Massage Guns – Are They A Friend or A Fad?
Posted on 18th August 2023 at 13:08
Today, we're going to talk about a buzzing topic in the wellness world – massage guns. You might have seen them all over social media or heard your friends rave about them, but are these massage guns really our friends, here to save the day for our aches and pains, or are they just another passing fad? Let's dive into the world of massage guns and find out!
The rise of the massage gun
In recent years, massage guns have skyrocketed in popularity, thanks to their claim of providing targeted muscle relief and recovery. This was also fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic, as people didn’t have access to massage treatments for obvious reasons.
These handheld devices, also known as percussive therapy devices, work by delivering rapid pulses of pressure to the muscles, supposedly reducing muscle tension and increasing blood flow.
What are the pros of massage guns?
Convenience
With massage guns, you can have a mini-massage session at your convenience, whenever and wherever you like.
Quick relief
Massage guns are praised for their ability to provide quick relief to sore muscles. The percussive action of these devices is thought to help break down knots and adhesions, promoting muscle recovery.
Portability
Designed to be portable, massage guns can be easily carried to the gym, office, or while traveling. They fit right into your gym bag or backpack, making them a handy tool for active individuals.
Customisable intensity
Most massage guns come with adjustable speeds and intensity settings, allowing you to tailor the massage experience to your preferences and specific muscle needs.
User-friendly
You don't have to be a professional masseuse to use a massage gun effectively. They are designed for easy self-use, and many models come with various attachments to target different muscle groups.
Massage guns are nowhere near as effective as a real massage treatment
Using a massage gun works on one single style of ‘technique’, which we call ‘tapotement’. This is a rapid repeated action to stimulate the muscle. This works brilliantly as the massage gun stimulates tightened tissue, focusing on the connective sheath we are covered in the fascia (like icing on a cake) and getting to the more superficial muscles. They are a much more improved, targeted, and practical foam roller. Easy to handle. Effortless. Effective.
They will not, however, change deeper muscle tissue nor realign too much of your tissue. That is reserved for professional sports massage therapists who apply much deeper pressure to create such change. This point nicely takes up on to the reason for a massage gun.
A massage gun should be used for maintenance, never to “fix” a long term or ongoing problem. They are the new foam roller. They are much more adaptable and more consistent in pressure. In an everyday type of application, they should be applied in the same way to help lightly relieve from a day at the office or a hard training session.
Finding the right balance
Whether massage guns are a friend or a fad depends on how you approach them. When used responsibly and in conjunction with other wellness practices, massage guns can be a valuable tool in promoting muscle recovery and relaxation. However, like any fitness or wellness trend, it's essential to strike a balance and not rely solely on one device for all your muscle care needs.
Integrating a massage gun into a holistic wellness routine that includes proper nutrition, hydration, regular exercise, and sufficient rest will yield the best results. Additionally, listening to your body and understanding when it needs professional care versus a quick massage gun session is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
For best results, we recommend combining massage gun use with regular massage treatments. If you want to know more about massage guns and which one is best for your buck, we have them in stock in the clinic and will be more than happy to take you through how to use them.
Curious to know more about massage guns or want to book an appointment with our team? Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Tagged as: massage, sports massage
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