aid for athletes. It’s believed benefits are increased blood flow, relieving muscle soreness, improved range of motion, and generally making people feel better – and these are the benefits massage guns are said to provide, without needing to see a professional.
The massage guns work by repeatedly applying bursts of pressure to muscles in a rapid up-down motion, like a mini jackhammer, to deliver what’s known as percussive or vibration therapy.
Customers are using muscle massage guns at home for relieving tension in general, as well as assisting with muscle recovery for pre and post-exercise.
By using the massage gun on the muscles used in the workout, you may reduce muscular discomfort and thereby help in muscle recovery.
Massage guns are wildly popular
Massage guns are gaining in popularity among everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors due to their potential to help muscles heal faster.
Percussion massager reviews
Percussive treatment is believed to relieve pain, exhaustion, and lactic acid accumulation, but don’t anticipate relief for the price. High-end versions might cost much more than $500.
Are muscle massage guns worth it?
Yes. Massage guns have been found in studies to be useful in decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and enhancing short-term muscle length. DOMS can produce muscular discomfort for 24 to 72 hours after strenuous activity.
What to look for in a massage gun?
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine what is the best muscle massage gun to buy. To help you out here are some tips on what to look out for.
Ergonomic design
Ergonomic design ensures that your arm does not weary while holding it. The weight of the massage pistol is vital so that you may hold it on or against an area without hurting your other arm. Look for one with numerous attachments so you can use it on different muscle groups all over your body.
Best Handheld Massager
Speed and noise
Speed and noise are two major considerations. The range of percussion heads included with the device, the volume level (some may sound like a jackhammer), and the number of speed settings is important features to consider. More costly massage guns feature up to five-speed settings. In many cases, two to three are plenty.
Depth of percussion
Depth of percussion or amplitude will translate to a more vibratory vs percussive sensation, which will apply to more superficial areas versus deep places.
Warranty and reviews
When choosing the ideal model, reading reputable product reviews may be beneficial. It is also critical to review the warranty conditions in the event of a defect or the need for a replacement product.
Best Massage Guns by Theragun
Best Massage Guns by Theragun
Theragun is a muscle massage gun brand produced by Therabody. It is often regarded as the top brand in this massage gun category.
Theragun products are made for clinical as well as home use. They offer two types of tips: one for large muscle groups and one for smaller muscle groups, like the neck and shoulders.
Theraguns vs. Other Muscle Massagers
Therabody focuses on designing and manufacturing high-quality therapeutic massagers. The company has developed a number of products, some of which are Theragun Elite, Theragun Pro, Theragun Prime, and Theragun Mini.
The Theragun Elite is their top-of-the-line muscle massager and is designed to provide instant relief from muscle aches and pains. In addition, it’s intended to promote relaxation and healing. The device operates by sending gentle pulses through the skin surface and into the underlying tissue.
Best Portable Massage Gun Reviews
TOLOCO Massage Gun, Upgrade Percussion Muscle Massage Gun for Athletes, Handheld Deep Tissue Massager, Silver
TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26
Intro
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile massage gun, the TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26 is a great option. It features 10 different massage heads, so you can target different areas of your body, and has 20-speed settings to customize your massage. The TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26 is also lightweight and portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Product Description
Are you looking for an affordable cordless massage gun that is loaded with features and attachments, and also comes with a carrying case?
Look no further than the TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26. The EM26 features 20 speeds and 10 different massage heads for a personalized massage experience. It also provides deep tissue massage for instant muscle pain relief. The ergonomic design makes it easy to use and the 2.1-pound weight makes it portable.
Product Features
The TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26 features a carrying case and 10 different massage heads so that you can perform a massage that fits your needs.
This deep tissue massager weighs only 2.1 pounds and provides muscle pain relief.
Powered by a 24 V brushless motor, it delivers powerful impact and works at 40-50 dB, so you won’t disturb others while using it.
The ergonomic design, high-frequency vibration stimulation, and anti-slip handle make it easy to use.
Customer Reviews
The TOLOCO Massage Gun currently has over 20,000 5-star reviews.
Here is what people are saying…
“I find that it works well for the kinks in my neck and back. Overall, it’s great for the whole body, and I like all of the attachments.”
“You need this if you suffer from muscle or joint pain. This product was purchased by my husband as a result of the worst neck and shoulder pain he’s ever experienced. I don’t like spending money, but this was 100% worth it.”
Pros and Cons
pros of the TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26
It is very affordable.
It is quieter than you would expect from a massager in this price range.
It features a 12mm stroke amplitude for powerful massage action.
It has 20 speeds to choose from.
It boasts 4 hours of working time (at low speed).
cons of the TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26
Some users have experienced a faulty battery upon receipt, but each customer was satisfied with the follow-up service.
Conclusion
The TOLOCO Massage Gun EM26 is an easy-to-use, great value, and excellent customer satisfaction product. It comes with plenty of attachments and has a quiet operation. The customer service is good, and it’s a great value for the price!
Powerful Massage Gun
Theragun PRO - (Product) RED - Percussive Therapy Deep Tissue Muscle Treatment Massage Gun…
Theragun Pro Massage Gun
Intro
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line muscle massage gun, the Theragun Pro is a great choice. See why it is the preferred choice of professional athletes and physical therapists.
Product Details
The Theragun Pro is a top brand of muscle massage gun that provides commercial-grade deep muscle treatment. It helps to reduce muscle soreness, improve mobility, and increase relaxation. The Theragun Pro offers the best ergonomic comfort and unparalleled professional-grade durability and treatment.
The Theragun Pro is a professional-grade muscle massage gun that uses QuietForce Technology to deliver up to 60 lbs of force. It features an OLED screen, Bluetooth connectivity, 3 built-in presets, and a responsive force meter.
The gun also comes with 2 swappable batteries that provide up to 150 minutes of use each, for a total of 300 minutes. It has a 5-speed range with customizable speed through the app.
Pros
Top quality design and styling
Durabile construction
Professional grade design
Comes with removable, rechargeable batteries for extended use
Powerful motor for optimum performance
16 mm amplitude
Cons
Price
Noise
Conclusion
The Theragun Pro muscle massage gun is a professional-grade device that comes with a big price tag. It is worth the money if you need professional quality. However, this product may be overkill for the average user with occasional sore muscles.
Best Theragun Alternative Massagers
RENPHO Active Massage Gun
Product Description
The RENPHO Active Massage Gun is a powerful, handheld massager. It helps relieve muscle pain and stiffness. It features a high-torque motor and five interchangeable massage heads to provide a deep, targeted massage. The RENPHO Active Massage Gun is easy to use and comes with a carrying case for easy transport.
Product Features
The RENPHO Active Massage Gun is a powerful and convenient muscle massage gun that is perfect for athletes.
Weighing only 1.5lbs, it is ultra-portable and comes with a USB-Type c charging cable. It has a super quiet brushless motor that is as low as 45db, making it perfect for use in any environment. It also has a long battery life and 10min auto-off protection.
With up to 3200rpm, 5 speeds, and 5 massager heads, the RENPHO Active Massage Gun is perfect for any and all muscle massage needs.
Customer Reviews
Here is what customers are saying about the RENPHO Active Massage Gun
“I recommend this massage gun to anyone looking for an affordable and easy solution to muscle aches and pains. For a long time, my wife and I have been wanting to buy a massage gun. Love it.”
“As a chronic and debilitating sciatic nerve pain sufferer, I was looking for something to relieve it. I have used it daily after work when I am most stressed and along with gentle stretching, I’ve experienced nothing short of miracles”
Pros and Cons
PROS
Price.
Upgraded model provides superior power.
Comes with 5 attachment heads.
Carrying case included.
Very lightweight.
CONS
Battery life is near the bottom of the ones I used here.
Would like to see more speed controls.
Conclusion
The RENPHO Active Massage Gun is one of the more affordable options on the market. It is a very lightweight and a powerful little device. It’s very convenient to use, however, the battery life could be better. I would have liked more speed options, but the ones it has are very effective. Overall, it’s a nice entry level massage gun.
DACORM Handheld Deep Tissue Massager
Dacorm Massage Gun
Intro
The DACORM muscle massage gun is a handheld, rechargeable percussive massage therapy tool. It relieves muscle pain and stiffness. It also improves blood circulation and range of motion. The massage gun has a variety of attachments used to target different areas of the body. It has several settings to adjust the intensity of the massage to suit the individual.
How the DACORM muscle massage gun works
With its high-frequency vibrations, the DACORM muscle massage gun provides sore and tight muscle relief.
In addition to increasing blood flow and circulation to the area, the gun may speed up the healing process.
The benefits of using the DACORM muscle massage gun
Some benefits of using the DACORM muscle massage gun include:
- 1. Increased blood circulation
- 2. Reduced muscle soreness
- 3. Reduced inflammation
- 4. Increased range of motion
- 5. Increased flexibility
The different settings on the DACORM muscle massage gun
There are 12 massage heads that can target various pressure points on the body with this massage gun.
The battery lasts from eight to 15 hours on a single charge, and there are seven speeds to choose from.
With a noise level of fewer than 40 decibels and a weight of just two pounds, it can be taken anywhere.
If you’re in the market for a massage gun and don’t want to spend hundreds, this model-which has over 7,000 five-star reviews on Amazon-is a must-have!
DACORM massage gun user manual printable pdf
For more details on how to use this product, here is the link to the DACORM user manual
The results you can expect from using the DACORM muscle massage gun
The DACORM muscle massage gun is a great tool to relieve muscle pain or tension. The long-lasting battery and ease of use make it a great choice if you want a massage gun to use on the go.
With a large number of attachments and low prices, the DACORM is a great choice if you’re looking to try a massage gun for the first time. It is also the perfect travel massage tool to keep in your vehicle to use after a long run, game, or fitness training.
The pros and cons of the DACORM muscle massage gun
PROS
It is one of the highest-rated muscle massagers on Amazon!
It is a great value when you consider the price, the number of attachments that are included, and the overall performance
It is easy to use.
Helps relieve muscle pain and stiffness.
Improves blood circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Aids in healing.
Can improve your range of motion.
cons
As with all massage guns, it can be difficult to use when you are first starting out.
It can cause bruising if you are not familiar with the proper way to use a massage gun.
Conclusion
This DACORM muscle massage gun is amazing! It is so easy to use and the display is very easy to read. The price is great and it is very lightweight. There are lots of attachments and lots of settings for a customized treatment. One of the best massage guns I have used in this price range!
VYBE Percussion Massage Gun for Athletes - Pro Model
VYBE Percussion Massage Gun
What is the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun?
The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is a handheld massager that helps to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. It is a great tool to use before or after workouts, or anytime you need to loosen up your muscles. The massage gun uses a high-speed motor to deliver powerful, targeted percussion massage to your muscles. It is easy to use and comes with a variety of attachments to help you customize your massage.
How does the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun work?
The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun uses a high-speed motor for powerful, targeted vibrations. It is designed to provide a deep tissue massage, and it can be used on all parts of the body. The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is very quiet. Use it in any setting without disturbing others.
What are the benefits of using the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun?
The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is a great tool to help relieve muscle pain and tension. It has 9 speeds and can go up to 3200 rpm. There are 8 attachments to choose from, depending on the area being massaged. The massage gun charges in 3 hours and comes with a carrying case.
Who is the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun for?
The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is a great tool to improve circulation, flexibility, and range of motion. The massage gun can also help to relieve muscle pain, tension headaches, and stiffness. The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is a great choice for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to feel their best.
How does the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun compare to other massage guns on the market?
The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is a high-quality massage gun that compares favorably to other massage guns on the market. It is a cordless, portable, and lightweight massage gun that is easy to use. It has a powerful motor that delivers up to 3,200 percussions per minute. It also has long-lasting battery life. The VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is a great value for the price.
What are the pros and cons of the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun?
PROS
Price
Powerful motor for deep tissue massage
8 attachments come with this massage gun kit
9-speed performance
Quiet motor
Carrying case included
CONS
Design and ergonomics – slightly awkward
Final thoughts on the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun
I was pleasantly surprised at how powerful the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun performed. Not only was the power impressive, but I was also equally delighted with the low noise level. Overall, this massage gun kit is a great value. You get a quality massage gun, at a very attractive price, that includes more attachments than most, plus a carrying case.
HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun
Intro
The HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun is a powerful, portable massage device that helps to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. It features a unique, ergonomic design that allows you to target specific muscle groups with ease. The HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun comes with a variety of attachments that help to provide a customized massage experience. It is also equipped with a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 6 hours of continuous use.
Product Features
The HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun is a powerful, cordless massager that comes with 10 attachment massage heads and 30-speed modes. It is super quiet and easy to grip, making it perfect for use on any muscle group. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides more than 6 hours of the operation time, making it ideal for use at home or on the go.
Product Performance
The HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun is a great choice for those looking for a powerful and effective massage gun. It features a powerful motor that delivers up to 3,200 RPM, making it perfect for deep tissue massage.
The HeaDot massage gun is a high-quality massage that is designed to provide a deep, therapeutic massage. It is significantly quieter than other massage guns on the market, and it comes with a variety of attachments that allow you to customize your massage experience. It is also specifically engineered to reduce heat that is normally associated with extended use.
Pros and Cons
PROS
Price
Design and engineering are better than expected at this price point
Plenty of attachments to customize your massage treatment
Variety speed motor for excellent performance control
CONS
Slightly less powerful motor than others reviewed here.
Conclusion
Overall, the HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun is a great entry-level product. When you consider this massage gun cost 1/10th of the price of a Theragun Pro and the type of performance this tool delivers, it is an amazing value! If you’re looking to discover the incredible benefits of massage gun usage, the HeadDot is worth learning more about.
Top Mini Massage Gun
BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun
BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun
Intro
Bob and Brad are two guys who are passionate about helping people live healthier and happier lives. They started their company, BOB AND BRAD, with the goal of providing people with affordable, high-quality massage guns.
The BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is one of their latest products. It’s a compact and lightweight massage gun that’s perfect for on-the-go use.
It comes with five different attachments, so you can customize your massage experience. And it’s super quiet, so you can use it without disturbing others.
If you’re looking for a portable and affordable massage gun, the BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a great option.
Product Features
The BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a small, handheld massager that is perfect for use on the go.
It features a powerful motor that delivers 5 adjustable speeds, up to 3,000 vibrations per minute, making it ideal for relieving muscle soreness and tension.
The Q2 Mini Massage Gun also features a built-in lithium-ion battery that provides up to 2 hours of use on a single charge, making it perfect for use during travel.
Additionally, the Q2 Mini Massage Gun comes with a carrying case and a charging cable for easy portability.
Product Performance
Don’t let the small size fool you, this massager is powerful and can last for a long time on a single charge.
The BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a powerful little massager that packs a punch.
The battery life is impressive, and the massager is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you.
The massager is also very quiet, making it a great choice for use in an office or other public setting.
The BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful, yet quiet and portable massager.
Pros and Cons
PROS
Outstanding customer ratings on Amazon, with over 86% giving the Q2 Mini a 5-star rating
Price
Convenient, small size
Quality design, durable
CONS
The on/off button has to stay depressed for a long time for the gun to turn on
USB C charging is confusing to use
Conclusion
It is hard to compare other massage guns to the Q2 MINI since its features are so different from other full-size hand-held massagers.
Yet, if you’re looking for a small, powerful, and compact massage gun, the BOB AND BRAD Q2 Mini Massage Gun is a great option to consider.
It’s a good value for the price, and it has excellent customer reviews. It’s one of the top-performing massage guns on the market and is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a massager with all the features of the full-size massage guns, but in a compact package.
Summary
People who have particular medical issues or who regularly feel muscular soreness after exercising may benefit from massage guns.
However, if used incorrectly, they provide a danger of muscular damage or injury. It is critical to follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
Before researching the alternatives from various manufacturers, a person should evaluate what characteristics are most essential to them.
References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/strength-training-builds-more-than-muscles
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003178.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/muscle-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050866
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
Last update on 2023-02-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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