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:
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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