Can Massage Guns Really Reduce Muscle Pain?
Percussion massage guns have recently become a popular recovery tool among medical professionals, trainers, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. These portable therapeutic massagers are intended to make you feel better by increasing blood flow, decreasing tension, lowering sorrow, and enhancing motion — all of which can lead to better warming and faster recovery. They have the appearance and sometimes the sound of power tools.
Massage guns work by sending vibrational pulses directly to your muscles. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, both vibrations therapeutic and conventional massage is effective in reducing delays in the onset of muscle soreness. However, in addition to pain relief, vibration therapy helps reduce the levels of lactic acid in your post-workout body. So, while static rehabilitation products like molds may dig into tight spots and loosen muscles, vibration proponents may be on to something.
HOW TO USE A MASSAGE GUN
While your physiotherapist or chiropractor may use a percussive massage gun in your treatment, you may also use the device.
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Slowly press down. Massage weapons can be extremely powerful, so use caution, especially if you are already sore. “I begin and progress all of my athletes at the lowest level.”
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Avoid bone. When you hammer away at a bone, you probably won’t cause any damage, but it won’t be pleasant. Instead, we recommend that you begin with larger muscle groups like glutes, quads, calves, lats, and traps until you can hang your weapons. “Use your other hand as a guide to help identify good areas to avoid,” we advise.
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Keep it moving. Make sure you don’t press too hard or stay in one spot for too long. It is very easy to cause more harm than good. For the best results, keep the weapon moving.
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More is not better. While a 90-minute massage with real human hands can be amazing, you don’t have to work that long. We like to focus on each body part for a few minutes before moving on to something else. It is time to reap the full benefits of the treatment without causing trauma or inconvenience to those around you.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE USING A MASSAGE GUN
When using a massage gun for the first time, as with anything, you should proceed with caution. This appears to be self-evident but avoids major arteries, nerves, and internal organs. Pay attention to how your body reacts and take a step back if something doesn’t feel right.
We also emphasize that percussion massage guns are not a one-size-fits-all solution for all of your physical ailments. Instead, they are a component of a comprehensive treatment plan. We love using deep tissue massagers as part of an athlete’s rehab program, but they won’t magically heal an injury. If your injury isn’t improving, consult a medical professional.
