- What is the best muscle massager gun for pain relief?
- Video: How to use muscle massager gun?
- Types of massage machine products you need to know about
- How can percussion massage therapy improve health according to scientific studies?
- What are the main benefits of percussion massage guns?
- What features should a percussion massage gun have that are perfect for me?
- F.A.Q: Frequently Asked Questions
If you frequently participate in physical therapy treatments, you know that massages provide immediate benefits in terms of muscle relief. This is why the use of impact massage guns has become so popular over the years, as they provide similar but more consistent stimulation than a masseuse's hands.
The effectiveness of the muscle massage gun depends on the quality of the product, which is why we leave you with this set of recommendations so you can make a wise purchase and take home a professional massager with all the benefits you deserve and need.
What is the best muscle massager gun for pain relief?
- Size and Weight: 4.15x4.52x1.44in - 2.65lbs
- Amplitude: 15mm
- Pulsations per Minute: 3600
- Noise Emission: 45db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 8 heads
- Battery with 10 hours of use
- 8 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Heavier design than other models
The battery can be used for a full month, but you should keep in mind that, if you choose compression therapy using the 3600 RPM frequently, the usage time will be shorter. On the grip you can find the selector of the four intelligent massage modes and the adjustment of the six speeds, so it only remains to interchange the 8 heads to reach the trigger points. The stroke distance may be insufficient in some cases.
- Dimensions and Weight: Not specified - 2,10lbs
- Amplitude: 12mm
- Pulsations per Minute: 3200
- Noise Emission: 35-50db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 7 heads
- Battery with 6 hours of use
- Easy to clean device
- 7 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Easy and simple to use
- Heavy design
- No specific measurements
The rechargeable battery has a charging capacity of 2600 mAh to maintain a continuous use of up to 3 hours. The motor has 5 speed levels, being able to reach 3200 percussions per minute, being this important to combine the power of 60W in percussion therapy. It is made of good quality plastic and its LCD screen will show you all the commands you are using at the moment. The noise can be an uncomfortable factor in some cases.
- Size and Weight: 9.8x6.7 in - 2.20lbs
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: 3200
- Noise Emission: 35-50db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 10 heads
- 10 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Overheating protection
- No range specified
You only need to choose one of the 10 heads and use the 6 hours of available batterycharge to select the power, which ranges from 1800 to 3200 percussions per minute. In addition, you should frequently look at the LCD screen to know the customizable speed settings. Please note that the heat sink may become clogged if you misuse the vibration gun.
Theragun Elite - Massage gun for deep tissue muscular pain with percussion therapy - 4º Generation
- Size and Weight: 10x7.1x3in - 2.20lbs
- Amplitude: 16mm
- Pulsations per Minute: 2400
- Noise Emission: Not specified
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 5 heads
- 5 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Carrying case included
- Does not specify noise emission
Before going to sleep, you can pass the vibration and percussion massager all over your body to have a restful sleep. Thanks to the work that the battery-powered massage gun will do, you will achieve myofascial release much faster just by choosing any of the 5 available heads. The percussion per minute reaches up to 2400 strokes, which you can control by means of its LED display. Please note that the power may be low to reach deep tissues.
- Measurements and Weight: Not specified
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: 3200
- Noise Emission: Not specified
- No. of Accessories: Bluetooth, carrying case and 5 heads
- Bluetooth synchronization
- Easy to clean device
- Specifies few product details
To get the most out of it, it has the Bluetooth function to synchronize with the Hypervolt app, which will guide you through the whole process. The three speed levels can reach up to 3200 RPM and make the percussive range a key factor in recovery. The battery is lithium and has a usage time of 3 hours, but be aware that the power may be low on advanced-grade contusions.
- Dimensions and Weight: Not specified
- Amplitude: 16mm
- Pulsations per Minute: 2400
- Noise Emission: 60-80db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 3 heads
- Gun with 4 adjustable angles
- Provides optimal massage
- Suitable for various body areas
- 6 intensity levels
- Less powerful than other models
- Does not specify measurements and noise emission
There are many reasons why you should choose the massage gun we recommend, the most important is that it is a safe product for your health. You can choose different levels of percussion intensity to reach absolute degrees of relaxation, just slide the massager on your back, neck or leg in a circular and straight line. The 6 speeds and the amplitude of the head are excellent, but for some ailments the power may be low.
- Dimensions and Weight: Not specified
- Amplitude: 12mm
- Pulsations per Minute: 3400
- Noise Emission: 60db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 8 heads
- Powerful and effective design
- 9 intensity levels
- Not as quiet as other models
You can also choose the massage mode for myofascial release, just decrease the speed to the maximum and choose among its eight heads the design that is in accordance with the superficial tissues of the skin. The nodes are made of plastic and metal to form the perfect accessory for each muscle structure. The electronic display will show you the consumption generated from the three hours of battery capacity. Please note that the motor may be a bit noisy.
- Measurements and Weight: Not specified
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: 3200
- Noise Emission: 30-55db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 14 heads
- Great massage versatility
- 14 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Not specify measurements, weight and amplitude
It includes a carrying case for easy transportation and, thanks to its weight and size, you will be able to carry the massager without percussion cables everywhere. On its rear digital display you will be able to choose the speed level to start consuming the 6 hours of battery capacity. It is designed with a plastic structure, which is resistant and durable, but in some cases it may peel off after several uses.
- Measurements and Weight: Unspecified - 2.20lbs
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: Not specified
- Noise Emission: Not specified
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 6 heads
- Spray gun with 5 adjustable angles
- 6 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Specifies few product details
Its structure is formed with an anatomical handle that allows you to maintain control at all times and reach up to five degrees of inclination to better reach the trigger points. It is designed to work with six heads that can be changed according to muscle tension, do not forget that these components must be combined with different levels of motor power. Its design may be a little uncomfortable for some users.
- Size and Weight: 10x7.1x3in - 2.90lbs
- Amplitude: 16mm
- Pulsations per Minute: 2400
- Noise Emission: Not specified
- No. of Accessories: 6 heads and 2 rechargeable batteries
- Gun with 4 adjustable angles
- 2 interchangeable batteries
- No specific noise emission
It is ideal to be used by high performance athletes before starting training and after each muscular demand. This will help the recovery of the fibers, but also to avoid the occurrence of injuries. It includes 2 lithium-ion batteries that recharge in 150 minutes and last 5 hours. The power reaches 2400 RPM, which may be insufficient to treat stiff muscles in advanced degree.
- Measurements and Weight: Not specified - 2,50lbs
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: 5200
- Noise Emission: 35-50db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 6 heads
- Battery with 6 hours of use
- 6 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Quality materials
- 30 intensity levels
- Does not specify measurements and amplitude
- Too intense for some people
The portable percussion massager has a silent motor that can reach up to 5200 pulses per minute. Choose from the LCD display any of the 20 speed levels and know the percentage of remaining battery charge, which is enough for 6 hours of consumption. The six heads are used on different parts of the body, but in some cases can cause excessive pain.
- Size and Weight: 3.15x7.87x6.69in - 2.34lbs
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: 3200
- Noise Emission: 45db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 4 heads
- Battery with 10 hours of use
- 5 adjustable angles with 25 intensity levels
- Does not specify amplitude
The ergonomic handle is made of plastic, as is the entire structure, and thanks to its design, the grip is improved to maintain control. To this benefit you must include the ease of interchangeability of the four heads and the 25 adjustable speed options in two massage modes. The five arm positions generate an ideal stroke distance, but be aware that the motor noise may be a bit loud for some users.
- Measurements and Weight: Not specified
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: 3200
- Noise Emission: Not specified
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 6 heads
- Ergonomic design
- Different vibration modes
- Automatic shut-off function
- Carrying case included
- Specifies few product details
- Complicated cleaning
It works with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has a continuous use capacity of up to 6 hours, the charge level can be controlled from the indicator lights on the handle. The percussion massager's easy grip combines with the 6 interchangeable heads to take advantage of the motor's 3200 RPM maximum power. The complimentary carrying case may be inconvenient in some cases.
- Measurements and Weight: Not specified
- Amplitude: Not specified
- Pulsations per Minute: 2400
- Noise Emission: 60db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case, 17 heads, 2 massage balls
- Includes 17 massage heads and 2 massage balls
- Powerful and effective design
- Not as quiet as other models
In addition to its 17 massage heads, it includes two massage balls, with and without spikes, which will serve to soften the tissues of the hand, leg and sole of the foot. Choose the 5-level speed selector to adjust the 2400 revolutions per minute of the motor to reach the deep tissues of the body. The battery lasts for 5 hours, although you should be aware that the motor noise is high in closed environments.
- Dimensions and Weight: Not specified
- Amplitude: 16mm
- Pulsations per Minute: 3200
- Noise Emission: 40-50db
- No. of Accessories: Includes carrying case with 12 heads
- Powerful dual head design
- Suitable for various body areas
- 12 interchangeable heads for different massages
- Overheating protection
- Bulky design
- No specified dimensions and weight
It is designed with a double head to interchange its six-node set, which helps the percussion range for better results. You should slowly pass the percussion gun over the affected area until you feel an internal heat. Remember, the six-hour battery charge, four speeds and automatic shut-off can be controlled from the digital display. Consider that the double head may not be very efficient in some areas of the body.
Video: How to use muscle massager gun?
Types of massage machine products you need to know about
How can percussion massage therapy improve health according to scientific studies?
In addition to the specific benefits and treatment of certain types of pain, you should also know what method the massage therapist uses to give you real relief. In general, pain is felt by a nerve receptor called the nociceptor, which is located throughout the body and senses nerve stimuli that are activated when an injury or wound occurs.
How does the percussion massage gun work? It blocks the message that the nociceptor is supposed to send to the brain and spinal cord to indicate that the body is in pain. After reading this explanation, you will understand that the gun does not treat the source of the injury, but helps people feel better and can provide temporary relief and speed up the healing process.
In 2020 a study by the National Institute of Health in the USA it was shown that range of motion, or ROM, is significantly improved when just five minutes of Taser massage is applied to muscle groups such as the calves, legs and back. To measure the result, researchers used a force gauge to show that movement improved when subjects felt less pain after stimulation.
What are the main benefits of percussion massage guns?
In addition to reducing muscle pain, massage guns have other benefits that are practical for people from different backgrounds.
- Treatment of muscle tension: Knots is one of the many names for the involuntary contractions of muscle fibers that occur when there is over-tension. The gun makes the palpable bumps in the skin disappear after the first massage.
- Increases the mobility of the joints: although the body has about 360 joints, the neck, knees, elbows, shoulders and ankles are the joints that suffer most from physical effort, and here the gun has the greatest effect, although this is obtained by stimulating the adjacent tissues and not directly on the cartilage.
- It protects tendons and ligaments: it is true that all tissues are interconnected, but the gun stimulates directly the superficial and deep muscles. However, if the muscles are healthy, it is likely that the other tissues that allow joint mobility will be less stressed.
- Stimulates endorphin production: the hypothalamus is the source of the "happy hormone", which serves as a natural painkiller and is a protein chain that produces an incredible feeling of physical and mental well-being. Massage with this product causes the body to release this hormone, whose functioning could not be understood in the laboratory.
- Improves oxygenation: it is part of the muscle cooling phase that athletes need if they want to have strong muscles. It's about stimulating blood circulation to get more oxygen to the muscles and connective tissues, so the muscle recovers better from fatigue and is ready for a new training session.
- Activate trigger points: More than a technical word, it is the pain that creates discomfort in the area of the body where they are palpable and the associated body zones. To deactivate the point, the weapon must be massaged deeply and with special heads, avoiding damage to the skin and muscle fibers.
- It provides a uniform massage: unlike manual massages, even when performed by an expert, percussion guns provide a massage with uniform depth, so you don't have to worry that the massage will stimulate certain areas more than others and that there will be irregularities in the muscle structure. The uniformity will ensure a good recovery of the muscles.
- Avoid psychological stress: Being irritable, anxious, depressed and sleepy are symptoms of a progressive stress process that affects the psyche as well as the body. Headaches, stiffness and tension are common when people do not know how to control their emotions. The percussion gun helps to reduce these physical consequences by loosening the tense tissues.
What features should a percussion massage gun have that are perfect for me?
It's time to talk about what you should consider to get a percussion massage gun that suits your needs.
Size
We can't miss to point out that there are two different models of massage guns: The smallerModel has a simple operation and is ideal for people who need support to reduce stress and anxiety. It is used when there is a lot of pressure at work or when playing sports as an amateur. In these cases, the tissues in the neck and back are often so tense that they hurt. Also, they have only one head, which is round and flexible.
In addition to the small massager, you also have a professional model with a gun, where you can interchange different types of heads to stimulate parts of the body such as the forearms, thighs and lower back. This device is intended for more professional use and is in high demand among physiotherapists, sports doctors and professional athletes.
Weight
A heavier weapon is not a guarantee that it will be more resistant. New materials used by manufacturers make the products lighter and lighter, so that they can be easily lifted with one hand without causing a bad massage.
On average, today's guns weigh between 800 and 1360 grams (1.7-3.0 lb). Another advantage of a lightweight gun is that you can better control the correct pressure on each body part with your hands.
Noise
Noise emission is measured in decibels. While the first models were very loud, modern massage guns are equipped with brushless motors that ensure good performance at decibel levels between 50 and 60 dB.
This frequency means at least 60% less noise than massage guns manufactured 10 years ago. This is more than just a physical advantage, but an improvement that promotes mental relaxation of people who turn to this product to reduce their stress levels.
Noise level (dB) | |||
Less than 50 dB | 50-60 dB | 60-70 dB | Higher than 70 dB |
Very quiet | Moderately quiet | Standard and acceptable | Excessive noise |
Amplitude
The type of amplitude is related to the muscle groups that the weapon accesses, as not all trigger points are located near the dermis. By definition, deep muscles are all muscles located near the bones, but some muscles are deeper than others.
Which are these? Back muscles, such as the latissimus dorsi and erector spinae; leg muscles, such as the triceps suralis and tibialis posterior. These are muscles that will require greater amplitude in the constant blows of the percussion gun.
A great tip: amplitude can be promoted by your hands regulating the pressure each muscle group needs to be stimulated
Nominal amplitude (mm) | ||
10-12 mm | 13-16 mm | 17-20 mm |
Soft tissue massage | Deep tissue massage (industry standard) |
Very beneficial, but rare |
Power loss
Many people also refer to it as "punch force". It is the amount of force the motor can apply before the gun comes to a stop, measured in pounds. The higher the stall force, the stronger the massage. For the same stroke length and speed, the following values of stall force correlate with massage.
Loss of nominal resistance (lbs) | ||
20-30 lbs | 30-50 lbs | 50+ lbs |
Soft massage | Moderate intensity massage (industry standard) |
Very intense massage |
Design and ergonomics
There are no special instructions for the design that you need to follow. Always choose the design that you find most appealing. After looking at all the best-selling massage guns currently on the market, we found three types of designs.
- Triangular frame.
- Frame of a jigsaw.
- Standard manual massager.
Speed settings
It's best to choose a gun with adjustable speed settings, which are measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). Modern percussion guns have a speed range of 1400 to 2800 rpm. This allows you to vary the type of massage depending on the part of the body, for example, legs, which require harder heads and higher revolutions, because there are stronger and denser muscles that are complicated to stimulate even with your hands, but this product makes it easier.
Heat sink
Contrary to what you may think, when it comes to heat, it's not about the gun generating heat on the skin. The idea behind the heat sink is to protect the internal mechanism of the massage gun by preventing high temperatures from affecting the materials and electrical components of the product.
A quality gun will draw heat from inside the product without burning your hands when you hold it, and without damaging the integrity of the massager. Thus, the product you buy will have a longer life and the massages will be more effective for your health without the gun overheating.
Battery life
With this type of product, there are a few precisions: First of all, the average battery life for continuous use is between 2 and 8 hours, but will you really massage yourself for that long?
For a massage to be effective, it should last no longer than 15 to 20 minutes in one session. So the durability of the gun is not meant to be used up in a single session, but rather to be taken anywhere and used for several sessions without having to recharge the battery.
About 50% of all massage guns have removable batteries and only a few offer extra batteries. Removable batteries are useful from a portability standpoint, but at the same time take much longer to charge. On the other hand, most non-removable batteries can be recharged very quickly.
The question now is which one to choose, either a removable or a non-removable. So the answer is, always go for a removable battery if the features are the same. However, if you get better prices and features, there is nothing wrong with choosing a non-removable battery.
Accessories
The massage machine models that we offer come with a case that you can use to store the product and take it with you wherever you go. This case will help you organize and take care of the different heads that are included, which you can use to massage different muscle groups.
In addition to this case, the professional gun comes with several interchangeable heads in different shapes and sizes, such as a round head, a flat head, a spherical head and a U-shaped head, with which you can massage the back muscles without touching the vertebrae.
Price
After reading all the features that a professional and high quality massage gun should have, how much are you willing to pay for such a product? Remember that investing in a poor quality massage gun will result in massages that are not as effective and the product will last less than two years. In this case, you will have to replace the gun and pay more than expected in the long run.
Warranty
It goes without saying that our products have a two-year warranty that covers any shortcomings of the massager. Although it is always important that you know how to use the gun and how to take care of it, you can find this information clearly in the instruction manual and recommendations.
Below is a table with the minimum requirements that you should consider before buying the best massage gun on the market:
Minimum features required | |
Weight | Less than 3 pounds (1360 g) |
Battery life | At least 2 hours |
Noise | 50-60 dB (maximum) |
Accessories | More than 4 |