Best therapeutic massage weapons to assuage your sore muscle tissues

The human physique consists of 11 main muscle teams, with actually lots of of particular person muscle tissues all through. Needless to say, a few of them are going to get sore from time to time, whether or not from train or damage or simply rattling getting old. Unless you’re fortunate sufficient to afford a live-in masseuse (please undertake me), you would possibly need to contemplate proudly owning a therapeutic massage gun. Also generally known as percussive massagers, these units promise to knead away the aches and pains. But with costs beginning as little as $40 and skyrocketing to over $500, how have you learnt which one to decide on? Below I’ve rounded up a number of the finest therapeutic massage weapons you should purchase, all of them examined by (and on) yours really. I do know, it is robust work, however somebody’s gotta do it.

What does a therapeutic massage gun do?

Personal massagers have been round for a very long time, however previous fashions merely vibrated — nice sufficient however not the identical factor as fashionable therapeutic massage weapons. Now you’ve got a head that pulses backwards and forwards at nice pace to extend blood circulate to the muscle tissue. This not solely feels good, but in addition doubtlessly aids in restoration. (Note, nonetheless, there are few research to help simply how a lot support a therapeutic massage gun supplies; loads of the proof up to now is anecdotal. And earlier than you utilize a therapeutic massage gun, seek the advice of your physician. These units exert loads of drive, and if used incorrectly they may do extra hurt than good.)

As you will see within the roundup under, therapeutic massage weapons are available a wide range of styles and sizes. Yes, a lot of them are vaguely gun-shaped, therefore the nickname, however in actuality most look extra like hair dryers. (I assume “massage hair dryer” doesn’t have the identical ring, although.)

There’s additionally an enormous discrepancy in pricing, which begs a query I used to be decided to reply: What’s the distinction between a $40 therapeutic massage gun and a $400 one? (Side query: What about all those within the center?)

What options are essential in a therapeutic massage gun?

Before I delve into specifics, let’s speak about total design. The dimension, form and weight of a therapeutic massage gun can have an effect on how simple it’s to journey with, how nicely it reaches numerous elements of the physique and the way comfy it’s to carry for quite a lot of minutes.

But there’s much more to think about as nicely, together with some lingo you’ll need to be taught, like “amplitude” and “stall force.” Here are an important options to think about when evaluating therapeutic massage weapons.

Weight: The fashions on this group vary from just below a pound to almost 3 kilos. The irony of a heavy therapeutic massage gun is that it could possibly tire out one set of muscle tissues (in your arm, natch) whereas enjoyable one other. The flip facet is that the bigger, heavier ones have a tendency to provide extra energy (within the type of amplitude; see under), one thing to think about if you’d like the deepest attainable therapeutic massage.

Noise: These are mechanical, motor-driven machines, and consequently they make some noise. None are what I’d describe as loud, however whenever you’re engaged on areas close to your head (neck, shoulders, and many others.), clearly quieter is best. For testing functions, I used a decibel-meter app on my telephone, recording the numbers at each the bottom and highest pace settings. This is much from scientific, however with all else being equal, it helps point out that are the quietest and noisiest units. (Spoiler alert: There was surprisingly little variance amongst fashions.)

Amplitude: Also generally known as stroke size, this means how far backwards and forwards the pinnacle travels. The larger the quantity (measured in millimeters), the larger the “punch.” If you had been to information a therapeutic massage gun over, say, your thigh, making use of no stress aside from gravity, you’d really feel a stronger, deeper percussion from a 12 mm amplitude than you’d a 6 mm one. Yes, within the latter situation you may merely apply some drive, however this may additionally tire you out extra shortly. The decrease the amplitude, the more durable you’ll have to push when you’re attempting to get a very deep therapeutic massage. Worth noting: The highest amplitude obtainable, 16 mm, may very well really feel too robust for some customers. If you’ve got a excessive sensitivity, contemplate 12 mm or much less.

Stall drive: Speaking of pushing, you may solely press so arduous till a therapeutic massage gun says “no more.” This is named stall drive, principally a measure (in kilos) of how a lot stress the motor will accommodate earlier than stalling. Again, that is essential provided that you’re on the lookout for super-deep massages; in my testing I by no means got here near hitting the stall-force restrict earlier than the motion turned too uncomfortable.

Attachments: At a minimal, search for the “big four”: a low-impact ball head for delicate areas, a flat head good for total use, a bullet head to focus on knots and set off factors and a fork head to make use of alongside the backbone. Those cowl the fundamentals, however some massagers include further heads for issues like stomach muscle tissues, palms and even the soles of your toes. One the fashions listed under features a particular head with heating and cooling capabilities.

Speeds: Most therapeutic massage weapons supply a minimum of three pace settings, rated in percussions per minute (ppm). In concept, you’ll follow a decrease pace for extra delicate muscle tissues (assume: calves) and ramp as much as larger ones for harder areas (like glutes). While some makers tout a lot of pace settings, something over 5 appears pretty pointless. Indeed, even the priciest massagers high out at simply three or 4 speeds.

Battery life: All therapeutic massage weapons have rechargeable batteries, with rated battery lives of a minimum of a few hours. Of course, it’s tough to precisely gauge this as a result of it’ll range relying on the pace you utilize. I don’t contemplate it a significant factor, as a result of most therapeutic massage weapons can run for a minimum of a few hours on a cost, and it’s broadly accepted that you need to spend no quite a lot of minutes on every muscle group. Only when you’re touring lots do it is advisable pay shut consideration to battery life.

Carrying case: Nearly each massager on this roundup comes with one; I contemplate it essential not only for simpler journey, but in addition maintaining the attachments organized. If you resolve to enterprise outdoors this listing, be sure that the mannequin you select comes with a case. Not all of them do. (Looking at you, Hyperice.)

Are therapeutic massage weapons value it?

So now we come to the $64,000 query (look it up, children): Are this stuff truly any good? My opinion: Yes, however with caveats. The first, as famous above, is to watch out: These issues can exert loads of drive, and it’s simple to get carried away — to the purpose the place you might trigger damage slightly than relieve it.

Second, and that is associated: Amplitude isn’t the whole lot. As a common rule, the costliest therapeutic massage weapons push the amplitude envelope to 16 mm, however I’m not satisfied I desire a bull engaged on the China store that’s my calves and abdominals. There’s an argument to be made in favor of midrange amplitude (10-12 mm), which nonetheless affords loads of muscle-punching energy however doesn’t overwhelm delicate areas. You can all the time push a bit more durable if you’d like a deeper therapeutic massage, but when a gun is ranging from a spot of “too strong,” there’s no strategy to loosen up.

Finally, to reply the query I posed earlier, you merely don’t must spend some huge cash to reap the advantages of a percussive massager. I’ve loved the muscle aid that comes from fashions just like the Arboleaf J2 ($60) and Renpho Thermacool ($88) simply as a lot as I did from the Theragun Mini 2.0 ($199) and Bob and Dale D6 Pro ($249). Thus, I’m hard-pressed to clarify why it is smart to spend $300, $400 or extra on a therapeutic massage gun when you will get the identical outcomes for much less.

arboleaf

Weight: 10 ounces | Speeds: 4 | Attachments included: 4 | Amplitude: 6 mm | Noise (low/excessive): 66/79 dB

PROS: Low value, with frequent reductions obtainable; very mild; slip-resistant deal with

CONS: Limited amplitude; drawstring carrying case

VERDICT: How good can a $60 therapeutic massage gun presumably be? In the Arboleaf J2’s case, fairly darn good. It’s light-weight and cozy to carry, and though it lacks the amplitude punch of different fashions, you may nonetheless get a superbly good therapeutic massage simply by making use of some additional stress. What’s extra, there’s nearly all the time a sale (usually within the type of a clippable coupon) that knocks the value down even additional.

$60 at Amazon

RENPHO

Weight: 1.4 kilos | Speeds: 5 | Attachments included: 4 | Amplitude: 8 mm | Noise (low/excessive): 53/73 dB

PROS: Smart, sensible deal with design; complete printed instruction guide; very quiet at low speeds; low value

CONS: No carrying case; some “bounce” at decrease speeds

VERDICT: True to its title, the Reach can hit areas different therapeutic massage weapons can’t, all because of its detachable extension deal with. And it’s a blissful revelation to work your mid and decrease again without having a accomplice. I did encounter some odd “bounce” when tackling these areas utilizing the extension deal with, nevertheless it principally went away once I elevated the percussion pace. If it’s self-massage you’re after, there’s arguably no higher therapeutic massage gun to purchase — and the Reach is surprisingly inexpensive as well. 

$70 at Amazon

RENPHO

Weight: 1.5 kilos | Speeds: 5 | Heads included: 4 | Amplitude: 8 mm | Noise (low/excessive): 60/69 dB

PROS: Heating/cooling attachment works nicely; good printed directions; moderately priced

CONS: On the heavy facet; heating/cooling attachment should be charged individually

VERDICT: What could look like a gimmick completely isn’t. Renpho’s Thermacool attachment can obtain 4 ranges of sizzling or chilly simply by urgent a button, and on naked pores and skin it provides one other layer of therapeutic massage goodness. You do must cost that attachment individually, however in any other case it’s a fantastic addition. In most different respects, this can be a pretty customary full-size gun, albeit a barely heavy one. And it goes on sale usually, so don’t pay the complete listing value.

$88 at Amazon

RENPHO

Weight: 1.75 kilos | Speeds: 6 | Attachments included: 6 | Amplitude: 12 mm | Noise (low/excessive): 62/68 dB

PROS: Very highly effective; quieter than many full-size massagers; textured rubber grip; connects to app for guided therapeutic massage programs

CONS: Attachments a bit tough to insert and take away; restricted course choice

VERDICT: Another Renpho product providing most bang for the buck (nearly actually on this case), the Power Plus delivers a powerful 12 mm amplitude, additional attachments and digital touchscreen controls, all for round $100 — much less when you catch a sale, which occurs steadily. This can also be an app-connected therapeutic massage gun, very like the newest Theraguns, with video programs that assist you to with numerous conditions and physique elements. Renpho’s app is rather less polished, although, and a number of the mid-course pace modifications appear a bit arbitrary. Even so, it is arduous to argue with this sort of worth.

$106 at Amazon

Ekrin Athletics

Weight: 1.1 kilos | Speeds: 3 | Attachments included: 4 | Amplitude: 10 mm | Noise (low/excessive): 67/77 dB

PROS: Extremely highly effective for a mini; rated 6-hour battery life; lifetime guarantee

CONS: A bit heavy; a bit expensive

VERDICT: If you need extra energy than the common mini massager dishes out, look to the Bantam. Its 10 mm amplitude places it nicely above most minis, and its 6-hour battery will maintain you massaging lengthy after others have run out of juice — although it helps to clarify the marginally heavier-than-average weight. I just like the lifetime guarantee, which helps clarify the higher-than-average price ticket. The angled grip is a pleasant contact, nevertheless it’s a bit slippery; a rubberized coating can be good.

$150 at Amazon

TheraGun

Weight: 1.5 kilos | Speeds: 3 | Attachments included: 3 | Amplitude: 12 mm | Noise (low/excessive): 61/72 dB

PROS: Compact, light-weight and highly effective; wonderful companion app

CONS: Costs greater than most mini massagers; will be awkward to carry; poor battery life

VERDICT: Though it improves on its predecessor in a number of key methods (it’s smaller and lighter, for instance), the expensive Theragun Mini nonetheless has an uncommon — and considerably awkward — design, and Therabody continues to be stingy with the equipment. Yes, you now get three heads as an alternative of only one, however the carrying case is simply too small to carry the extras. It nonetheless makes the best-list lower, although, as a result of the therapeutic massage is a punchy slice of heaven.

$199 at Amazon

BOB AND BRAD

Weight: 2.8 kilos | Speeds: 6 | Attachments included: 7 | Amplitude: 16 mm | Noise (low/excessive): 70/74 dB

PROS: Handle design permits for a number of grip angles; huge massaging energy; a number of operation modes; very good printed directions; consists of USB AC adapter 

CONS: So-so battery life; giant and heavy

VERDICT: The D6 Pro is a straight-up challenger to the Theragun Pro, providing an identical (however higher) adjustable-arm design and the identical whopping 16 mm amplitude — for lower than half the value. There’s no companion app like with the Theragun, however you do get an 85-page illustrated information to therapeutic with therapeutic massage. Despite being a heavy massager, and due to this fact much less travel-friendly, it lasts solely as much as three hours on a cost. The therapeutic massage is totally very good, nonetheless, making this a superb selection if you’d like most energy with out the Theragun Pro value.

$200 at Amazon

Massage weapons that didn’t make the lower

I additionally had the chance to check the Hyperice Hypervolt 2, Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro, Theragun Pro, Ekrin Athletics B37 and Bob and Brad Q2 Mini. Without exception, they had been all nice in an important space: therapeutic massage high quality. In a vacuum, I’d don’t have any qualms about recommending any of them.

So why didn’t they make the listing? Mostly due to little issues. The Hyperice fashions, for instance, depend on a proprietary AC charger slightly than USB-C, which means when you lose or neglect to pack that adapter, you’re out of luck. What’s extra, they’re on the costly facet (particularly the two Pro) and don’t even include a carrying case.

The Theragun Pro is giant and highly effective and enhanced by the identical companion app because the Theragun Mini, nevertheless it’s additionally $549 — far too costly when you think about the $249 Bob and Brad D6 Pro is simply as highly effective. The Theragun was additionally one of many noisiest fashions I examined.

The Ekrin B37 is strong, with wonderful battery life and the identical nice lifetime guarantee because the Bantam. It simply feels overpriced relative to what it provides, particularly compared to the less expensive Renpho Power Plus.

Similarly, Bob and Brad’s Q2 Mini ought to positively be thought of within the finances class alongside the Arboleaf J2, and actually the previous consists of one additional attachment, a barely larger amplitude (7 mm) and a hard-sided carrying case. However, it has a listing value of $129.99, and whereas it usually sells for round $70-$90, the J2 routinely drops to round $40.