Should I Buy a Massage Gun?

Steven Murdoch

Steven is an advanced clinical massage therapist located in North London, UK. His blog posts explore persistent (chronic) pain and how we can live and work well - pain free.

Are you feeling fatigued and sore after a long day of work? Do your muscles feel stiff and tight? If so, you may be considering investing in a massage gun.

As a clinical massage therapist I’m regularly asked for my opinion on the effectiveness of massage guns for pain relief.

I don’t use a massage gun in my treatments. This is partly because I like to feel how the tissue behaves.

Having said that, massage guns appear to be very popular and they claim to be very effective for all sorts of things (see below).

So should you buy one? Let’s have a look at the pros and cons.

Some claimed benefits of massage guns

Increased blood circulation
Improved flexibility
Pain relief
Lactic acid release
Injury prevention
Better sleep

Before we explore the pros and cons, let’s first understand what a massage gun is designed to do.

Massage guns are the latest rage in self-care and recovery.

What is a Massage Gun Doing?

The technology behind massage guns is often referred to as Percussive Therapy. The massage device is intended to “float” over the surface of the skin whilst applying vibrations in short bursts of pressure.

When applied to the belly of a muscle or to a tendon it mimics the therapeutic effects of tapotement massage therapy. Tapotement is usually carried out using the side of the hand, or a cupped hand. It is a technique I learned when I first studied massage in the nineties. It’s not a technique I tend to incorporate into sessions now.

The Pros

The biggest advantage of buying a massage gun is that it does appear to help reduce pain and improve muscle strength and flexibility at least in the short-term. That’s according to a systematic research review in 2023.

The review gathered evidence from 13 studies published since 2006. It set out to establish the effects of percussive therapy (PT), delivered with the use of a massage gun.

There were some limitations to the review. Massage guns are a relatively new intervention for musculoskeletal pain and more studies over a longer period of time will be needed to properly appraise the long-term effects. The studies in this review also largely focused on young male athletes and so more research is needed into other demographic groups.

Massage guns are reported to be great for self-care. They’re easy to use and can be used in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can customise the massage intensity and speed to your specific needs.

Finally, massage guns can be a great investment. They’re relatively affordable and can last for years with proper care and maintenance.

The Cons

As with any device, there are some potential drawbacks to using a massage gun.

For one, the head of the gun needs to be perpendicular to the body part you’re massaging for it to be effective. Depending on where that is, it may not be possible to do by yourself.

Some models can also be quite loud. This can be a problem if you’re trying to relax or if you’re in a shared living space.

Study recommends not using a massage gun any higher than neck level.

Another potential issue is that massage guns can be quite expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to look into other massage options.

Finally, massage guns can cause injury if overused or used inappropriately. A case study in the Medicine journal in 2022 reported a man needing eye surgery after displacing a lens, having used a massage gun around his eye for 2 months in an attempt to relieve his headaches. The recommendation from the study? Best not to use a massage gun above the neck!

It goes without saying, it’s important to be mindful of how often you use the device and at what level. If you’re gritting your teeth, your body is saying it’s too much. Ease off! Aim for a therapeutic feeling and don’t forget to give your body time to rest and recover.

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What to Look for When Buying a Massage Gun

Some massage guns come with different types of massage heads.

With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know what to look for when buying a massage gun.

First, consider the type of massage gun you need. If you’re looking for a powerful massage, look for one with a high-torque motor. If you’re looking for something more gentle, look for a massage gun with lower torque.

Next, consider the type of massage head you need. Some massage guns come with different types of massage heads, like ball-shaped or flat-shaped heads, to target different muscle groups. Make sure you choose one that fits your needs.

Finally, look at the battery life. Some massage guns can run for up to six hours on a single charge, while others may be limited to just a few hours. Make sure you choose one that meets your needs.

Finally, check the price. Massage guns can range from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand. Make sure you get the one that fits your budget.

Should You Buy a Massage Gun?

So, should you buy a massage gun?

The decision to buy a massage gun is ultimately up to you. If you’re looking for a convenient way to reduce pain and soreness in the short-term, then a massage gun may be a great option. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to explore other massage options first.

Ultimately, it’s important to keep in mind that massage guns are not a replacement for regular massage therapy. It’s still important to visit a professional massage therapist for regular treatments.

So, should you buy a massage gun? If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to reduce pain and soreness, then a massage gun may be the perfect solution. Just be sure to use it responsibly and to give your body time to rest and recover.