You want to get a massage gun, but are still undecided whether it really helps? So it works with the massage gun application, you have to pay attention and in these situations it supports you!
Tension plagues us all at times. Especially in the neck, they can hurt terribly. Anyone who has a job that requires a lot of sitting knows what I'm talking about.
Often they come from poor posture while sitting, such as hollow backs and shoulders that drop forward. Overall, many hours of sitting contribute to the fact that we get tense fascia in the thighs and even upper arms. And then we have the salad.
When pain occurs, we adopt a protective posture. This seems very pleasant at first, but in the long run it only makes things worse.
Stretching exercises are a first step to get the problem under control. The new miracle weapon against tension of all kinds is supposed to be a simple massage gun application. But does it really work?
I tested it for you and tell you if a massage gun really helps and what it can do.
Table of contents
What happens during the massage gun use?
You turn on the massager and off you go. Yes, but what exactly goes on? What happens in the body during the massage gun application?
I'll first briefly explain what to look for when using the Gun for the first time and then how it will affect your body.
The first application
You have selected the right attachment and I have chosen an intensity. With most devices you can choose from 4 to 8 attachments.
Switch on the massage gun. Important: Always choose the lowest intensity level at the beginning and then slowly switch up.
Depending on the model, the devices are louder or quieter. However, you have to reckon with 60 dB. Some models even reach 100 dB, which is really very loud. Very new models reach 40 dB. The higher the massage intensity, the louder it gets. So be sure to check the volume before you buy!
However, a massage gun is never completely silent. After all, it has to exert fast and powerful blows on your body, and that's not possible silently.
You can use the gun either directly on the skin or through clothing. I find it more pleasant without clothing, because otherwise the fabric often crushes and also the intensity is not as strong.
Do not apply any oils or creams beforehand. And if you use the gun after a workout, shower first and dry off well.
In use in the photos: The OrthoGun!
However, it is important that you try to find the cause and prevent tension in the neck and back. The massage gun is a great additional helper, but ideally you can prevent tension in advance.
How to use the massage gun correctly
Move the massage gun over the affected area for 15 to 20 seconds. Do not hold it at one point, but use it over a large area. Glide the massage gun slowly and lightly over the body. Go up and down the skin area, right and left, making circular motions or lines. If you find tension, stop here for a moment.
Try out what works for you. The only important thing is: move the gun and don't hold it on just one point.
Switch the intensity higher or lower - so that it is comfortable for you.
Do not exaggerate the duration of use. Your body needs to get used to it. It is better if the massage gun application lasts only 15 seconds and takes place 3x per day, than 1x and for many minutes.
Too long use can even lead to the fact that your wrist begins to hurt. The wrists also have to get used to the vibrations.
So notice:
- Prefer shorter applications
- Several massage gun applications per day are possible
- Start with low intensity
- Do not use selectively, but over a wide area
My recommendation: the Orthogun
The Orthogun is our tip if you are looking for a very good price-performance ratio and value quality.
It is suitable for both professional and amateur athletes. The massage gun helps you to improve blood and lymph flow. You can choose from 5 programs, the highest of which is 3200 revolutions.
Find out more about the OrthoGun here!
In this video you will find all the important info about the Orthogun and testimonials
When not to use a massage gun
If you have severe pain, you'd better have a doctor take a look at the tension. Maybe there is more behind it than just a harmless tension.
You might have strained or torn something.
Otherwise, you must not use the gun if you: have diabetes or are pregnant. You should also stay away from the device if you have artificial joints, pacemakers, metal plates or screws in your bones.
This is what happens with the massage gun application
When you turn on the gun, you will see that the attachment moves forward and backward. At the same time, it vibrates.
The attachment with the vibrating shock movements you put directly on the skin. Loosely and without pressure. The device begins to deliver the shocks through your skin to the muscles.
What does it feel like? On the lowest setting, a bit like an electric toothbrush.
The rapid movements of the piston massage your body with up to 3200 beats per minute. The vibrations activate the sensory cells of the skin. This stimulus reduces tension, loosens muscles and stimulates blood circulation.
The massage gun reaches deep muscles and fasciae that you can't reach with your hands.
For me, the lowest level is usually enough.
How massage gun applications work
No matter which massage gun you choose.
All newer models have several attachments, programs and thereby application areas.
Choose the right attachment
Before you start using the massage gun, you need to choose an attachment. Every massage gun comes with attachments, you don't have to buy them separately.
Most often there are 4-6 attachments, which differ depending on the body region and function. Sometimes even 8 attachments are included in the set. I myself mostly use only the hammer or the ball (medium). Fork and Bulett I have tried, but for me it is too painful.
The four most common are: Hammer, Bullet, Fork, Medium.
- The hammer is straight in front. It is made for large muscle groups like buttocks or legs.
- Bullet - a small attachment that visually resembles a pistol bullet, hence the name. Perfect for trigger points and hardened fascia.
- Fork - The fork is used for the back and the Achilles tendon. But you can also massage the calves with it. It helps you to avoid the spine.
- Medium - the normal attachment that comes standard on the device. You can use it anywhere, especially on more sensitive areas. It is sometimes called the "ball attachment".
Adjust the intensity
You can easily adjust the intensity with the push of a button. There are usually 3-5 intensity levels to choose from. With some devices even 30 levels. However, many intensity modes say nothing about the quality.
When I recently had a gun with 30 modes in my hand, I was rather disappointed. There was a very noticeable difference between level 1 and level 30. But all the levels in between were so minimally different that it is rather annoying to have to press the button many times to get where you want to go.
You can adjust the intensity on most models on the opposite side of the attachment or on the handle.
The first program has the least amount of vibration, it is used to loosen the muscles slightly. I like to use it for sore muscles or when the legs feel very heavy.
The second program is much more intensive. I use it for light to medium tension that I often have in my neck.
And the third - or sometimes fifth - program is best made for very hard tension and muscles. Most use this intensity program for hard muscles after a very strenuous workout. Then, when the legs are burning. I have never needed it, however I am not a muscle mountain either. 😁
My recommendations: the best massage guns on the market
I highly recommend these massage guns. I personally had them all in my hands and put them through their paces.
It is and was very important to me that the operation is simple and that the device feels good in the hands. Because you will only have long-term fun with it if it is uncomplicated to use.
The same applies to the weight of the device. A massage gun application can be quite exhausting if the gun is too heavy.
However, modern models are all already lightweight throughout. This means they fit well in the hands and you can reach all parts of the body.
The Orthogun massage gun in test
The Orthogun is my #1 recommendation if you are looking for very good value.
It is suitable for both professional and amateur athletes. The massage gun helps you to improve blood and lymph flow.
You can choose from 5 programs, the highest of which manages 3200 revolutions.
It fits very well in the hand because it is very small. At just 828 grams, it is one of the lightest massage guns on the market. The battery lasts up to 6 hours, an empty battery is recharged in 30 minutes.
- Beats: up to 3200 per minute
- Weight: 828 g
- Volume: 52 dB
- Massage programs: 5
- Essays: 6
- Watt: 160
- Stroke: 12 mm
For your massage you can choose from 6 attachments. The special feature: 2 of them are made of metal and therefore also suitable for massage oils. The possibility to work with massage oil distinguishes this device from others. Because this is not possible with any other massage gun.
If you choose the OrthoGun, you get a two-year warranty. The dealer promises to replace the device immediately against warranty if there are problems.
You can use the Order Orthogun either at Amazon or directly via the website. Who the Orthogun ordered via the website, can save himself 10 euros.
Find out more about the OrthoGun here!
Flow Recovery Mini for hobby and recreational athletes
There are really many models on the market right now. My recommendation is quite clear: the Orthogun. Here you can find a few alternatives that don't do badly either.
Flow Recovery has launched two massage guns. You can choose between one model for amateur athletes and one for professional athletes.
Unlike many large models, it feels light in the hand.
Technical details
- Beats: up to 3200 per minute (program 3)
- Weight: 800 gram
- Volume: 40 dB
- Massage programs: 3
- Essays: 4
- Watt: 60
- Stroke: 10 mm
Be quick! The mini pistol is currently on sale!
You can choose from 3 programs at the touch of a button. The first program delivers 1800 beats per minute. The second 2400 beats and the very intense 3200 beats per minute.
With the code "wegoflow10" you can get 10% Discount secure when ordering!
Flow Recovery Pro Massage Gun for Professional Athletes
Or how about with the Pro Version? You have to dig a bit deeper into your pocket, but the device can do a lot more.
Unlike the Mini for hobby athletes, this model is aimed at sportsmen, athletes and physiotherapists. In other words, to real professionals.
Technical details
- Beats: up to 3200 per minute (program 3)
- Weight: 1.1 kg
- Volume: 40 dB
- Massage programs: 3
- Essays: 7
- Watt: 100
- Stroke: 14 mm
This device is rather not suitable for hobby athletes.
With the code "wegoflow10" you can get 10% Discount secure when ordering!
Find out more about the Flow Pro here!
The Renpho Massage Gun
Also good is the massage gun from Renpho. It is especially interesting for those who want to save money.
Comparatively, it is light in the hands and is therefore suitable for longer massage sessions.
Technical details
- Beats: up to 3200 per minute
- Weight: 680 g
- Volume: 45 dB
- Massage programs: 5
- Essays: 6
- Watt: 20
- Stroke: 10 mm
At 45 dB, it is still one of the quiet massage guns, but it is noticeably louder than Flow Recovery's devices. The manufacturer promises 3 to 5 hours of battery life - depending on the program.
Find out more about this massage gun here!
When does a massage gun application really help?
First of all, this much info in advance: a massage gun costs about 60 to 200 euros. There are hardly any upper limits.
No wonder the fields of application are very different. Some devices can do more, others less.
Massage gun applications help
- for tensions,
- after your long day at the office,
- you after the workout to loosen the muscles,
- Get muscle soreness under control faster.
Massage guns can also help you become more mobile and flexible. After all, hardening and tension are often the reason why our mobility is limited.
But which gun for releasing tension can really help and when does such a device make sense?
Massage gun against tension
Note on the massage gun application: It helps with mild to moderate tension. The massager also works if you have severe tension. In this case, however, you should also consult a physiotherapist.
Compared to a normal massage, you can get quite a few advantages for yourself with a gun.
But: A massage gun replaces a good masseur or physiotherapist only in the rarest cases of very strong tensions.
Advantages massage gun
- Cost effective and one time purchase
- easy and very intuitive to use
- completely mobile and applicable at any time
- adaptable to your tension thanks to intensity levels
- loosens tense and hardened muscles
- can make you more agile
- shortens the regeneration time
I rely on a massage gun application when I notice tension forming. The sooner you act, the better it is. If the tension is already here to a great extent, it will be harder to release it.
However, if you catch the slight tension by applying the massage gun, then there won't be much tension in the first place.
By the way, you can get tension anywhere in the body. Besides classics like neck and shoulders, it's often thighs, calves, feet, arms, back or chest muscles. You can loosen up all these parts of your body by using massage guns.
Neck pain from office work
In office work, it is often the case that we do not have muscle tension, but that the fasciae become hard.
Fascia is the tissue that surrounds the muscles and keeps us supple. If you have neck pain from sitting incorrectly, then the fasciae are usually responsible.
A massage gun application helps with neck and shoulder tension. The big advantage over other devices is that massage guns are very small and handy.
This means that you can reach the affected area yourself, even on the shoulder. And if not, you ask someone to take over this task.
Because the massagers are cordless, you'll do very easily, especially in the neck and shoulder area.
But a massage gun is no substitute for exercise. Because regular exercise is crucial for an upright posture and relaxed muscles. The massage gun can't take that away from you. If you suffer from frequent back pain, it's a sign that your muscles are too weak.
You should massage your neck and shoulder muscles regularly if you sit a lot. Especially if you are prone to headaches. Very often, headaches can come from tension in the neck - they are called tension headaches.
Massage gun application for tension
When is the best time to use the massage gun when the fascia or muscles are tight?
There is only one answer: anytime.
However, it is important that you do not overdo it. You should not expect that all tensions will disappear with a single application.
Ideally, you regularly reach for the massage gun, so that tensions are relieved in advance and do not even begin to hurt.
Massage gun and sport
After an intense workout, the muscles are often very strained. They burn, are hard and feel exhausted.
Even then, a massage gun application can help. It helps you to loosen up the muscles and fascia tissue.
I like to use massage guns after intense climbing or bouldering. Then, when the muscles just feel "too" and are no longer supple.
The vibrations loosen the affected muscle fibers and the surrounding area. The overall effect is that hardenings become loose.
Very many athletes - not only amateur athletes, but especially professionals, use massage guns. Chiropractors or physiotherapists also use the massagers to bring relief to their patients. Often, to release initial blockages and then venture to the problem with manual labor.
A massage gun can prevent muscle soreness and help you get rid of it faster. However, you should allow enough time for recovery before you start training again.
Massage gun application for athletes
Before sports or after? When is the right time for the gun?
There is no right time. You can use the Gun before or after your workout. Before the workout, you can warm up the muscles at the lowest intensity level to prepare for the workout.
Why does it work? The application increases your blood flow and activates your nervous system. Massage muscle groups that you want to train.
After the workout you support the muscles during regeneration. With the vibrations you stimulate the regeneration phase and shorten it. Slowly slide the Massage Gun up and down. Always stay on the muscle strands and avoid the joints.
And it doesn't matter if you're a strength athlete, a competitive athlete, or an amateur athlete.
Our conclusion
You can customize massage gun applications to your needs. Whether it's tension, after a workout or sore muscles, the device will help you loosen muscles and fascia. If you use the gun regularly, you can even prevent tension before it occurs.
The devices are priced so that everyone can afford them. Just check out our suggestions and find the right massage gun for you!
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