Massage guns are a great way for runners to alleviate muscle tension and post-run pain. They work by using percussive force (repeated beats) to provide deep tissue massage and can improve circulation, reduce muscle spasms, and relax tight muscles.
Regular use of a massage gun will help decrease your recovery time after hard workouts and can help you avoid injury. They give similar results to foam rollers but have the advantages of requiring less technique, being easier to transport, and being able to reach muscles that are tricky to get to with a roller.
We take a look at when and how to use your massage gun, as well as some of the best models on the market.
But first, let’s have a closer look at the benefits of using a massage gun:
- Muscle Knots: These are spots in skeletal muscle tissue that cause local pain. Left untreated, they can lead to a decreased range of motion and make you susceptible to more severe injuries. Massage guns have been shown to be highly effective in treating muscle knots, resulting in significant reductions in pain and discomfort.
- Flexibility: Research suggests that using a muscle gun can help you increase your flexibility and range of movement by reducing muscle stiffness.
- Post-Exercise Soreness: Otherwise known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), this is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissue, causing pain and inflammation. Massage guns use high-frequency vibrations to penetrate the muscles and simulate a deep massage, improving blood flow and stimulating the muscles and surrounding tissue. This increases the absorption of nutrients and oxygen and rids the area of lactic acid.
The 10 best massage guns for runners
A massage gun has the potential to improve your running performance by cutting recovery time, improving flexibility, and reducing your risk of injury.
Your choice of model will depend on why, where, and how often you intend to use it. You may want to consider factors such as battery life, weight, size, number and type of attachments, noise level, speed, and amplitude.
Take a look at our selection of the best massage guns and see which one will suit you best!
Decathlon Mini Massage Gun
This no-frills lightweight gun has two different heads and three different massage speeds. Its ergonomic design makes it extra easy to use, and it comes with a carry bag for easy transportation.
- Two different massage heads
- Three adjustable speeds
Bob and Brad Mini Q2 Massage Gun
This affordable, compact massager was developed by physiotherapists. It’s ultra-lightweight and easy to transport, whether that’s to work, to the gym, or on your travels. With five different attachments for different muscle groups and five adjustable speeds, this gun is guaranteed to break up knots and relieve tight muscles. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better-value gun!
- Five different massage heads
- Five adjustable speeds
- Massage amplitude of 7mm
- Four-hour battery life
Renpho Mini Massage Gun
This is a great model for runners looking for a gentle but effective massage gun without breaking the bank. Its five interchangeable heads let you work on all of your muscle groups. The battery will last up to four hours when fully charged, making this gun perfect for using on-the-go.
- Four different massage heads
- Five adjustable speeds
- Four-hour battery life
Decathlon Massage Gun
The big sibling to Decathlon’s mini gun includes four massage heads and features three different speeds. This model is a simple but effective alternative to some of the more technical (and more expensive) options.
- Four different massage heads
- Four adjustable speeds
Pulseroll Ignite Mini Massage Gun
Small but mighty, the Pulseroll Ignite Mini Massage Gun is discrete, quiet, and efficient, and it packs a powerful punch when it comes to performance. It comes with an impressive six attachments, one of which is a rechargeable heated head which is guaranteed to take your massage session to the next level.
- Six different massage heads including a rechargeable heated head
- Three adjustable speeds
- Six-hour battery life
Opove Apex
The Opove Apex is super quiet, ergonomic, and excellently made. It has a huge amplitude, making it perfect for working on those tight runners’ muscles, and it comes with six attachments and a carrying case. Overall, this is a great, affordable, high-amplitude muscle gun.
- Six different massage heads
- Three adjustable speeds
- Massage amplitude of 14.5mm
- 3.5-hour battery life
Hyperice Hypervolt 2
After the success of the original Hypervolt, Hyperice has come back with an updated version, lighter and with more massage amplitude than the first. It comes with five fantastically diverse attachments, which will allow you to deep massage everything from your neck to the soles of your feet. QuietGlide technology means you won’t disturb anyone around you, and the pressure sensor allows you to monitor the amount of pressure you’re applying to your muscles. The Hypervolt 2 can also connect to the Hyperice app via a Bluetooth connection for guided workouts controlled directly by the app.
- Five different massage heads
- Three adjustable speeds
- Three-hour battery life
- Bluetooth connection
HoMedics Pro
The HoMedics Pro is an innovative massage gun that has some excellent features for runners. Among the five massage heads, one can heat to 47°C, allowing you to soothe problem areas, and another features a freezable cool gel.
- Six different massage heads including a heated head and a cooling head
- Three adjustable speeds
- Five-hour battery life
Achedaway Pro
The Achedaway Pro is an excellent option for elite or high-performance runners. It’s highly powerful and therefore allows you to really penetrate the muscle tissue, even if you have a lot of muscle mass. Despite its high power and amplitude, the motor runs almost silently. A handy storage case allows you to transport the massage gun easily.
- Six different massage heads including a heated head and a cooling head
- Four different massage heads
- Five adjustable speeds
- Massage amplitude of 16mm
Therabody Theragun Prime 5th Gen
Therabody is an established brand that produces reliable and efficient massage guns. The Theragun Prime comes with four different massage heads, five speed options, and a sleek, ergonomic design. The gun connects with the Therabody app via Bluetooth. You choose your massage routine, and then the app guides you through the different steps of the programme, adjusting the intensity automatically.
- Four different massage heads
- Five adjustable speeds
- Bluetooth connection
How to use your massage gun
Massage guns generally come with several different attachments to help you target different muscles. The bigger attachments are best for working on larger muscles such as your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. The smaller attachments are for areas such as your biceps and shoulders. The hard, pointy attachment is for working on localised knots, and the soft, cushioned heads are for bony areas.
Always start your massage with the gun on its lowest setting so that you can gauge the sensitivity of the area. Guide it over the bulk of the muscle and increase the pressure as tolerated; it shouldn’t be painful. Aim to spend between two and five minutes on each area.
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