How to Use a Massage Gun Properly

Want to know how to use a massage gun properly? Here are my tips!
Massage Gun I'm using: Massage Gun: https://amzn.to/2ILMhx1

How to Choose a Massage Gun Head:    • How to Choose the Right Massage Gun A...  

What is a Massage Gun?
A massage gun is a handheld device that percusses back and forth at variable speeds and depths. As the gun pulsates, you can guide it along a muscle, across muscles, in a circle over a wide area, or simply on one target spot for a punchy, deep-tissue massage.

The Anatomy of a Massage Gun

Amplitude refers to the depth at which a massage gun’s head pulses. Meaning, if you hold the gun steady to your thigh, how deep will it push on your leg? To emulate a deep-tissue massage, pick a massage gun with a greater amplitude, which will also help you treat bigger, bulkier muscle groups that tend to get sore after exercise.

PPM stands for “pulsations per minute,” which some manufacturers refer to as RPM, or “rotations per minute.” Most guns throb to the beat of 2000-3200 PPM, with higher speeds typically delivering a more intense massage.

Attachments, or “heads,” are the interchangeable accessories that come with your massage gun. A great gun will give you a good massage no matter the attachment. But by manipulating which head you use for which muscle group, you can fine-tune your massage gunning like a true pro.

Battery life is worth mentioning as well. No one wants to massage their back with an electrical cord trailing behind them, so you’ll only find massage guns with rechargeable batteries. Not all batteries work the same, however, so consider how often you’ll be using your gun and for how long. A good battery life lasts at least 2 hours on a single charge.

Why Use a Massage Gun?
Besides being the proud owner of a sleek fitness gadget, there are many reasons to have and use a massage gun.

First, a massage gun can help relax tense muscles. After a few minutes of deep-tissue percussion, you’ll practically hear your muscles sighing with relief. Taking time to massage your legs and back is a great way to wind down for the night.

Many people use a massage gun for its therapeutic capabilities. As a Physical Therapist, I often recommend massage guns to my patients for fast, at-home pain relief. Whether it’s achy joints or spastic muscles, a massage gun can safely soothe many different types of musculoskeletal ailments.

Finally, even if you’re enviably limber and loose, a massage gun can help your muscles recover from an injury or a tough workout. Delayed-onset muscle soreness is the fancy term for how your legs feel the day after you did too many lunges. Ending your workout with a massage gun session will help you reduce that delayed-onset muscle soreness and see better results in the gym.

How to Use a Massage Gun
Powering on and pulling the trigger are pretty easy to do. But to get the most out of your massage gun, consider the following steps.

Aim
Figure out what exactly you’re gunning for. Is it knee pain? A tweaky back? Sore quads? A knot in your neck? The objective of your massage treatment will determine what muscles you massage, what techniques to use, and what heads to attach.

Sustain
Massage for at least 30 seconds per muscle group, though 2-3 minutes is ideal. It may take time for you to get used to the force and speed of a massage gun, so break it up by hitting other spots if you need to let those muscles relax.

Hydrate
Muscles are 80% water, and a well-hydrated muscle is a happy muscle. You need water to flush out lactic acid, repair tissue, and power your recovery, so be sure to drink water before and after you use your massage gun.

Finally, make sure you’re comfortable. Don’t try to “tough it out” if a high-speed setting or blunt attachment is causing pain.

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