Mini massage guns are especially useful for people who have weaker hands, or who have chronic arthritis pain, and can't hold heavier devices comfortably for an extended period. We like that the Theragun Mini has a sleek, ergonomic grip that helps reduce the strain on your hands. Therabody claims that this second-generation Mini is 20% smaller and 30% lighter than its predecessor, making it even more portable and perfect for travel. Massage guns are expensive. Before you part with your cash, ask yourself why you’re buying one and make sure you know which factors to consider. If you mainly want a massage gun for relaxation purposes, a less “punchy” model will likely suffice, and you won’t need to spend so much. However, the geniuses who manufacture these devices figured this out and built a shut-off system into them. Most devices will automatically shut off after about 10 minutes of continuous use. Speed settings: Not all muscle groups can withstand the same pressure. That’s one reason adjustable power settings are an important feature, according to Gangstad. For example, you may want to use a lower setting on more sensitive spots, like the calf, and higher pressure on large muscles like the hamstring. We found this device to be quite large and, at 2.3 pounds, on the heavy side, so it may not be very portable or ideal for long self-massage sessions.

Weight: These devices are often held with one hand, so weight is a vital factor. If a unit is too heavy, you can end up with a fatigued arm, unable to target the correct tissues and get the relief you're looking for. Improve blood flow in the muscles. This helps the body relax and will even activate the muscles before a workout. They also said it was sufficiently powerful, providing instant relief from soreness, even at lower speeds. There were no issues with jolting or juddering over their skin, making for an extremely smooth massage experience. Besides using it for recovery, I also like to use it before sleep. Many athletes, including professional athletes, use massage guns as part of their recovery routine (Lisanti, Si.com 2018). How Much Do Massage Guns Cost?

Powerful, easy to use and affordable, our expert tester was blown away by this sleek little massager. 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.

Natasha Caleel, a licensed occupational therapist and corrective exercise specialist, uses it with clients regularly and finds it to be a great option for athletes at all levels as well as those trying to reduce muscle tension after a tough day at work.

The best massage guns to buy now

However, because 10 minutes may sometimes not be enough, better devices will automatically shut off after 20 minutes. I utilised all four heads, but worked mostly with the bullet. After some pre-season training and a gentle cool down, I used the bullet to release tension in tight regions – namely, the hamstrings. I started with the flat head on its maximum setting, focusing on tender areas to bring a layer of warmth to the tissue. I then identified areas for localised treatment and put the bullet to work, pushing deep to work away any nasty knots. Following 10-15 minutes of identifying, warming and treating the tissue, I rounded off with some static and dynamic stretches, allowing the muscle to contract and release through a range of natural movements. If you’re a regular gym-goer who takes training and recovery seriously, then a high-powered massage gun with Bluetooth and a companion fitness app will be a worthwhile investment. If you want a device to soothe sore muscles after another long day at your desk, then look for a lightweight massage gun that offers various easy-to-attach heads and gentler speed settings. Best for athletes and exercisers who need a quiet gun with speed customization for their massage treatments. The deep tissue massage helps to flush out lactic acid, which can reduce soreness and improve blood circulation (Imtiyaz et. al, Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research 2014). Massage guns can also help with muscle relaxation, which can help you feel more energised and reduce fatigue.

They were judged on how easy they were to control, the impact they had on sore muscles, their ability to move across skin and muscle smoothly, and the effectiveness of any interchangeable massage heads included. The design (how ergonomic the handle was), portability and any other innovative features were also taken into consideration when deciding the final hierarchy. Our winning massage guns boast the Men's Health Lab Approved logo below. Certain medical conditions may also make massage guns unsafe to use in particular areas. For example, Sherry says people with low bone density should proceed with caution. Davé adds that it’s crucial to avoid using a massage gun near surgical wounds, in areas with deep-vein thrombosis (often indicated by swelling, pain, and warmth), or near a pacemaker or any other type of implanted hardware. Pregnant people should also avoid using massage guns, Davé advises. And they should never be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, or acute inflammation.What’s important is that you have a few speeds to choose between, so you can opt for low-intensity massage for everyday muscle relief, medium to boost recovery, and high intensity to get rid of painful knots. Look for three or more optional speeds, which are easy to switch between while you use the device. Vibration from massage guns increases blood flow to the painful area, according to Julie Sherry, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with UW Health in Verona, Wis. This increase in blood flow can flush out metabolites like lactic acid and calcium, which cause muscle contractions and pain after exercise, says Shashank Davé, DO, a physiatrist at Indiana University Health and an associate professor of clinical physical medicine and rehabilitation at IU School of Medicine. So percussive massage, including massage guns, could help sore muscles recover faster. High quality construction, powerful strokes, numerous attachments and speeds, Bluetooth compatible, comes with two external rechargeable batteries You can hear it buzzing, especially when in an enclosed space. But this noise level sounds like an office environment or people conversing – very tolerable and not disruptive at all.