What should I look for when buying a massage gun? (2024)

muscle recovery

What should I look for when buying a massage gun? This is my comprehensive guide on what to look for when buying a muscle massage gun. With so many different specifications to consider for each massage gun, the buying process can be quite overwhelming.

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Since I just went through the process of how to choose a good massage gun myself, I am more than glad to share my notes with you!

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What is a massage gun and what does it do?

A muscle massage gun is a small handheld device that looks like a drill and produces a thumping motion to massage your muscles. Most massage guns have several attachments and adjustable speeds that are used to help with muscle pain and soreness. Today, there is a large number of brands to choose from. Prices for muscle massagers range from $30 – $600 and up.

➥Read also… Does a massage gun break up fat?

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How massage guns work

Percussion (vibration) therapy is used by massage guns.  A massage gun increases blood flow to a specific location, reducing inflammation and muscle stress. They can be used before or after a workout, depending on the needs of the individual.

Massage guns are designed to be used by anybody. The controls are easy to read and the learning curve takes just a few minutes. Different attachments will be included with each massage gun to target particular areas of the body.

Uses for massage gun

  • Relieves stress and relaxes the body
  • Increases blood and lymphatic circulation
  • Promotes healing of atrophied muscles
  • Breaks up fat cells
  • Releases lactic acid buildup in the body
  • Stimulates nerve receptors, which cause vasodilation in the skin and muscles to improve mobility.
  • Breaks up scar tissue by deeply massaging collagen fibers
  • Improves overall wellness [1] M. (n.d.). 5 science-backed reasons why percussive therapy is good for you. Retrieved 2022 April 28, from … Continue reading

How to choose the best massage gun

When shopping for a massager, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors, including:

  • Power. Do you want an intense deep-tissue massage? Or are you more interested in a gentle massage tool? Look for a massage gun that offers an optimal amount of power to fit your needs
  • Battery life. While many manufacturers boast long battery life, read customer reviews to get a feel if battery life is an issue with a particular model
  • Weight. Normally massage gun weight is not an issue, but do check the specs to see comparisons before many a purchase
  • Usability. There are a lot of options available, but they do come at a price. Understand what options you need and others you can live without
  • Cost. Handheld percussive massagers are available at a wide range of price points. By determining your needs, you can save money on options you may not need or want

➥Read also… Top muscle massage gun reviews

Massage Gun Important Specifications

Top features to compare

  • Battery Life – How long your massager will last before needing to recharge? Look for 5+ hour battery life
  • Amplitude – The amount of punch you can get from a massage gun. Budget guns will have a stall force of around 20 to 30 pounds and an amplitude of 8 to 10mm, while mid- and higher-tier guns will have 40 to 50 pounds of stall force and 12mm to 16mm of amplitude
  • RPM – Speed is measured in RPM and between 1,700 and 2,400 RPMs is considered powerful enough to relieve sore muscles and tension.
  • Noise/Sound Level – The quietest massager is not necessarily the best massager. Use this spec as one piece of your buying process
  • Attachment Heads – Having 3 -5 attachments is fine. More than that can be overkill unless you are a physical therapist
  • Weight – Lower-end units tend to weigh more. Compare model weight before buying if weight is a big issue for you
  • Design – Most designs are pretty similar, with the exception being Theragun Pro. This top brand has quite a unique style and is always highly rated

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Last update on 2024-03-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

References

References
1  M. (n.d.). 5 science-backed reasons why percussive therapy is good for you. Retrieved 2022 April 28, from https://hydragun.com.au/blog/5-science-backed-reasons-why-percussive-therapy-is-good-for-you


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