Self-care has become a priority during the pandemic. With all of us stuck at home, taking care of our health by staying fit is a must. That’s why, a lot of self-care tools have popped up recently, such as the massage gun.
With the amount of hype it has received, you’ve probably seen massage guns on social media. It’s one of the biggest trends today. You’ll see it in slow-mo videos, where it does its magic by creating a cool, rippling effect on the muscles.
Many people have also caught on the trend, from celebrities to Olympic athletes. However, the big question is, are massage guns legit? Or is it just overblown by hype? This article will explore the details about this self-care device and how it can affect your health.
Are massage guns based on science, or is it just a throwaway gadget? To see if these are truly effective, let’s look into its scientific history.
The core concept of massage guns came from percussive therapy, also known as vibration therapy. It’s a massage method dating back to the 19th century.
Dr. John Kellogg, known for inventing cereal, was also one of the pioneers for percussive therapy. He created a massage apparatus for his patients. While his inventions looked too bulky, they opened the way for modern self-massage.
Fast forward to the 21stcentury, and you get percussive therapy through massage guns. Various scientific studies back them up. For example, a 2014 research stated that a massage gun can be more effective than traditional massage.
Have you accidentally pulled a muscle before? How about unbearable backaches? These painful situations can happen daily, especially when you’re always sitting at home. The good news is, there’s an efficient way to prevent it.
By using a massage gun for less than 10 minutes, you’ll feel quick pain relief. How is that possible? Well, this device works with targeted vibration. The massage gun provides fast, rhythmic pulses, reaching deep and soothing your muscle knots.
The result? It reduces muscle pain in the shortest time possible. Massage guns are also ideal if you’re suffering from chronic pain. For example, those with fibromyalgia include massage guns in their routine. It manages the pain and allows them to continue with daily activities.
If you’ve done any strenuous activity in the past, then you’re probably familiar with DOMS.
DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness, is when your overworked muscles try to repair themselves. As a result, you’ll feel muscle soreness and swelling. Sometimes, it even lasts up to 3 days.
To stop your muscles from cramping up, take some time off with a massage gun. Research shows that it’s better than foam rolling and other types of recovery. You can also use it without any hassle. There’s no need to go out and pay a massage therapist for multiple appointments.
Unlike comic book superheroes, no one can rebuild their injured muscles in an instant. However, massage guns can speed up your recovery.
As the automatic massager pummels gently onto your muscles, it stimulates blood circulation. The more blood going through your arteries, the faster recovery you can have. With consistent use, massage therapy can aid with muscle rehabilitation, as suggested by a 2014 study.
Flexibility can vanish with age and a sedentary lifestyle. There will be a time when you can’t reach the sore spots in your back anymore. Simple motions such as walking or reaching the cupboard might also be a challenge.
To increase your range of motion, include two things in your schedule.The first is physical exercise, which you can do anywhere.
The second is to massage your stiff muscles. For us staying at home, the perfect tool for that is a massage gun.
When applied to specific muscle groups, a massage gun improves your range of motion by 50 to 80%. That’s a shocking health gain from a small device. Whether you’re an athlete warming up, or an office worker with limited flexibility, massage guns can be fit for everyone.
Have you ever wanted to drift off, but you can’t due to a crick in your neck? Or a frozen shoulder? It’s not an easy experience. To make it worse, you try to sleep it off, only to wake up grumpy and still in pain.
A massage gun can alleviate this hassle. By letting it work its magic on your muscles, you’ll get better sleep in no time. According to a recent study, 87% of users fall asleep 4 minutes and 5 seconds quicker than before. 70% of them also had fewer sleep interruptions after a massage gun session.
Since you’ve learned the science and effects of massage guns, should you go ahead and buy one now? Not so fast. With so many massage gun brands today, it isn’t easy to choose the best one. Here’s a quick guide on how to select the perfect recovery tool for you.
Massage guns are notorious for being noisy. These devices buzz a lot, attracting stares from people around you. The good thing is, a lot of massage guns have changed up recently.
When looking for a massage gun, check its noise level. You don’t want it to sound like a power tool. Ideally, it should buzz at a volume of 30 to 50 dB, which is quieter than a refrigerator. With a quiet massage gun, you can use it anytime without bothering anyone.
If the massage gun does not look practical, then it’s a complete bust. It’s supposed to have an ergonomic design, especially if you have mobility issues. For starters, look for a massage gun with an angled, non-slip handle.
It should also be lightweight. Massage guns usually weigh 2.5 lbs, similar to carrying a pineapple. 2.5 lbs might not seem much, but it can strain your wrist. To test it out, switch your device from one hand to another, while reaching every sore spot in your body.
Another feature to look out for is convenience. Massage guns work for you. It should adjust to your physical needs, instead of the other way around.
For example, an excellent massage gun has several attachable heads. You can switch from one head to another for different muscle groups. At the very least, get a massage gun with more than 5 attachments.
It should also have a wide range of speed settings, from gentle to deep-tissue massage. If you find these features, then you’re guaranteed to have an easy, customizable experience.
Did you know, the first massage guns only run for 2 hours? You always had to carry extra batteries or worry about finding a charging station. It was an annoying disadvantage.
Fortunately, massage gun brands stepped up their game. The new, upgraded versions today offer long battery lives. To ensure you’re getting the best, buy a massage gun that lasts for 6 hours. It can provide almost a month’s worth of massage sessions, only from a single charge.
This point is probably stating the obvious, but it’s never too late to remind you. Always check the reviews first.
By scanning through online reviews, you should be able to answer the following questions.
● Does it have a high rating?
● How many people used this massage gun before?
● What can they say about their firsthand experience?
● Do professional athletes and experts approve of it?
To get the best massage gun out there, cut through the hype. Its real value relies on scientific proof, optimized features, and customer reviews. Based on these factors, you can gauge how a massage gun fits into your lifestyle. More importantly, you can try it for yourself and see how it goes.
Disclaimer
We have not been paid, nor given any merchandise or product by Hydragun in the publishing of this article
The average person will spend around 26 years of their life sleeping and an additional 7 years just trying to get to sleep!
Disclaimer: We have not been paid/given this product by Correct Toes. This is a personal view and we experimented on our own accord.
