Massage guns (good, bad & ugly)

If you’re a sports fan like me, you’ve probably seen them on TV.

Baseball players in the dugout, or football players on the sidelines, using what looks like a fancy power drill on their arms, shoulders and legs. 

“Massage guns” used to be reserved for elite athletes. A high-tech way to quickly pinpoint healing vibration in the form of “pulses,” to quickly revitalize sore muscles and speed recovery. 

But not anymore. Even folks like you and me are discovering them, and it’s led to a bunch of questions in my in-box. 

So I thought I’d take a minute to talk about them. What they're good for, what they’re not, and some things to keep in mind if you’re curious about trying one out.

First, the good. And there’s a lot to say about massage guns that’s good. 

Just like any massage, using a massage gun can bring relaxation. Working out tension with percussive massage will relieve stress, improve your sleep, boost your immune system and even help you focus.

Another incredible benefit of massage gun therapy is increased circulation. By using a massage gun regularly, you’ll improve blood flow, wherever you place it. This can reduce swelling and fatigue, eliminate cramps, and improve the flow of oxygen throughout your body. 

As you can imagine with their popularity among athletes, massage guns are a Godsend when it comes to your muscles. Whenever you work your muscles, especially if you’re looking to get stronger, it’s almost inevitable you’ll feel sore later. 

You see I said it’s “almost” inevitable. 

Because with a massage gun, you can forget “no pain, no gain.” Pinpoint percussive massage helps muscles recover faster, reduces post-exertion soreness, and can help you push yourself more regularly. 

To maintain, or gain, strength and agility.

And if you’re recovering from an injury, the increased circulation can help speed it up, and enhance your flexibility faster. Whether that’s sciatica, shin splints or just a sore elbow after a round of golf or game of tennis.

Plus, not only does working out sore muscles with a gun like this feel good in the moment, it also helps stimulate “feel good” hormones so you feel great afterwards too.

Simply put, regular use of a massage gun will help wake up your muscles, keep them from getting sore, and speed recovery if you do “overdo” it. 

But, like anything, there are some possible downsides to consider here. 

Massage guns, even small ones, can be quite powerful. You shouldn’t use them on your head, face, or directly on your bones, like the tip of your elbow.

And definitely don’t use a massage gun if you suspect you have a serious injury or condition, like a broken bone or even varicose veins.

If you’re considering one, it pays to be selective. Many are quite large, noisy or bulky – making them difficult to control, and not something you’d ever consider traveling with.

And the range of prices is wild. Some cost as much as $1,000. Leave those to the pros, because you don’t need to spend anything like that to get the benefits. 

These benefits of at-home massage are hard to overstate. Used properly, a massage gun can deliver quick relief from soreness, and speed recovery. And they only take minutes to use. 

For a portable, versatile option, I recommend this model, after careful research. And if you do decide to give it a try, let me know what you think.

But don’t wait around… they don’t have too many.

I know I don’t have a lot in common with pro athletes. But we do share a secret to muscle recovery. And finally, you can too.