February 16, 2023

Massage gun for tendonitis

Estimated read time: 3 minutes.

Tendonitis is a common condition that occurs when tendons become inflamed, irritated, or damaged due to overuse, injury, or ageing. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities. While there are a variety of treatments available for tendonitis, massage guns have emerged as a potential option for relieving pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

Massage guns such as our MuscleGun Carbon are handheld devices that use percussive therapy to deliver deep tissue massage to targeted areas of the body. By generating rapid, high-frequency vibrations, the device can penetrate deep into the tissue, helping to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected area.

Can a massage gun help with tendonitis?

When it comes to tendonitis, massage guns may be particularly effective in helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. By targeting the affected area with the device, the vibrations can help to promote blood flow and circulation, allowing the body to naturally heal and repair the inflamed tissue.

Specifically, massage guns can be useful for treating bicep tendonitis and Achilles tendonitis, which are two of the most common types of tendonitis. Bicep tendonitis occurs when the tendon that connects the bicep muscle to the shoulder becomes inflamed or irritated, causing pain and discomfort in the upper arm. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes inflamed, causing pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle.

You may be interested that we’ve also written separately and more specifically about using a muscle massage gun on the Achilles tendon.

How to use a muscle massage gun to alleviate bicep or Achilles tendonitis

To use a massage gun to alleviate bicep or Achilles tendonitis, it's important to start with a low intensity and work your way up. Begin by targeting the area around the affected tendon, holding the device firmly and pressing it against the muscle. Allow the vibrations to penetrate deep into the tissue, and move the device slowly and steadily across the area, focusing on any areas of tension or discomfort.

When targeting the bicep muscle, it's important to be cautious and avoid putting too much pressure on the shoulder joint. Instead, focus on the upper arm and bicep muscle itself, moving the device up and down the muscle to promote blood flow and alleviate pain.

When targeting the Achilles tendon, it's important to avoid putting too much pressure on the back of the ankle, as this can exacerbate the condition. Instead, focus on the calf muscles and the area around the tendon, working the device up and down the muscle to promote blood flow and alleviate pain.

How effective is a massage gun at relieving tendonitis?

In terms of effectiveness, there is limited research on the specific benefits of using massage guns for tendonitis, and their effectiveness may vary depending on the severity and location of the condition. However, some experts believe that massage guns may be a viable option for treating this condition, particularly when used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as rest, ice, and physical therapy.

Overall, massage guns may be a useful tool for managing the symptoms of tendonitis, including bicep and Achilles tendonitis. By promoting blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation, and breaking up scar tissue, massage guns can help to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with these conditions. When using a massage gun, it's important to start with a low intensity and work your way up, and to avoid putting too much pressure on the affected area. With proper use and caution, massage guns may be an effective option for managing the symptoms of tendonitis and improving overall quality of life.

Please note, we always recommend consulting with your doctor or physician before using a massage gun to treat any ailment or injury.