Introduction
Percussion Massager Gun have grown in popularity in recent years, with many pro athletes, including Patrick Mahomes and Russell Westbrook, endorsing them. The price ranges from $50 for entry-level models to $700 for the most expensive models. The question is, are Percussion Massager worth the money? Companies that sell Massager Gun claim that their products can relieve pain, increase range of motion, and reduce symptoms of soreness or stiffness. Massage guns are also marketed as a way to improve post-workout recovery time and to shorten warm-up times so that people can begin working out sooner. We\'ll dig in and see if the current literature backs up these claims.
Strength and Range of Motion
Researchers investigated whether massage guns could actually improve range of motion as advertised in a 2020 article. This study divided 16 adult males into two groups. One group received a 10-minute bike warm-up followed by 5 minutes of treatment with a Percussion Massager. The control group received only a 10-minute bike warm-up with no massage gun treatment. The plantar flexors, a group of calf muscles that aid in pushing off the ground, were the treatment area of focus. The Massager Gun group had a 5.4 degree increase in plantar flexion and the control group had no increase in range of motion.
The above study\'s researchers discovered no difference in strength between the massage gun group and the control group. These findings are supported by a 2019 study that looked into the effects of massage guns on vertical jump height. The researchers discovered that using a Percussion Massager did not improve physical performance as measured by vertical jump height when compared to rest.
Massage guns are famous for their ability to reduce soreness and pain while also facilitating recovery. Researchers tested whether Massager Gun were as effective as or better than traditional massage therapy in preventing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). According to preliminary research, vibration therapy for 5 minutes reduced DOMS to the same extent as traditional massage therapy 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after exercise. Vibration therapy also resulted in less lactate accumulation 48 hours after exercise and lower subjective pain levels.
Risks
Before purchasing and using a massage gun, there are some risks to consider. The main dangers are increased soreness, bruising, and potential muscle damage. A recent case was reported in which a person used a Percussion Massager after exercise and developed rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue. Rhabdomyolysis can be a potentially fatal condition if not treated properly. The person in this case study did not engage in any strenuous exercise, only daily cycling, and had no prior history of illness. The researchers believe this case was caused by trauma from using the Massager Gun for extended periods of time (greater than 10 minutes).
Conclusion
The current literature is inconclusive on whether Percussion Massager provides the benefits that their manufacturers claim. According to preliminary research, there may be some potential benefits to using massage guns, such as increased range of motion, decreased subjective pain levels, and faster recovery time. However, all current research employs small sample sizes and young age groups, with little emphasis on the potential drawbacks of massage guns. The study also found that using massage guns was no more effective than traditional massage techniques. To definitively determine the benefits, contraindications, and adverse risks associated with the use of Percussion Massager, additional research with larger sample sizes is required. If you have or plan to try a Massager Gun, begin slowly and gradually increase the intensity and frequency of use. Consult your physical therapist or another medical professional if you notice any unusual aches or pains.