Massage guns can help relieve tension and tightness when used before and after workouts. Also known as percussive therapy devices, massage guns work by delivering rapid, repetitive pulses of pressure to muscles and soft tissue, providing the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your own home. We tested 50 of the best massage guns under the supervision of physical therapist Monica Saliu, PT, DPT, and orthopedic physical therapist Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, to find the top options on the market.
Top Picks
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How Do Massage Guns Help?
Massage guns work by providing percussive therapy, also known as vibration therapy, a type of massage that applies rapid bursts of pressure to muscle tissue. Percussive therapy can aid in post-workout recovery by increasing blood flow to specific areas, thereby reducing inflammation, relieving muscle tension and stiffness, breaking up knots that may have formed, and improving range of motion.
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What to Look For
- Noise: The motors that power massage guns can be surprisingly loud, which can take away from the spa-like relief they provide. To determine whether the massage gun you're considering is quiet or loud, check its decibel (dB) rating. Most of our top picks fall within the range of 30 to 60 decibels.
- Intensity: Some users prefer more intensive percussive therapy to create a deep tissue massage effect. However, for acute injuries or strains, a massage gun with a higher intensity may be too powerful to allow the muscle to relax, which can lead to increased spasms, says certified physical therapist Kathleen Gassner, PT, DPT.
- Weight: If a massage gun is too heavy, you may experience arm fatigue, which can hinder your ability to target specific areas of tension effectively. Ensure the model you're considering is lightweight enough for you to hold and maneuver easily with one hand.
- Customization: Look for a massage gun with customizable, versatile features that allow you to target different muscle groups. We recommend purchasing a massage gun with several head attachments and adjustable angles, speeds, and levels for the best experience.
The Theragun Prime comes with four head attachments for customized treatments. Verywell Fit
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How We Tested
To find the best massage guns, we tested 50 devices, under the guidance of two physical therapists, and at home as part of our regular workout recovery routines. During the testing process, we evaluate each massage gun based on the following key attributes.
- Effectiveness: To test the effectiveness of massage guns, we use each one before and after our regular upper-body and lower-body workouts. Do our muscles feel warmer before workouts? Do we notice an improved range of motion? After exercising, we also note whether the massage gun helps decrease or prevent muscle fatigue.
- Comfort: While using each massage gun, we evaluate how comfortable it is to hold and how heavy it feels. We also assess the strength of the pressure it applies and whether it feels comfortable on our muscles. If the handle, angle, or settings are customizable for a better experience, we also note that detail.
- Ease of Use: We prioritize massage guns that make our sessions feel seamless and enjoyable. How easy is it to charge and set up the first time we use it? Can we quickly swap attachments and adjust settings? We also consider how easily we can reach different muscle groups.
- Stall Force: Also known as "torque," stall force refers to the maximum pressure that can be applied to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls. Massage guns with a higher stall force can provide a deep, satisfying massage. As we use each model, we note whether we can press down hard and long enough for a deep-tissue effect without stalling the motor. We also pay attention to how the stall force holds up over time—does it remain consistent, or does it weaken as the battery drains?
- Portability: Some massage guns are more easily portable than others. During testing, we look for travel-friendly features, like a compact design, a carrying case with space for attachments, and a secure power button. We also consider whether the gun is quiet enough for use in public settings and whether the battery life is sufficient to last for an entire trip.
- Value: To accurately rate each massage gun's value, we don't check the price until the end of each testing period, after we've evaluated it in all other key categories. Then, we weigh the cost against its features and performance. Would we pay this much for the massage gun, or is it overpriced?
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