Are you contemplating whether a massage gun is the right addition to your wellness routine? With their rising popularity, these powerful devices promise relief from muscle soreness, improved recovery, and enhanced performance. But with so many options and opinions out there, it can be tough to know if investing in one is worth it. In this article, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about massage guns, helping you understand their benefits, how they work, and whether they’re the right choice for you. Whether you’re an athlete, a physical therapy patient, or simply someone looking to ease tension, you'll benefit from reading what questions we asked our local physical therapist Dr. Brown about massage guns!
Is it safe to use after certain injuries?
Always consult your physician or physical therapist before using any medical tool to treat an injury, but there are many injuries that a massage gun would assist in giving relief to the pain and discomfort we might feel. Using a massage gun to alleviate muscle strain post-workout or sports event can help keep our muscle loose and relaxed. Muscles that feel stiff from sitting in the office during the work week would also benefit from the use of a massage gun, along with any other stiff or sore muscle bodies. This is one of the ways massage guns can be so versatile at home by helping not only major injuries, but minor soreness we might experience day to day.
Not only muscle injuries benefit, but also the lymphatic system. If you have issues with lymphatic movement, a massage gun could help by encouraging that fluid to drain by stimulating the lymph nodes. This boosts our lymphatic flow, in turn, boosting our immune system and blood flow to our extremities.
The injuries you should not use a massage gun for include bone fractures or muscle or ligament tears. This increases the risk of injury and damage to those areas. Even though massage guns can exhibit low amplitudes, the repeated movement can worsen those injuries. Often times, the type of head used on the massage gun dictates if it is appropriate for the type of injury you have. Research the type of heads your massage gun can use or consult your physician or physical therapist to know which would be best for your needs.
How long should/can I use it?
It should take about 5 minutes to relax most areas. There isn't a max time you should use it for, but its benefit lessens the longer you massage the same area. Some quick advice is to use the massage gun for 5 minutes on each area that feels tight or sore and if it's still not feeling better, there might be an underlying issue or something more that needs to be done than the massage gun can do at this time. Know that the massage gun is for relief, but does not resolve most issues or major injuries.
What are the benefits of using a massage gun in a physical therapy clinic?
It allows us to work on muscles in ways that can be less aggravating than digging in with our hands, additionally, it feels great! It allows us to use the variety of head types to accomplish different things. For example, using a soft head can help in bony areas without causing great discomfort. We can also use it on joints to help them stretch in ways that are difficult manually. The vibrations help stretch and relax the joint. Using it in clinic also helps you feel how we use the massage gun in the clinic so you feel more confident at home using it on yourself or family member.
What are the negatives to using a massage gun?
Improper use can cause discomfort. If you use too much pressure, it can cause pain or bruising in those areas. Furthermore, if you have chronic pain conditions, the benefits are more limited than usual, or can cause the pain to increase. If you do have a chronic condition or illness, it is always good to get professional advice before using any medical device.
Can I use a massage gun after I have surgery?
There will be areas that are safe, but before using, always check with your doctor or physical therapist before you do.
Any quick tips for using a massage gun at home?
Use in the belly of the muscle, or often the thickest or center part of your muscle. You don't want to use it at the tendons or where the muscle starts as this can easily cause aggravation and you'll have little feeling of improvement. Another piece of advice is to feel your muscle with your hands first to get an idea of where you want to put the massage gun and where you're feeling the most discomfort.
What is the best brand to buy?
Lots of brands are fine, but look for the features or heads that will benefit your needs the most. I always recommend the brand Theragun for their super soft head that I use daily on joints and very bony areas. It also has a triangular shape helping us reach even the most difficult spots on our back without assistance!
Many brands have similar heads and can give you the benefits you need, and there are many in different price ranges as well- in the end, the goal and use are relatively the same. Find what works best for you and your budget.
Is a massage gun worth the price?
While that answer is up to the individual, I say that they are great if you want to be able to help yourself or a family member from home. If you are unsure about investing in a massage gun, discuss using a massage gun at your next physical therapy appointment and see if your physical therapist would recommend using one or having you try out how it feels before buying one yourself.
At Idaho Family Physical Therapy, we aim to spread education, not just treat your injuries. This helps prevent future injuries as well as help you take care of your health and wellness from the comfort of your own home, throughout the week and in between appointments. As sad as it is to see patients walk out the door for the last time, the goal is to get you to your best self! If you have any further questions about massage guns or want to schedule an appointment, you can do so on our website or give our office a call.
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