Massage guns are considered a new miracle weapon against tension and are currently hyped on various social media channels like crazy. Find out more about the trending device here and compare the best models.
They’re super handy, you can take them everywhere, and you don’t need an appointment to have them put their hands on you: we’re talking about massage guns. The devices have been hyped for a long time and are euphorically advertised by bloggers, influencers, and celebrities on their social media channels. Reason enough for us to take a closer look at the more or less new miracle massage weapons. Relaxation at the push of a button? Sounds good, doesn’t it?
What Is A Massage Gun, And What Do I Need It For?
Massage guns look a bit like power drills. Similarities to a hair dryer cannot be denied either. Massage pistols are neither tools nor beauty tools but are therapeutic devices for massage. So instead of using them to poke holes in walls or dry hair, you can target specific muscles and relieve tension in specific body parts.
Relieve tension? At this point, the general public will probably prick their ears because a tense neck and shoulder area is now considered a widespread disease. The whole thing is primarily due to long hours of work at the desk and the constant glance at the smartphone or tablet. So bring on the massage gun to counteract neck and back tension.
Of course, professional and recreational athletes also benefit from the device. Calves, thighs, or feet can be loosened up after a training session. For example, sore muscles can be counteracted. The massage pistol can stimulate blood circulation, loosen stuck fascia and muscles, and shorten the regeneration time after training. You can use a massage gun to warm your muscles before exercising.
How Does A Massage Gun Work?
All you have to do to get the message gun working is hold it by the handle, press the on button and hold the massage head on the desired body part. Now it’s starting: The attachment of the device moves forwards and backward super fast and starts to vibrate.
By placing the attachment loosely on the skin, tension is said to be reduced, muscle tissue loosened, and blood circulation stimulated. The massage gun gets to deep-seated muscles and fascia that are difficult to reach with your hands.
What Should I Look Out For When Buying A Massage Gun?
Massage guns from different manufacturers are currently in various price categories on the market. They differ mainly in size, equipment, and performance. We will tell you which properties to look for when buying the massage device.
Weight
The lighter, the better. Massage guns should be as light as possible so that your arm doesn’t get tired during the treatment. Models under 1.5 kg are recommended.
Volume
The quieter the massage gun is, the more comfortable it is for everyone involved when it is in operation. Please note that the higher the intensity, the louder the devices are. Incidentally, noises of up to 50 dB are generally considered pleasant, roughly corresponding to a conversation at average volume.
Battery Pack
Most massage guns in the middle price segment (up to 150 euros) have a battery life of 3 to 8 hours – which is sufficient if you want to use the device privately at home. The battery is usually not permanently installed in expensive professional devices but is replaceable, so a charged replacement battery can be used anytime.
Speed Levels
The massage gun should have several speed levels to be flexible during the massage. As soon as your muscles have gotten used to the impulses, you can then adapt the speed to your needs, for example, increase it.
Massage Attachments
To treat different muscle groups, you need different massage heads. That’s why your massage gun should have interchangeable attachments.
Operation
The massage is a lot of fun when the massage gun is easy to use. An LCD is convenient, showing you the speed and battery levels and allowing you to select the speed level.
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Massage Guns In The Test: Three Popular Models In Comparison
We took a look around and are introducing you to three massage guns that are popular on the internet. All three massage devices are in the price category of around 100 euros and are considered outstanding entry-level models. First of all: The massage guns are convincing with solid artistry, a perfect battery life, a humane volume, and extensive accessories.
Massage Gun “Mebak 3” From Mebak
Top Model For Beginners
Price: approx. 120 euros
Technical Information From The Manufacturer:
- Weight: 950g
- Speed levels: 5 (max. 3,200 revolutions/ per min.)
- Massage heads: 7
- Loudness: 39-50dB
- Battery life: up to 6 hours
- LCD: battery capacity and speed levels
- Accessories: charger and storage bag
This Is What Amazon Users Say:
The massage gun from Medak has almost 9,600 reviews on Amazon and has 4.5 out of 5 stars (as of January 2022). Among other things, the excellent quality of the massage device is praised: “It feels good and also looks very high quality.”
The users are also more than satisfied with the volume and battery performance: “The volume during use is pleasant!”. There is also positive feedback on the various massage attachments and the practical transport case. “I can recommend the pistol to anyone who needs to relax after sport or in between,” sums up one customer.
Massage Gun “M3 Pro” From OPOVE
The price-performance ratio is right here.
Price: approx. 140 euros
Technical information from the manufacturer:
- Weight: about 1.2kg
- Speed levels: 3 (max. 3,200 revolutions / per minute)
- Massage heads: 6
- Loudness: 35 – 55 dB
- Battery life: 3 to 5 hours (six rechargeable lithium batteries)
- LCD: /
- Accessories: charger and storage bag
This is what Amazon users say:
The OPOVE massage gun is also currently being bought a lot on Amazon. The device currently has more than 6,400 ratings and 4.6 out of 5 stars (as of January 2022). The users are delighted with the price-performance ratio and praise the various massage attachments and the carrying case. The volume is impressive: “The device is very quiet and can also be used while the television is on without having to turn it up.”
And the battery performance is also emphasised: “The battery charges quickly and lasts a long time. The remaining charge level is displayed via LEDs on the back.” There are also enthusiastic comments about the effect of the massage gun: “This massage gun helped me to relieve pain and tension. It’s great for large muscle areas such as thighs, buttocks, and lower legs.”
RENPHO Mini Massage Gun
Lightweight with power
Price: approx. 105 euros
Technical information from the manufacturer:
- Weight: 680g
- Speed levels: 5 (max. 3,200 revolutions / per minute)
- Massage heads: 5
- Volume: Less than 45dB
- Battery life: up to 6 hours
- LCD: speed levels
- Accessories: USB charging cable and storage bag
This is what Amazon users say:
The RENPHO massage gun is currently one of the online trading platform models that often ends up in the shopping cart. Eight thousand three hundred ratings and 4.6 out of 5 stars justify taking a closer look at the device (as of January 2022). The massage gun and the high-quality transport case are notably praised. “The massage gun makes a precious impression and feels good in the hand,” emphasizes one user.
It’s light and vibrates at a pleasant volume.” The charging option is emphasized: “The pistol can be charged with any standard USB charger using the USB cable provided.” The users agree: “This massage gun is an absolute purchase recommendation and fulfills its purpose 100%.”
By the way: professionals rely on massage devices from Theragun, which range in price from around 350 to 800 euros. These massage devices are considered pioneers and have triggered a trend in the USA that has reached us. The distinctive feature of the Theragun models is their triangular handle.
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How Do I Use A Massage Gun Properly?
Before you start massaging with the massage gun, you should choose the proper attachment for treating the body part. Since most devices come with a small but delicate repertoire of heads, from round to u-shaped, this shouldn’t be a problem. Then you can start your massage. Heed the following tips:
- Slowly move the massage gun over the affected area, making lines or circles and not using it on one spot. You should do this for about 15 to 20 seconds. If you massage one area for too long, the muscle tissue could become overstimulated and inflamed.
- Don’t massage directly on the bone or the spine.
- Start at a low speed and see which intensity works best for you.
- Do not use the massage gun for too long, and give your body time to get used to the tool. You can then gradually increase the duration of use. Just see what’s good for you.
Tip: If you want to massage yourself in places you cannot reach yourself easily, for example, in the back area, you can ask another person, for example, your partner, for help. This makes the massage more effective and, of course, more relaxed.
Which Massage Attachments Are There?
Round, square, or with spikes? Before you start your massage, you should choose the proper attachment for the body region you want to treat. The good thing is: You don’t need to buy the massage attachments for your massage gun separately, as they are included in the scope of delivery. The most common attachments for massage guns are briefly presented here:
- Medium (Ball): This attachment looks like a tennis ball and is called a ball. It is considered a standard attachment, and you can use it for any muscle group. It is also the right choice for more sensitive games.
- Hammer (Plate): This attachment looks like a round, flat disk. Large muscle groups, such as those on the thighs or bottom, can be massaged with this variant. In addition, your fascia can be smoothed with it. The attachment works relatively gently and superficially.
- Fork: This massage gun attachment is easy to spot because it looks like a fork. You need it if you want to massage your back because its shape spares the spine. It is also often used to treat tight calves or to massage the Achilles tendon.
- Bullet: With the small, spherical attachment for massage guns, it is possible to massage trigger points and hardenings in deeper layers of tissue.
Who Are Massage Guns Suitable For?
Do you suffer from tension or muscle pain and want to relax your muscles? Then you are part of the target group and are included in the group of massage gun users – regardless of whether you are a professional or a hobby athlete. However, there are also critical voices from physiotherapists and doctors on the internet. Her recommendation: Massage guns are suitable for professional athletes who know their bodies well or for physiotherapists and chiropractors who can use them to complement their treatment. Laypersons, on the other hand, should be careful. You risk muscle damage if you work with too much pressure or overdo it with the massager.
Danger: Among other things, the massage gun is not for pregnant women, people with diabetes, heart disease or herniated discs, circulatory disorders, or tumor sites, as well as people with artificial joints, pacemakers, metal plates, or screws in their bones.
Very important: If you have severe, persistent pain, consult a doctor. Also: We have put together helpful tips for using massage guns in this article, but we are not doctors or physiotherapists. If you have any questions or are unsure whether the device is helpful for your purposes, seek professional advice.
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