Relieve Achy Muscles With These 8 Expert-Reviewed Massage Guns - Popular Mechanics

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Popular Mechanics; Courtesy Therabody


Massage guns are great for relieving muscle pain without leaving home. Once you make the initial investment, they’re also a lot cheaper per use than paying for a professional massage.

Given the variety of massage guns on the market, choosing the best option can be overwhelming. Our goal is to take the guesswork out of that choice.

When evaluating a massage gun, examine its amplitude (depth of massage), speed, attachments and features, dimensions, materials, body part you’ll be using it on, and battery life.

Also, if you’re noise-sensitive, you won’t enjoy a massage gun that’s grinding to your ears, so read reviews and watch videos to gauge the volume.

Best Massage Guns​

The Expert: I have long suffered from lower back pain and sought out medical attention and physical therapy, which has been helpful over the years. While massage guns are not a substitute for medical advice and treatment, they can be therapeutic. For general use, a massage gun is also a cheaper option over the long term than hiring a masseuse. With this mind, I have tried out many massage guns and developed a good sense of what sets them apart, including which features are helpful and which are not.

To get more intel on what you should be looking for in a massage gun, I asked Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS to weigh in. Marko is a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association and the owner of Marko Physical Therapy in New York City.

According to Marko, while there is limited research available on the effects of using therapeutic massage guns, “An individual who lives an active lifestyle may use one to help recover from general training soreness or treat muscle injuries when guided by a medical professional.”

Massage guns do have their place, Marko says, “when under the care of a physical therapist…[and] not used as the sole treatment for an injury or pain management program.”

What to Consider When Shopping for Massage Guns​

Amplitude​

Massage gun amplitude determines how deep the massage gun can go. The necessary amplitude will vary depending on your activity level or what you intend to use the massage gun for.

Marko cautions that users “shouldn’t be in pain using a massage gun,” and advises users against using one on bony prominences.

Speed​

Most products offer preset speed levels within a certain range. Products with companion apps can allow you to personalize the speed even more.

Attachments and Features​

Some massage guns come with more attachments than others. Similarly, some devices have built-in safety features or companion apps, which can help you to use the product safely and in a way that helps you the most. Attachments should be used for different parts of the body to ensure the best outcomes, so consider attachment options and how they relate to the parts of your body you anticipate using the massage gun on most frequently.

Weight and Size​

Some massage guns are better suited for personal use because of their size. Consider the weight as well. Bulky massage guns can be difficult to use on the back and shoulders, especially if you have small hands.

Noise Level​

Though it may seem trivial, noise level is another important factor to consider when buying a massage gun.

If you intend to use your massage gun in public spaces or when traveling, you will also want to ensure that you get a device that won’t disrupt others.

Battery Life​

If you travel with your massage gun, look for one with longer battery life, as it can be a pain to recharge on the road. Otherwise, as long as you have easy access to a charging port, battery life is less important as long as you remember to charge the device between uses.

How to Decide Which Massage Gun Is Right for You​

Deciding which massage gun is best for you is a matter of deciding how you want to use it. The body part you intend to use it on should be a significant part of your search.

If the area you are focusing on requires more amplitude and speed, that will impact the size, weight, and design of the massage gun.

Marko cautions that “Massage guns may not be appropriate for everyone, depending on your symptoms or condition(s).” She suggests talking to your physical therapist for help diagnosing and treating movement problems.

The Evaluation/Selection Process​

My initial research consisted of analyzing customer reviews and online discussion forums about massage guns. I examined the product websites for specs and reviews, and I spoke with salespeople in brick-and-mortar stores about the products before making my final selections.