How To Use A Massage Gun
Ever wanted to know how to use a massage gun? Well, stay tuned.
What is a massage gun?
A massage gun (which is also known as vibration or percussion therapy) is a compact portable gadget that some would say resembles a drill in appearance and sound. Most massage guns come with a range of attachments and speeds for relieving muscular discomfort.
Massage guns are frequently used as an alternative to a sports massage. Although they are not as effective as a sports massage, they are a quick and easy method to get some of the benefits of one.
Using a foam roller or a trigger point ball might also provide similar benefits as using a massage gun, however, the latter can target a very precise region if needed. Inflammation and muscular tension can be reduced with the use of a massage gun. This can increase blood flow to the targeted area and can reduce, tightness, tension and discomfort.
How does a massage gun work?
In order to warm up your muscles and improve blood flow to the area, massage guns use vibrations. It’s kind of like a small hammer that repeatedly strikes the soft tissue to enhance blood flow in that region.
If you have any tight muscle tissue or adhesions, mild pressure can assist with loosening them up. This in turn helps to lengthen the muscle fibres, which encourages them to perform better.
When the gun is switched on and applied to your muscles, the attachments vibrate or “percuss” at a high frequency and low amplitude of movement. This is said to promote exercise rehabilitation and enhances overall performance while minimising discomfort.
As long as they’re used appropriately, massage guns are efficient in relieving tension in areas of the body where it’s most prevalent (like the legs, shoulders and lower back). When it comes to warm-ups and cool-downs, they are also quite useful.
What are the benefits of a massage gun?
A massage gun’s primary purpose is to increase athletic performance and help with recuperation. Aside from those reasons, there are several advantages to using a massage gun.
- Assists with relieving pain
- Helps you sleep better
- It’s convenient (used as an alternative for a sports massage)
- Relieves stress and relaxes the body
- Increases blood and lymphatic circulation
- Enhances your range of motion
Which massage gun should I get?
Want a massage gun but not sure where to get one? Well, we highly recommend RecoverFun’s range of massage guns.
Their RecoverFun plus massage gun, especially, has many benefits which include:
Amplitude: RecoverFun Plus is extended to 13mm percussive stroke length and creates a much deeper tissue percussion massage experience.
Motor: The 100-watt brushless high-torque motor brings a compelling impact on your muscles.
Battery Life: 2900mAh (210+ minutes per use). More considerable battery life.
Material: Upgrade to use aluminium composite for the main housing, sturdier and shapelier.
Quietness: Brush-less motor with Silent-Force Technology and Standardized calibration quietly dispel all your fatigue anytime, anywhere.
Senior Attachment: Recoverfun Plus has included the super-soft bouncy massage head (the Recoverfun Flex) as a standard kit. This configuration especially highlights the magic of this massage gun.
How to use a massage gun?
For best results, we’d recommend using a range of methods to help your muscles recover and reduce their tension and tightness. Rather than utilising the massage gun on a daily basis, switch it up: foam roll one day, contrast bath the next, massage gun on the third day, and so forth. A little goes a long way with massage guns. A big muscle group (such as the hamstrings) in some cases only requires 1-2 minutes of attention to notice the benefits and for the smaller muscles, they require 30 seconds to 1 minute.
It’s important not to overstimulate the muscle. Excessive usage forces fluid into the muscle and prevents it from draining. Since it’s such a strong tool, it’s best to keep it on a low setting. Larger people, such as heavyweights, may use higher settings.
When using the massage gun, don’t use excessive pressure on the muscles. Instead, apply it to your skin and massage it in gentle, smooth strokes around your body.
You can use it during your warmup which may also improve your range of motion before working out. This will also increase blood flow to the muscles you want to use throughout the workout.
How not to use a massage gun?
A massage gun should not be used excessively. Try to avoid sore regions, and spend no more than a couple of minutes on each muscle group after a workout or on rest days. You should also be aware of how they are are commonly misused.
Don’t use a massage gun:
- On bony surfaces
- On sprains and strains in the musculoskeletal system
- When it comes to bruising or open wounds,
- If you’re experiencing severe or unexplainable pain, (you should consult your doctor)
- If you have arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, or any musculoskeletal problem without seeing your doctor first
Disclaimer: Massage guns are not a substitute for seeing a professional. If you have an injury, it’s important you see a specialist. A doctor or physical therapist will be able to give you the relevant advice. RecoverFun are a partner and Affiliate with Loving Life.