Are Massage Guns Worth The Hype?
You have DOMS (delayed onset muscle strain) for days, sometimes impacting your ability to continue training - can a massage gun be the answer?
There are so many massage guns on the market that it can be difficult to know where to start, know if you need one or even if they live up to the hype.
What do massage guns do?
Massage guns offer similar effects to a massage or a foam roller and are often used to decrease muscle tension, improve soreness, mobility and aid muscle recovery.
Research has shown that massage guns can be effective when reducing DOMS - by using it on the muscles following an intense workout, it can help to ease some of the soreness within 24-72 hours.
Depending on your goals, the use of a massage gun can be effective in improving muscle length and reducing soreness, however there is no research to suggest that it can help improve performance or endurance.
Advantages of a massage gun
- You can target specific areas of your body much better with a massage gun, especially areas that can be hard to reach.
- You can control the pressure of a massage gun, easing off on certain areas if it feels too much.
- Massage guns come with multiple attachments so target specific muscle groups.
Massage guns’ aren’t for everyone and some people may find doing some simple stretching more relaxing. Static stretching uses slow, sustained stretches on the muscles to promote relaxation and reduces muscle tightness. As you don’t need any equipment to stretch, you may find this a cheaper and more convenient option that works for you.
There isn’t any concrete evidence to suggest that massage guns are or aren’t worth it compared to simple at home stretching, but if you are thinking of taking the plunge, there are a few things to be aware of before investing:
- Massage guns can be expensive - look at online reviews on different sites and different price points to see where you can get much more for your money.
- Consider your own personal comfort - which muscles are you wanting to particularly target, do you want it to be portable, are you set on the brand?
- Check the attachments - you want to make sure that the massage gun does as much as it can and part of this is making sure it comes with different attachments, making it easier to reach certain body parts. Some also have different settings.
- Ask around - If you still aren’t sure which massage gun to go for, or if you should even get one at all, ask around. Your PT, gym instructors, friends will all have their own opinions and getting some recommendations will help you decide.