During lockdown, one of the things I desperately missed was a sports massage. Working from home and sitting with bad posture created a lot of painful muscle tension in my neck and shoulders. I’d usually see a massage therapist to release this tension, but with close contact treatments prohibited, I had to look at other ways to address these aches and pains.
What is a massage gun?
A percussion massage gun is a hand-held tool which delivers rapid repetitive strokes into the muscle tissue. The combination of pressure and vibration stimulates blood flow, which promotes better circulation, reduces inflammation and eases pain and soreness.
They’ve become an increasingly popular tool since they first appeared on the market in 2016. I remember an early version which my massage therapist made himself from a jigsaw with tennis ball attachment- I was quite intimidated by it!
Massage guns are now widely available at a range of different price points from less than £40 to over £500. I went for the Pulseroll Massage Gun which at £224.99 is a mid-range option.
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Are massage guns worth the money?
The Pulseroll Massage Gun comes with 6 different head attachments to target different areas of the body. It has 4 different speed settings which provide varying levels of intensity. The gun is simple to use- just attach the massage head, place the gun on the required muscle area and move it slowly in a circular motion.
I’ve found the use of a massage gun to be highly effective, particularly during lockdown when my access to sports therapy was restricted. There is a real sensation of relief as the tension melts away after a few minutes of use. I’ve been using it daily on every muscle group, with a particular focus on my rhomboids and upper back. Tight muscles can feel quite sensitive to the pulsing vibrations, but it should never be painful.
I’ve seen some criticism of massage guns- they’ve been referred to as an “overpriced vibrators” and no substitute for hands-on massage and other recovery methods. I believe it’s a personal choice and I certainly have noticed the benefits of adding the Pulseroll to my overall recovery strategy. For me, a massage gun would never replace treatment from a professional sports therapist, but I will definitely continue to use it in between sessions.
I also believe you get what you pay for with massage guns. The Pulseroll gun is incredibly quiet and lightweight, whilst feeling robust and powerful. I’ve heard of the screws falling out of cheaper devices after only a few uses, so whilst they appear economical, they could be a waste of money.
The Pulseroll massage gun was gifted but all opinions are my own. Use promo code PPP010 to save 10% on your purchase.
What do you think- are massage guns worth the money?