Massage guns are a revolution in personal therapy and wellness. Not only do they provide deep tissue massages that target specific muscles and alleviate tension, but they also improve circulation and promote relaxation. Whether you are an athlete looking to recover from a workout, or someone who spends long hours sitting at a desk, a massage gun can help to soothe your aches and pains and improve your overall well-being. In this article, I tell you everything you need to know to purchase a good and suitable massage gun. Then I will recommend and review the best massage guns on the market currently for you to select.
Massage gun buying guide: how to select the best massage gun?
You have it again: you have worked your butt off in the gym, the day after you are plagued by aches and pains. If you regularly exercise, a massage gun is an enrichment in life, but everyone can actually use it.
I’ll explain why and share all the important information about this device with you. This way you avoid regretting your purchase!
What is a massage gun?
Before I take you through the purchasing process, it is good to know exactly what a massage gun is and can do. Well, it is an electric massager that loosens your muscles with throbbing and vibrating movements. You can use it before, during and after your workout.
A massage gun is very popular among athletes because it promotes muscle recovery and blood flow. You prevent muscle pain by using the device immediately after your workout. Has the damage already been done? Then the massage gun helps to relieve pain or cramps.
By using the device before a workout, you warm up your muscles and you run less risk of injuries. It can also speed up the healing of an injury, but always consult a doctor first. Finally, a massage gun is a form of relaxation, so you can also use it to combat tension and stress.
Of course it is wonderful to let a professional masseur take care of you, but that takes time and – not unimportantly – money. With a massage gun you do it all yourself, so you no longer have to look at someone else.
Suitability for certain body parts
One of the most important questions to ask yourself when purchasing is for which body part or parts you want to use the massage gun. Usually it is suitable for several body parts, but which body parts that are exactly differs per device.
The range provides ample massage guns that are suitable for arms, legs, back and shoulders. There are also devices that work on your hips, waist, buttocks, knees, neck or stomach, but they are slightly less prominent.
Attachments
The suitability for certain body parts is closely related to the attachments. Most massage guns come with multiple heads, which increases the possibilities. There are ten types of attachments in total. Here they are:
- Each massage gun has a ball: this attachment is suitable for the whole body.
- The thumb shape simulates the feeling of someone pressing a point with a thumb. You massage specific points in your muscles with this. If you have a small ‘button’ somewhere, then this is a suitable attachment.
- With the fork you massage along the vertebrae, because the vertebrae fit between the two prongs of the fork.
- The shovel has – not surprisingly – the shape of a shovel and you use it for your arms and legs. It is important that you grab the muscle lengthwise, so that you massage the entire muscle.
- With the ball l you massage pressure points and connective tissue.
- The hammer owes its name to its shape: that of a hammer head. You use this attachment for the entire body.
- Heads for abs are spherical with small dots that press right into the abs.
- The attachment for your biceps resembles a grappling hook with four arms that fall right over your biceps. This allows you to massage in the right places.
- With the foot cup you mainly massage the bottom of your feet – great after a long walk, as long as you can handle the tickling.Â
- You use the air plug on the entire body, but especially near the bones. Due to the low intensity, this attachment is especially nice for beginners.
Massage type
The massage gun traditionally provides a vibration and tapping massage, but some models also offer one or more of the following massages:
- Air pressure is used in a compression massage. There are air cushions in the cuff. Air is blown in and out in a certain rhythm. This is especially beneficial for blood circulation.
- With acupressure and shiatsu you stimulate certain pressure points on the body. This helps release tension in the body and, according to practitioners, improves energy flow through your body.
- With a roller massage, one usually works with rotating buttons that roll over the skin. This stimulates blood circulation and tissue. Unlike, for example, a compression massage, it is not very intensive, but it is relaxing and therefore good against tension and stress.
Speed ​​and intensity modes
Sometimes you need more strength and speed than other times. You determine this with the strength and intensity settings. Almost all massage guns have multiple positions.
Usually there are no more than five, but here and there you also see massage guns with thirty settings. I doubt whether so many positions are really necessary, but there is nothing wrong with enough choice.
Heat settings
If a heat function is present, the massage buttons heat up when used. Don’t worry: this won’t get scorching hot, but just warm enough. As a result, your muscles relax and relax faster than without this heat setting.
Also check whether the massage gun has multiple heat settings, so that you can set it exactly to your liking. After all, not everyone feels comfortable at the same temperatures.
Revolutions per minute (RPM)
The number of revolutions per minute, or rotations per minute (RPM), means the number of movements per minute. The higher the maximum RPM, the better. It makes it easier to massage certain places that are very stuck. Most massage guns have an RPM between 2000 and 3200.
Timer
With a timer you can set when the massage gun switches off again. This is especially useful if you don’t know how to use the massage gun and perform massage exercises according to a manual.
Suppose that the exercise prescribes that you have to use a massage button for a certain number of minutes, then you simply set the timer and you no longer have to keep track of the time yourself.
Battery life
The vast majority of massage guns are cordless and rechargeable. You usually charge it in an hour to an hour and a half. Note: you cannot use it while charging. How long it lasts depends on the model: it varies between one and six hours. Enough time for a nice massage session in any case.
Connectivity
Advanced models can be operated via an app on your smartphone or tablet. This is not a must in my opinion, but it is a nice extra. For example, the app contains massage programs that you follow step by step on the screen. This is especially useful if you are a beginner.
Recommend and review the 5 best massage guns
1. Sanbo® Massage Gun Prime
Type of massage:Â Compression massage |Â Vibration massage |Â Tap massage |Â Roller massage |Â Shiatsu massage
Suitable for body part:Â Legs |Â Neck |Â Back |Â Shoulders |Â Feet |Â Arms
Cord length:Â 1400
Number of heat settings:Â 1
Wireless:Â Yes
Maximum battery life:Â 3 h
2. Massage gun – Wireless – Muscle recovery and Relax massage
Type of massage:Â Tapping massage
Suitable for body part:Â Legs |Â Arms |Â Back
Cord length:Â 1000
Number of heat settings:Â 1
Wireless:Â Yes
Maximum battery life:Â 4 h
3. LifeGoods Massage Gun
Type of massage:Â Acupressure
Suitable for body part:Â Arms |Â Legs |Â Neck |Â Back |Â Shoulders |Â Feet
Cord length:Â 1100
Number of heat settings:Â 0
Maximum battery life:Â 6 h
4. Northwall® Massage Gun PRO
Type of massage:Â Acupressure |Â Compression massage |Â Tap massage |Â Shiatsu massage |Â Vibration massage
Suitable for body part:Â Arms |Â Legs |Â Neck |Â Back |Â Shoulders |Â Feet
Cord length:Â 1200
Number of heat settings:Â 6
Wireless:Â Yes
Maximum battery life:Â 2 h
5. Sanbo® Massage Gun Elite
Type of massage:Â Vibration massage |Â Compression massage |Â Tap massage |Â Shiatsu massage |Â Roller massage
Suitable for body part:Â Arms |Â Legs |Â Neck |Â Back |Â Shoulders |Â Feet
Cord length:Â 1500
Number of heat settings:Â 9
Wireless:Â Yes
Maximum battery life:Â 3 h
Frequently asked questions about massage guns
Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about massage guns. However, if you still have a burning question that hasn’t been answered below, let us know!
What is a massage gun?
A massage gun is an electric massage device that loosens your muscles with throbbing and vibrating movements. This promotes blood flow and muscle recovery, works both pain relieving and relaxing, and can even prevent injuries.
How do you use a massage gun?
First choose the right head, intensity and speed. Then you put your head on the muscle and let it do the work. It’s that simple! Make sure you don’t push the device too hard on the muscle.
When do you use a massage gun?
You can use a massage gun before, during and after training – but the device is also suitable for non-athletes, for example if you have muscle problems for another reason. In addition, a massage gun offers a form of relaxation just like a normal massage does, and is therefore effective against stress.
Which massage gun should I buy?
That’s entirely up to you and your budget; everyone is unique. What I do have for you is a handy table with – in my opinion – the most important specifications of the best massage gun. This is how you make the best choice!
| Massage type | Suitable for body part | Cord length | Number of heat settings | Wireless | Maximum battery life | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sanbo® Massage Gun Prime | Compression massage | Vibration massage | Tap massage | Roller massage | Shiatsu massage | Legs | Neck | Back | Shoulders | Feet | Arms | 1400 | 1 | Yes | 3 h |
| 2 | Massage gun – Wireless – Muscle recovery and Relax massage | Tap massage | Legs | Arms | Back | 1000 | 1 | Yes | 4 h |
| 3 | LifeGoods Massage Gun | Acupressure | Arms | Legs | Neck | Back | Shoulders | Feet | 1100 | 0 | Yes | 6 h |
| 4 | Northwall® Massage Gun PRO | Acupressure | Compression massage | Tap massage | Shiatsu massage | Vibration massage | Arms | Legs | Neck | Back | Shoulders | Feet | 1200 | 6 | Yes | 2 h |
| 5 | Sanbo® Massage Gun Elite | Vibration massage | Compression massage | Tap massage | Shiatsu massage | Roller massage | Arms | Legs | Neck | Back | Shoulders | Feet | 1500 | 9 | Yes | 3 h |
Conclusion
Massage guns differ from each other with, among other things, the suitability for certain body parts, the attachments, the number of speed and intensity settings and the battery and charging time.
After reading this article, are you ready to buy your (perhaps first) massage gun? Take another look at our top 5 with the best massage guns and let us know which one you’re going for. We would also like to hear it if you go for a model that has not been named. Let us know why – we’d love to hear from you!