Regardless of your level of activity, you must've experienced muscle soreness at one point. Muscle aches happen for many reasons; you most likely experience them after an intense workout or even after being inactive for extended hours. Sometimes a quick stretch can be enough to relieve your pain. However, for those days when you need something more, you will require some external help.
Massage guns have become very popular over the last few years as they efficiently provide professional-level massages at a fraction of the price. These massage devices use a treatment called percussive therapy that helps repair soft muscle tissues using rapid pulses.
If you are considering buying one but don't know much about massage guns, continue reading to understand their pros and cons.
Pros
- Massage Guns are Portable
The most important feature of a massage gun is the fact that it is a portable massage device. This means that you can use it anywhere whenever you experience muscle pain. If you usually experience back pain while hunching over your desk, you don't have to suffer until your next massage appointment. Instead, you can use a massage gun right then and there.
Good massage guns are discreet and don't make any noise, which makes them office-friendly. If you are a frequent traveler, try to find a brand that offers a long battery life, so you don't have to worry about finding a power outlet to recharge your massage gun.
- They are Effective
Regular massages and other static recovery tools like the foam roller can be enough if you want to relax your muscles and release tension. However, when it comes to effectiveness, you might be wondering what does a massage gun do? Massage guns have the unique advantage of combining both percussive and vibration therapies.
Professional physical therapists explain that subjecting your sore muscles to vibration can help get rid of any excess lactic acid that builds up in the body after intense workouts and causes pain. Over time, you will notice the difference in your recovery after using the massage gun regularly.
- Cost-Efficient
You will need multiple expensive massage sessions before you can actually feel a difference and get rid of your muscle aches completely. However, investing in a decent massage gun that you can use when and as long as you want will cost you the price of one single massage session. If you are looking for a cost-efficient way to relax your tight muscles, then a massage gun is the right choice.
Cons
- Using a Massage Gun Doesn't Tackle the Mental and Emotional Aspects
Massage guns fall short when it comes to addressing the emotional and mental elements behind muscle pain. When you go for a massage session at a professional spa, the setup of aromatherapy, dimmed lights, and soft music takes your massage to another level. These add-ons can immensely improve the results that you get after your massage session.
- You Can Injure Yourself
The whole idea of using a massage gun is to better manage your pain. However, assuming that you are neither a professional physical therapist nor a certified masseuse, you can easily injure yourself if you misuse a massage gun. Most legitimate massage guns come with instructions and guided exercises, but not all of them are customized for the average individual.
Additionally, many people make the mistake of using their massage guns for hours on end, thinking that it is a more efficient way of getting rid of their pains; this is not true. In fact, experts argue that after a certain point, massaging the same spot will probably become redundant. If you are looking to invest in a massage gun, make sure you know what you are doing before you start using it.
- Massage Guns Can Be Heavy
Some massage guns can be quite heavy and very uncomfortable to use for a long duration. Massage guns are supposed to provide comfort, so there is no point in wasting your money if you will be worrying about its weight every time you need to use yours. Furthermore, you won't be able to pack it in your luggage while traveling nor take it along to the office every day if it is very heavy, or else it could lead to more muscle pain instead of relieving it.
Massage guns can be a very useful addition to your self-care routine. When used right, they can be a fast and efficient way to eradicate soreness and relieve the tension in your muscles. However, you have to make sure you equally recognize their cons before you make up your mind and buy one.
