November 25, 2022

MuscleGun – the best massage gun for shoulder pain

Estimated read time 2 minutes.

There are many causes of shoulder pain, the majority of which can be filed under the category of ‘modern life’. Stress, bad posture, hours spent hunched over a computer and poor sleep – these are just some of the factors that can lead to problems in the shoulder area.

Add to that list common sports or exercise-related injuries and it’s no surprise that many of us suffer from shoulder pain. And while some only feel a slight nagging ache, others experience chronic discomfort.

Luckily, we have a solution.

Are massage guns good for shoulder pain?

Yes, they are, and our own MuscleGun Carbon massage gun is one of the best on the market.

When the deltoid muscles in the shoulder are tight or sore, the percussive massage of a massage gun delivers targeted pain relief that’s every bit as effective as massage by hand – and much more affordable than regular trips to a massage therapist.

The high frequency, repetitive strokes of a massage gun penetrate deep into the muscle fibres and tissue and increase blood flow to the area. This helps reduce swelling, which in turn eases the pressure on the nerve endings, and the discomfort you feel.

Another benefit of regular massage with a massage gun is an increase in flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder area – something that only comes once you’ve reduced inflammation and stiffness in the muscles.

The areas to avoid

As effective as massage guns are, there’s a word of warning when using them in the shoulder area. If you have pain or tension that extends up into your neck, resist the temptation to use your massage gun on this incredibly sensitive area.

Using massage guns for shoulder knots

Muscle knots in the shoulder are pretty common, with the muscles feeling sensitive and hard – or ‘knotted’ – to the touch. They also spasm without warning and this can be very painful.

To treat these knots you need to break down the knotted tissues. Using a massage gun to do this couldn’t be simpler:

Choose the right attachment for your shoulder area. The MuscleGun Carbon massage gun comes with a variety of options and we recommend starting with the ball attachment.
Using the control panel on the top of your device, choose your desired speed setting. We suggest starting on setting two.
Gently float the device across the front of your deltoid muscles, upwards and downwards. Do this for about 30 seconds.
Repeat the same motion in the middle of the deltoids. Increase the speed and pressure as required.
Finally, massage the back of your deltoids for a further 30 seconds.