As we exercise and challenge our muscles, we cause breakdown within the muscle fibers, which in turn stimulates muscle growth and regrowth, hypertrophy (increased muscle size), and strength. Mechanical stimulation of a muscle [with a device like the Theragun] causes increased blood flow and the release of histamines to the stimulated area. What this does is allow the increased blood flow to decrease the inflammatory response, decrease muscle soreness, and break up knots in athletes' musculature." Plonksi has seen anecdotal evidence supporting the use of a Theragun-like device, and no apparent negative effects, but she recommends people always talk to a physician before trying a device. With it, you’ll get a 20-speed brushless motor that is not only powerful, but relatively quiet, too. With that many speeds, there’s bound to be a speed that fits your preferences. Better yet, it’s only about 1.5 pounds, and has an easy-to-hold handle with a silicon grip. The Sonic has the most massage head attachments of all the massage guns on this list. However, it's on the bigger side so it's not suitable for traveling. An issue I had with the Sonic is that I had to set it at the highest setting to feel the power of the massage gun. This is less common with heavy-duty massage guns, like the Theragun, because you can feel the intensity at the lowest setting. Another aspect that could be improved is the design on the body of the gun. It's made up of plastic, which makes it appear less durable.

Don't forsake other techniques altogether, though: many athletes and casual gym-goers will find a sweet spot between different methods, including visits to the masseuse, foam rolling and salt baths. One downside to consider? While many of these massage guns don't register highly on the decibel scale, they're not exactly silent either. What massage gun do pros use? The Large Ball- The most commonly used attachment. Depending on the manufacturer, it’s made of either a dense rubber or hardened foam. Designed to treat both large and medium group muscles, this is the tip to use if you want to use a massage gun on your legs or calves. Overall, the most versatile massage gun tip of the bunch.In addition to the massage gun, drink lots of water. When you exercise, toxins and lactic acid are circulating in the blood. To flush your body of those contaminants, water is the primary transporter. People with chronic pain also need to be extra careful with percussive massage. Fredericson says deep pressure could cause pain to flare, especially in those with fibromyalgia. And if a muscle is particularly sore, whether from a workout or stress-related tension, don’t overdo the pressure. “That muscle will only tense up more if it’s in a lot of pain,” Gangstad says.

If you want to increase blood flow to a certain area of the body, a percussive massager can initiate that process too. In as little as 30 seconds of use, a massage gun on a specific area of the body will relay signals to the brain to vasodilate the blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow. Amplitude on a massage gun basically describes how deep it can get into those problematic areas and give you that deep-tissue massage experience. A top-end Theragun offers 16mm amplitude, for example, while the PulseRoll alternative delivers 12mm. The higher the number, the deeper the massage gun can go to work, particularly on really problematic parts of the body. How much does a massage gun cost? Only 3 speed settings -It starts pretty fast. It maybe easier to start at a slower speed to get used to it.Massage guns, also known as percussive therapy devices, help relax and soothe sore muscles, whether you’re an athlete or just hunching over a desk all day. Theraguns (made by Therabody) tend to be some of the most popular. We’ve tested and like the entire range, but they’re expensive. There are plenty of Theragun alternatives out there for hundreds of dollars less. In this guide, you’ll find a mix of both for all budgets—plus helpful information from a physical therapist and athletic trainer on how these devices can help our bodies. These are our favorite massage guns.