The best types of massage guns and what they do

Trying to find the right massage gun can be a pain in the backside, or shoulder, or leg….  

If you're having difficulty with muscle soreness or mobility, it may be that you are considering a massage gun.

They’ve quickly become popular in the health and fitness world, and the market has many options, which can be a bit overwhelming.

But what exactly do massage guns actually do? Do they really work? Can you relieve muscle tension from the palm of your hand? Are massage guns worth it?

We’ve picked out three of the best massage guns on the market to help you decide, so you don’t get rubbed up the wrong way.

What is a massage gun?

A massage gun, muscle gun, massage muscle gun or any other name it may go by, is a small handheld device that has the look of a drill.

Often massage guns will come with a variety of attachments and a selection of speeds that can be used for different types of muscle pain.

There’s a huge market for them, and so prices range from as little as £15 to around £200 plus.

They work as a percussion massager, using vibration through the massage gun to target a specific area where muscles may be impacted, which may help reduce soreness and muscle tension.¹

Muscle guns are often used by endurance athletes who use them to loosen up tight and sore muscles after a workout, but they can be used by anyone.

They can be used before or after a workout, depending on your preference. 

Usually, each massage gun will come with different attachments that are designed to directly target specific parts of the body.

Benefits of a massage gun

Massage guns are relatively new to the health and fitness world, so science-backed research is still a bit thin on the ground.

However, there are some noted benefits on the market, which include:²

1. May relieve stress

Using a muscle gun may relieve stress and relax the body by releasing tension and fluid which is buried deep in the muscles to increase tissue metabolism.

2. Supports blood circulation

The use of a massage gun may support blood and lymphatic circulation, which may allow for more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.

3. Promotes healing

It is thought that massage guns may encourage the healing of weakened muscles by “waking them up” to encourage faster healing.

4. Release lactic acid

The vibration of the massage gun may release lactic acid buildup in the body, which often occurs as a result of intense exercise.

5. Improve mobility

Muscle massagers are thought to help stimulate muscle movement which may help with your mobility.

6. Ease discomfort

By deeply massaging collagen fibres in your muscles it is thought that you can help reduce the discomfort you might experience from muscle soreness.

7. Reduce the risk of strains and sprains

You may reduce the risk of strains and sprains by improving the range of motion that your muscles have.

8. Improve your overall wellbeing

Regularly using your massage gun may improve sleep, which will in turn improve your sleep.

Do massage guns really work?

Research shows that massage guns may be effective when helping the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).³

DOMS can cause muscle soreness for 24 to 72 hours after an intense workout.

So, it is thought by using your massage gun regularly may aid muscle recovery.⁴

However, there is little research into the improvement of speed or endurance. Therefore, the use of percussive therapy may not directly improve athletic performance.

So, it entirely depends on what your goal is with the massage gun.

If you are looking for light muscle relief, then yes they may work. If you are expecting huge results it may not be as effective.

Do massage guns help muscle growth?

No, massage guns don’t help or enhance muscle growth. As above, they’re more useful to relieve muscle soreness or any tight areas you have after intense exercise.

Last updated: 12 December 2022