Massage guns, also known as percussion or vibration therapy guns, offer many benefits to the body without the need to go to the nearest massage parlour. This recovery tool may look and sound like a power drill at first, but rather than boring holes, a massage gun delivers soothing massage via a selection of modes and settings that control speed, intensity and frequency. While percussive therapy guns were originally designed to be used by or on athletes, they're progressively becoming more popular among ordinary people looking for a soothing massage experience at home.
How do Massage Guns work?
Massage guns help to relieve sore muscles by stimulating blood flow to the muscles. Massage guns utilise a number of different, interchangeable heads to deliver concentrated, high frequency vibrations or percussion to muscles in a manner similar to a professional massage. When you get a professional massage, the therapist will typically use their hands, wrists and even elbows to deliver alternate light and hard pressure to muscle groups to help them relax and increase blood flow. With a massage gun, you get many of the same benefits, without the need to leave your home. Everyone suffers from aches and pains at some stage, whether it’s after exercise or simply from stress. Athletes typically use massage guns before a workout or practice to help warm up and loosen muscles to help avoid injury, but a gun could just as readily be used to soothe stiff shoulders after a day working at a computer. This may explain the rising popularity of massage guns. Thanks to the number of different vendors that can be found online sellers, buying a massage gun in Australia is easy.
Effect of Massage Guns
Massage guns are typically used to treat sore muscles, relieve muscle tension and temporarily increase circulation to muscle groups. Massage is great for increasing blood flow to muscles, and can also reduce stress and pain, as well as improve alertness, energy and even nerve function. Massage guns can help prepare the body for a workout while reducing the risk of having a muscle strain and also help after working out to relieve muscle soreness.
Best ways to use a Massage Gun
When using a massage gun, a little goes a long way. It’s typically recommended that the use of a massage gun is limited to one to two minutes on a large muscle group such as the quadriceps. It is also suggested that use is limited to one or two times per week to avoid any muscle strain and maintain peak effect. Excess use may lead to the muscles feeling tired. Massage guns can deliver a burst of powerful vibrations so moat people should keep the devices on lower settings.
When not to use a Massage Gun
Using a massage gun should never cause you any pain. If you feel pain, a pins and needles sensation or ache, you should cease using the gun immediately. Any pain may be an indicator of muscle damage or another condition that may be aggravated by continued stimulation. Massage guns are recommended for use only on muscles rather than joints or areas with nerve clusters or bones that aren’t amply protected by a layer of muscle. Intense vibration or percussion may lead to nerve irritation or bone damage if used incorrectly or for prolonged periods. You should also avoid using a massage gun on areas with an open wound, lesions, or any bone fracture or bruising, as the intense vibrations may worsen your condition.
Although many people experience neck stiffness and pain, a massage gun should never be used on neck muscles, as doing so may affect neck alignment or even damage your carotid artery. You may safely use a massage gun on other parts of your body like your shoulders to relieve muscle tension and alleviate strain on the neck.
Keep in mind that massage guns are not a permanent solution to all your aches and pains. If you are experiencing aches and pains for extended periods, or have stiffness or injury after exercise, you should schedule an appointment to see a physiotherapist . The fastest and easiest way to search for and book healthcare appointments online is through MyHealth1st.
How to use a Massage Gun
Even if you don’t have any experience with giving massages you can still use a massage gun to relieve muscle tension. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of a massage gun.
- Use it Slowly
Massage guns can be very powerful so be careful, especially if you are already in pain. Start on the lowest setting at first and gradually increase the intensity if needed. Don’t start with strong vibration as this may exacerbate tension rather than relieve it.
- Avoid Bones and Joints
Though using a massage gun directly on a bone, such as an elbow or shin is unlikely to cause serious damage, doing so will likely cause pain and may result in bruising. Massage guns are designed to work on large muscle groups such as the quadriceps, calves, and glutes.
- Keep it Moving
Although muscle pain may be centred in one spot, you should not simply apply a massage gun to that area and leave it. You can leave a massage gun in place for a short while, but you should keep the gun moving around the affected area for best results.
- Less is More
A 60 or 90 minute professional massage is a great way to relax and relieve stress, but you don’t need to dedicate that amount of time to relieve muscle tension with a massage gun.
You should only focus on each body part you wish to massage for a few minutes. Those few minutes are enough to get the benefits of the massage gun without running the risk of hurting yourself.
Despite the benefits a massage gun can offer, they must still be used with caution. Avoid areas with major arteries, nerve clusters, and internal organs (like the liver). Monitor how your body reacts to the machine - if something doesn’t feel right or you find you are in pain after use you should stop immediately.