Massage guns: miracle tool or just a gadget?
In recent years, massage guns have become increasingly popular. They promise quick recovery, relief from muscle tension and pain, and improved mobility. But do these devices really deliver what they promise?
How massage guns work
Massage guns are handheld devices that produce fast and intense vibration. This vibration is generated by a motor inside the device and transmitted to the muscles via an attachment. They work according to the principle of percussive therapy, in which short, strong blows are applied to the muscles. These strokes are intended to relieve tension, promote blood circulation and relieve pain.
Some studies suggest that massage guns may actually be effective at relieving muscle tension and pain. A 2020 study found that using a massage gun after exercise accelerated muscle recovery and reduced muscle soreness. However, there are also experts who believe that further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects and possible side effects of these devices.
Benefits of massage guns
- Easy to use: Massage guns are easy to use and can be used conveniently at home. This saves time and money compared to professional massages.
- Fast recovery: Percussive therapy allows muscles to recover faster and reduces muscle soreness.
- Relief from muscle tension: Massage guns can relieve tension and thus contribute to improved mobility.
Possible disadvantages and risks
- Insufficient depth effect: the devices may not reach the deeper muscle layers that play a role in tension and pain.
- Incorrect application: Without professional instructions, incorrect application can occur, which in the worst case can cause pain and injury. ( Source )
- Cost: High-quality devices can be expensive and are therefore not affordable for everyone.
Recommendations for the use of massage guns
- Learn the correct use: To avoid injuries or incorrect use, find out how to use the massage gun correctly and practice the technique under professional guidance.
- Adjust the intensity: Be sure to adjust the intensity of the massage gun to your individual needs. Start with a lower intensity and increase slowly.
- Avoid sensitive areas of the body: Be careful when using the massage gun near bones, joints or sensitive areas of the body such as the spine. Also avoid direct contact with tendons and ligaments.
- Combine with other therapy approaches: Use the massage gun as a supplement to other forms of therapy such as stretching exercises, physiotherapy or yoga to ensure a comprehensive treatment concept.
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Conclusion: Massage guns can be a useful addition to conventional therapy approaches such as physiotherapy or manual massage. They can relax muscles and relieve pain, but you should not rely on them exclusively. A combination of different treatment methods, adapted to individual needs and complaints, is the key to effective therapy. If you are unsure about the application or if pain persists, you should always consult a specialist.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )