How to use a muscle massage gun - the ultimate guide
Estimated read time 5 minutes.
It’s been hard to escape the rise in popularity of massage guns – also referred to as muscle massage guns – in recent years. From pro and amateur athletes to regular gym goers and those looking for relief from muscle aches and pains, more and more of us are reaching for massage guns to improve our quality of life.
What makes muscle guns so popular is the fact they’re so easy to use, and the benefits they offer are huge. We get asked about our muscle gun products all the time, so we’ve created this guide to explain everything you need to know.
From getting started and looking at how to use your muscle gun correctly, to expert hints and tips for enjoying the greatest gains possible, we’ve got you covered.
What exactly is a muscle gun?
Let’s start by taking things right back to basics. A muscle gun is a wireless handheld device that lets you give yourself a powerful, effective massage without having to pay an expert massage therapist.
Muscle massage guns really are a game-changer because they bring the world of self-massage to everyone at anytime.
How does a muscle massage gun work?
They work by vibrating at a high-frequency when pressed against a specific area of the body. This vibrating technique is called percussive massage therapy, and you can adjust the speed and depth of the massage to suit your needs and preferences.
By penetrating deep into the muscle fibres and surrounding tissue, the flow of blood and oxygen around the targeted area is stimulated. What you feel is an almost instant relief from muscle tension, tightness and pain.
How to use a massage gun correctly
So, having a massage gun device is one thing, but to get the maximum benefit you need to use it in the right way. Here’s how easy it is to operate our own muscle gun Carbon
- Whether you’re looking for muscle recovery or a tension-relieving massage, just attach the appropriate tip to the device and you’re ready to go.
- Turn your massage gun on. The power button on our Carbon is found on the top of the device.
- Float your device across the muscle group you want to treat. You can adjust the massage intensity levels and use the light indicators to choose from five different speed settings.
At MuscleGun we’ve even developed our own app, DEEP, to ensure you’re getting the best results. Voice-guided, and with over 40 guided exercises and focus techniques, DEEP helps you enjoy the best deep tissue massage experience possible.
How long should I use a muscle gun for?
That really depends on the results you’re trying to achieve, but we recommend using your device for a minimum of 30 seconds to a maximum of three minutes per muscle group.
Even with short periods of use, you’ll really feel a positive effect. It’s been found that just five minutes with a muscle gun can achieve the same results as you’d get from 20 minutes with a professional massage therapist.
Are massage guns good for you?
That’s a great question, and the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. There are many benefits to using a massage gun, all of which help you live freer and with less discomfort. When used correctly, massage guns produce the same affect as deep tissue massage, which is a popular, respected and scientifically researched practice.
Using a massage gun can help to:
- Reduce muscle swelling and inflammation that can cause soreness and stiffness.
- Stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen and instantly alleviate muscle tension, tightness and pain. After exercise this can help you recover faster and reduce the risk of injury.
- Increase the range of motion and function you enjoy by providing a gentle stretch to your muscles.
- Improve responsiveness and performance by elongating muscle fibres, especially if you struggle with muscle spasms, stiffness or restriction of movement.
How do I know when to use a muscle massage gun?
With massage guns being so versatile – not to mention convenient – you can use them whenever and wherever you want. Here are some times when they could help you:
-
Before exercise
Use your massage gun as part of your warm-up to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen around the targeted areas and help prevent injuries. -
After exercise
A deep tissue percussive massage helps your body flush unwanted toxins and speed up your recovery. By removing any built-up lactic acid you can also avoid the dreaded Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). -
Anytime
Muscle guns aren’t just for those who take their exercise seriously. So many of us today are stationary workers, sat at our desks crouched over a computer. This can lead to all kinds of muscular pains and tightness.
Anyone looking to relieve muscle tension caused by the strains of modern life, or those that come with age, will feel the benefits. Just some of the areas where a massage gun can offer relief, include:- Neck
- Upper and lower back pain
- Glutes
- Rotator cuff
- Hands, forearms and elbows
- Hamstrings
- IT bands
Massage therapy with a muscle gun also helps with specific pains and ailments, such as:
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Sciatica pain
- Plantar fasciitis
When to avoid using a muscle massage gun
It’s perfectly safe for a muscle massage gun to become part of your daily routine, but there are times when you should avoid using them.
Never massage an area that’s bruised or where the skin is broken. Also, avoid particularly bony parts of the body or areas where you feel severe pain.
If you use a massage gun for a prolonged period on a single muscle or muscle group, this too can become painful. If this happens, take a break and double check the guidelines on the maximum length of massage.
Which muscle massage gun should I choose?
There’s certainly no shortage of options out there, but we believe it’s hard to look beyond our range of market-leading products, including our MuscleGun Carbon massage gun. It was voted no.1 in its category by Men’s Health magazine, so you don’t have to just take our word for how great it is.
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