When used correctly, a muscle massage gun can help you recover faster and become more resistant to injuries. It can also be a great tool to aid in warming up and improving performance before an event or training session.
A muscle massage gun, or “percussive” device, vibrates or “persuades” your muscles with a high frequency and low amplitude of movement. It is said to reduce muscle soreness, increase flexibility, and improve recovery time after a workout or competition. Many pro athletes have been seen using these tools, including NBA star Kyrie Irving.
Muscle Massage Guns: Your Ultimate Guide to Faster Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief
Various attachments can be attached to the tool for specific muscle groups. For example, a fork attachment is ideal for lumbar and thoracic spinal muscles, while a soft padded head offers a little bit of give to avoid hitting bones or sensitive areas. Experts caution that a massage gun should be used on only muscles and not joints or bones since the vibrations can cause them to hurt. They also recommend avoiding massaging any one muscle group for more than two minutes at a time to prevent overworking the area.
While research is limited, some experts suggest that using a massage gun can be beneficial in addition to regular physical therapy or myofascial release treatment. However, it is not a replacement for dynamic stretching and should be used as part of your pre-exercise warm-up routine.