Each massage gun was trialled for a three-week period, used to prime and relieve our experts' muscles around their fitness-filled schedule of weightlifting, HIIT, running, yoga and more. It may be the size of a small water bottle, but it’s brimming with impressive features. You get five interchangeable heads (most mini massagers come with just one or two) and there are five speed settings to flit between, giving you a whopping 25 massage combos to try. If you need some guidance, there’s a handy user manual, which provides step-by-step routines for warm-up, mobility and recovery. According to our tester, these were genuinely useful.

Imtiyaz, S., et al. (2014). To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

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In a 2014 study, researchers found percussive therapy and deep massage to be equally effective in preventing delayed onset muscle soreness. They also found preliminary evidence that percussive therapy can reduce pain and help lessen the amount of lactate dehydrogenase buildup in the muscles following a workout. However, this study only involved 45 people, all of whom were female. Additional research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness across a larger population. Generally, a higher price tag will indicate a more reliable product and, when fully charged, a decent massage gun should last for a few days to a week, based on around 15 minutes' use per day. Men's Health Lab Approved The Multi-Device Wireless Charger is compatible with PRO, Elite, and Wave Roller™. Only ONE device can be charged at a time. The Multi-Device Wireless Charger is NOT intended for use with mobile phones, tablets, or any devices other than the ones described here and doing so may result in damage. Charging your PRO or Elite

Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. The weighted blanket brand we love also makes great massagers, as it turns out. This little device is powerful. Even level one moves so fast it's hard to see. More and more devices are adding heat, as this one does. The metal attachment reaches 126 degrees Fahrenheit and is controlled by a button directly on it, rather than the main button on the handle. This means you can use it with or without pulsations, and even without it being attached to the device at all. The attachment needs to be charged separately, too. It has its own USB-C charging port, which I've never seen before (it comes with two chargers). This warranty provides you with specific legal rights. You may have additional rights, which may vary from state to state. Because of individual state regulations, some of the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. Our expert said it was a cinch to use, with one responsive control button that was easy to reach mid-massage for cycling through the speeds. The lights help show which setting you’re on and will signal when it’s almost out of juice, ensuring you never have to skip a post-workout pummel.Another small study found that vibration devices helped with muscle soreness and range of motion. However, they did not assist muscle recovery. Place the base of your Wave Roller on the plate of the Multi-Device Wireless Charger, with the traditional charging port and functional buttons facing upwards.

The company says this massager uses Rhythm Therapy based on vibroacoustic science and offers a wider frequency range and lower amplitude than other massage guns. It claims this can "help nourish the body’s parasympathetic mode" to promote rest or increase energy, depending on which function you choose. I can't say if it was vibroacoustically soothing me to sleep, and its highest level isn't as powerful as others in this guide, but I liked using it for day-to-day needs. According to a 2020 study, percussive therapy can increase range of motion without hampering muscle power. As a result, the researchers recommend using percussive therapy before physical activity to increase flexibility without sacrificing performance. However, the study only included 16 people, all of whom were male.

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As we exercise and challenge our muscles, we cause breakdown within the muscle fibers, which in turn stimulates muscle growth and regrowth, hypertrophy (increased muscle size), and strength. Mechanical stimulation of a muscle [with a device like the Theragun] causes increased blood flow and the release of histamines to the stimulated area. What this does is allow the increased blood flow to decrease the inflammatory response, decrease muscle soreness, and break up knots in athletes' musculature." Plonksi has seen anecdotal evidence supporting the use of a Theragun-like device, and no apparent negative effects, but she recommends people always talk to a physician before trying a device. The LED light of the Multi-Device Wireless Charger will light up when properly connected. The PRO and Elite are fully charged when the battery icon on the device’s OLED screen is full. The PRO and Elite can remain on the Multi-Device Wireless Charger even when fully charged. Standard Ball- Perfect for overall use on large and small muscle groups, with a firmer touch than the Dampener. I like the breathwork feature that walks you through deep breathing via the LCD screen, paired with a heart rate sensor. This is also on the Theragun Sense device, below, if you don't need all the other features here. Compared to the 6th-gen Pro, you get a better carrying case, but lose the rotating arm.

Our experts at the MH Lab tested the mettle of the best massage guns on the market. And, as the list below shows, they were more than up to the challenge. Updated November 2023: We've added the three newest Theragun devices, the Pro Plus, Sense, and Relief. We've also removed other options that are no longer available and updated prices throughout. Cone- Used mostly for pinpoint muscle treatment and commonly used on smaller muscle groups, including the hands and feet. Large Ball- Used mostly for treatment of large muscle groups. Commonly used on glutes, hamstrings, and quads. When you're browsing the best massage guns, ideally your purchasing priorities should centre on noise control, battery life and quality.This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or abuse, accident, liquids, including but not limited to, water or lotions, the attachment of any unauthorized accessories, alteration to the product, improper use, unauthorized repairs or modifications, improper use of electrical power supply, loss of power, variation in line voltage, dropped product, malfunction or damage of an operating part from failure to provide manufacturer's recommended maintenance, transportation damage, theft, neglect, vandalism or environmental conditions, loss of use during the period the product is at the Theragun repair facility or otherwise awaiting parts or repair or any other conditions whatsoever that are beyond the control of Therabody. Move slowly up and down the length of the muscle for around 30 seconds – if you find a particularly sore spot (or ‘trigger point’), spend a little more time on it, but there's no need to apply more pressure. Try not to wince. To turn on the Theragun mini, firmly press and hold for 2 seconds the multi-functional power/speed button on the right side of the device. Theragun Percussive Therapy has a variety of benefits, helping to prevent body aches and pains, greatly reducing muscle tension in seconds, boosting mobility and range of motion, and increasing blood flow to the area to reduce soreness, tightness and pain,’ explains Dr Jason Wersland, chiropractor and Therabody founder. ‘It can also assist with accelerating the repair and growth of tissues.’ How Do I Use a Massage Gun?