Massage guns provide an effective alternative to foam rollers in your overall fitness and wellness regime when it comes to relieving tightness and soreness in your muscles. A flat head is particularly helpful on denser muscles. It's important to learn how to use a massage gun properly before starting your percussive therapy journey. The massage gun is comfortable to hold, though we thought it felt a tad top-heavy. Best High-End Massage Gun - Softerspot S3 Pro. The Mebak 3 has a main on/off switch at the base of its handle, which is rubberized and has widely spaced vertical ribs. Key Specs:Noise: 40-60 dB | Stall Force: 80 pounds | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: Up to 3 hours, Amplitude is shorter than other massage guns, Some users report battery stops holding a charge. If youve tried that and need some more help, be sure to visit a massage therapist, physiotherapist, or your trusted doctor. The Renpho Massage Gun was one of the cheapest models we tried, and it felt that way. Best for: People who want a quieter massage gun and are willing to trade some intensity for that quality, as well as those who want a wide range of attachments. PMID: 27475510. Ekrin Athletics B37 And 365. Plus, we found it easy to use, set up, and to attach the different attachments it came with. 3.4 and below: We don't recommend massage guns with this rating; you won't find any on our list. RECOVERYPULSE RecoveryPulse Arm $149. 105 reviews. The size makes it easy to maneuver: we never felt like the massage gun was going to slip out of our hands or get too unwieldy while testing. It comes with four head attachments and a smart app that was very helpful with initial setup and even provides how-to video guides. Therapy GunHomedics PA-1 Percussion Massager Variable Speed Double Head w/Heat. We evaluated each device on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for its effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. She considers it an essential part of her training program. So youve been using your massage gun for a while now and youre loving it. 5. The massage gun comes with just one attachment (a hard ball), and it has the lowest continuous battery life (40 minutes) among our test group. As a safety precaution, the Mebak 3 shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of use; you can restart it immediately. To determine if continuous use would stress the motor at all, we ran the massage gun unattended for 15 minutes straight at various speeds, and we experienced no overheating. Dartwood. In general, dont force it, said Christopher Hicks, MD, sports medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine. Ive used foam rollers regularly for years and tested many for our guide to foam rollers. Best for . We did find it difficult to hold with one hand when massaging hard-to-reach areas like the back, so the weight is a compromise to consider if youre looking for a powerful device. As with other body parts, best results come with regular use of the massage gun. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). We found it nice to occasionally switch our grip, and doing so provided added leverage when we wanted to apply more pressure. Flaws but not dealbreakers: During our first few uses, we noticed lubricant leaking out of the attachment point (we experienced this with only one other device, the cheapest model in our test pool). The Theragun Mini is a no-brainer for folks who want the experience of a massage gun without the size/scale of the larger devices. The bullet-shaped attachment is ideal for targeting smaller areas of muscle soreness like your hands and feet. Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 20 pounds | Weight: 1 pound | Customizability: 3 speed settings | Battery Life: 2.5 hours. Still, it was comfortable to use. (You can start it back up immediately.) Compared to opove's previous model, the opove M3 Prowhich was formerly our best overall pickthis model is quieter, keeping its noise level between 45 and 55 decibels when in use. The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is an affordable, lightweight massage gun that packs a powerful punch. Youll notice three terms typically mentioned within massage gun specs: Most massage guns come with a variety of interchangeable attachments that allow you to target particular muscles or deliver a particular kind of massage. Best Massage Gun For Travel: Hypervolt Go 2. It's pleasing to the eye, feels high-quality during use, and has minimal flaws or details that could be changed. The motors that power massage guns can be surprisingly loud, so it can be a rather unpleasant experience to use them on neck and shoulder muscles. We took note of models that we saw repeatedly and that garnered generally positive owner reviews, ultimately choosing 17 massage guns to test. Support Don't use a massager if you have serious injuries. Key Specs:Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 6 hours. When using a massage gun, you should never use it directly on bones or tendons, says Dr. Theresa Marko, a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist. Its 15 mm amplitude is the second highest of our picks (and only one millimeter less than that of the Theragun Prime), and its 55-pound stall force was one of the highest among the models in our test pool. You cannot cycle both up and down through the five speeds (in contrast to the Theragun Primes interface, which allows for that); instead, each touch of the screens fingerprint icon advances the speed up. If you 're all too familiar with the feeling of an aching neck, shoulders or upper back, we 've got just the solution you need with our range of handheld massagers. $65 at Amazon. (We also used an audio-spectrum analyzer app, but mostly we went by ear.) You can even take the help of this massage gun to improve your blood circulation easily. They target muscles with rapid-fire pulses, aiming to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home. Ekrin B37S - SAVE 30%Apply SPRINGDEAL code now backed for a lifetime! Mini massage guns arent the most powerful options on the market, but they definitely get the job done for people looking for basic relief. Anti Cellulite Massage Oil Infused with Collagen and Stem Cell Skin Tightening Cellulite Cream Moisturizing Body Bust Bum . A thumb-oriented power button controls the speed adjustment, and three LED lights indicate the speed. [8] Back: Massage the bulky muscles on either side of the spine in up-and-down motions with the flat head. We also like that you can easily adjust the speed of the massage gun, which makes the device versatile for soothing mild to deep muscle aches. Best Budget Dacorm Massage Gun. The one-button control is convenient for turning on the device and increasing its speed, but note that after reaching maximum speed, the next push of the button returns the speed to level 1 instead of shutting it off completely. Despite the small size, the massage gun has an ergonomic grip you can hold with one hand, three speeds, and 20 pounds of pressure. Imtiyaz S, Veqar Z, Shareef MY. It is quiet at its slowest speed, but we had trouble hearing a TV show while using it on its highest setting. It offers two ways to adjust its speeds (two buttons on the inside of the handle near where your thumb rests and a touchscreen on top) and allows you to cycle up and down through the speeds. Massage Gun Basics: Steps on how to use a massage gun Step 1 : Turn The Massage Gun On Before placing the head of the massage gun on your body, turn the massage gun on first. To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Definitive scientific evidence of their efficacy is scarce, and they can be noisy and expensive. #2. Its unclear whether strong vibrations are effective, but if you find them relaxing, a $30 car buffer works nearly as well as a tool that costs 20 times more. The faster the speed, the more intense the treatment. Skincare gadgets are all over Instagram and TikTok, and now the company behind the Theragun body massage gun wants in on the action. In professional settings, massage guns can enhance what a massage therapist, physical therapist, or athletic trainer can offerwith less wear and tear on the practitioners hands, wrists, and elbows. Can You Bring A Massage Gun On A Plane? But though its attachments stayed secure during use, our unit rattled, a result of the attachment connection point shifting ever so slightly from side to side within the device. The 5 Best Massage Guns of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter A massage gun pummels muscles in the name of rejuvenation and recovery. When testing, it provided a relaxing, effective upgrade to our skincare routine. Vibration Massage Gun. "The first models were basically repurposed jigsaws," says Tom Pepe, CEO of TimTam, one of the top players in the industry. Key Specs:Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours, Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours, Large size compared to other massage guns. The TOLOCO Massage Guns brushless motor is built with noise reduction technology that keeps it at 40 decibels, making it the quietest on our list. Key Specs:Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Customizability: 10 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours. But overall it felt plasticky, and our struggles with the adjustment dial threw us off. Massage guns, also known as percussive therapy devices, help relax and soothe sore muscles, whether you're an athlete or just hunching over a desk all day. The Gladiour massage gun is proof that you don't have to pay $200 for a high-quality massage gun. Battery: Depending on how often you use a massage gun, its battery can last for weeks on one charge. Keep reading for all the important information. We used each massage gun in daily settings to assess its noise level. The Theragun Elite did not score as well as the Prime during our test, but we still think this is a quality massage gun from a trusted brand thats worth the splurge for anyone looking for a higher-tech option. Ive also had my share of physical therapy over the years. This massage gun has a curved neck that can adjust into five different positions, but we found it hard to movewe had to either use two hands or brace the device against the body and adjust from there. Accompanying the M3 Pro Max are five attachments: three made of plastic (bullet, flat, fork), one made of light foam (ball), and one made of a soft, rubbery material (cushion). However, this is a gentler version thats more suitable for your delicate facial skin than the original, which targets deep tissue muscles. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. $423 at Amazon. Consider customization as you think about which muscles you typically need to target and what type of massage therapy you enjoy using on those muscles. How often you use a massage guna few times a day, once a day, once in a blue moondepends on your specific goals, needs, and tolerance. . We like that it can be gripped perfectly with the palm of your hand and easily packs into a gym bag or suitcase, with or without the included carrying case. With a 20-pound stall force and only three speed settings, the Theragun Mini is not as powerful as other massage guns on our list, but we felt a noticeable difference after using it, particularly in hip flexor tension. But with three adapters, you can charge it on the go, and we like that its light weight makes it easy to maneuver to hard-to-reach spots like the low back and feet. It is our policy to make every effort to respect the copyrights of outside parties. Most of those massage guns specifically say not to use them on the neck or face due to potential injury as another commenter pointed . We have picks for different preferences too. The device delivers up to 6,000 vibrations per minute, improving blood circulation on the face and neck. The price of a massage gun ranges quite widely. Its four interchangeable attachments are soft, and its massage style focuses more on the aforementioned rhythms and less on intensity. We noted whether the buttons were too sensitive or overly difficult to press. Alena worked as a fitness trainer for two years. From there, check to make sure there are open wounds or irritation on the skin of the area you're aiming to target. Best Massage Gun On Amazon: Theragun Prime. Warranty: Weve stumbled across more than a few worked fine until it didnt sentiments within customer reviews of massage gunsbatteries stop charging, motors peter out, attachments refuse to hold. (If you want a more advanced version of the Prime, the more expensive Theragun Elite has one more attachment and an OLED display.). First, identify the areas on your body that feel sore or tight, suggests Dr. Shah. Because these devices are often held with one hand, weight is a vital factor. Even on the highest of its three available speed settings, its quieter than the lowest setting of many other massage guns on the market. Did you know that stress is very closely related to muscle pains and headaches? Best for: Those who want a massage gun with an ergonomic bent, an exceptionally long battery life (eight hours), and a notably strong warranty (lifetime). . $129.99. The Theragun Prime promises two hours of battery life, and in our tests it went the distance. Add to trolley. 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great massage guns, but others are better. The package includes four attachments: three made of plastic (flat, fork, trigger-point) and one made of lighter foam (round). The list price on this gun is $50, but it's often available for sale for around $35a. Find more information in the About Us section. Its a good massage gun, but it lacks a few features that the Theragun Prime has. To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). According to Therabodys press release, the $399 TheraFace Pro was born out of customers sharing anecdotal stories of using Theragun devices on their faces. Miernik M, Wieckiewicz M, Paradowska A, Wieckiewicz W. Massage therapy in myofascial TMD pain management. The Theragun Elite is a powerful, easy-to-use massage gun with a comfortable handle. The Aduro Percussion Massage Gun is the cheapest of the massage guns we tried, and in our tests it showed. The Mebak 3, one of the quietest massage guns we tried, comes with seven attachments (the most of our picks) and has a touchscreen display. It features five speeds (from 1,400 ppm to 3,200 ppm) and a 12 mm amplitude. It weighs less than 2 pounds, comes with three plug adapters for international outlets, and is TSA-compliant for carry-on. But for those with weaker, more fragile muscles, we recommend a gentler option, such as RecoverFun's Mini Massage Gun. Additionally, the massage gun attachments of these devices still arent designed for the specific purpose of facial massage, and are too firm/large to get the job done safely. Gary Tanchak, DC is a Chiropractor that takes a comprehensive approach to spinal and extremity injuries. The massage gun works by applying pressure to the muscle, tendons, and ligaments to help them become relaxed, thereby reducing spasms and painful contractions 8. If you're looking for a quieter massage gun, Clampett believes two . Get ready for vibrant skin. Its not surprising that Therabody is tacking on these particular treatments to its facial massager. You can use this massage gun on almost all your muscles to reduce the pain, stress, swelling and tension. Stand on two feet. (People with smaller hands might appreciate the size.) But really, it's not just vibrations with massage guns. As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how critical a quality recovery practice is to a persons overall fitness routine. Handheld Massage Equipment. But the experience was pleasant, and this massage gun does the job for significantly less than the Theragun Prime. The company, which launched in 2011, is focused on recovery: Its ancillary brands include Normatec (compression) and Venom (heat therapy). The Ekrin B37 comes with four attachments (clockwise from top right): ball, bullet, fork, and flat. Float the attachment over the area youre targeting and adjust the pressure as you go. Its likely that competitors will mimic this device and create more affordable options in the future, but for now this is the best and only way to go for a device that offers safe and effective facial massage. Meet Therabody's TheraFace Pro. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These massage guns are excellentthey might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. *At the time of publishing, the price was $249. The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is a lightweight and portable massage gun built for traveling. We preferred a variety of discernable speeds. Buy TheraFace PRO $399 A palm-sized device no larger than. Massage one area less Moisturize skin before the massage More vitamin E in your diet Don't Damage Your Skin If you're experiencing skin irritation like burning, itching is stinging. (Most make a fair racket.). The Hypervolt 2, the newest version (the original Hypervolt is discontinued), costs about the same as the Theragun Prime. Page 1 of 1. If youre looking to splurge on an effective device, the TheraFace Pro is worth it to level up your self-care routine. We are currently testing this product and will update our article with insights about the newer version very soon. The TOLOCO is versatile and easy to use. PMID: 23356206. Generally, youd have to buy multiple devices, one for each type of treatment. Avoid using a massage gun on bone, tendons, ligaments, and the trunk of your neck (near your carotid arteries). This massage guns specs do not list a stall force, but the device does have a pressure sensor (represented by a display of five LED lights). As you stick your hips out to one side, you will feel a bony area on that side of your hip push into your hand. Best budget: Cryotex Massage Gun, $25. We like the ability to cycle up and down through all five speeds, a feature that none of our other picks have. Begin by choosing an attachment that will complement the muscle group youre treating. Xiaomi Massage Gun can provide high-level performance in the above three aspects, along with the intelligent power control, to give you stable deep tissue massage. The D9 is durable and has a 10-minute auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating, making it a safe choice. Shop Derm-Approved Facial Massagers: Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System $209.00 Shop As for Engelman, she recommends the Conture Kinetic Skin Toning System. This is the most we came across. 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