Read This Before You Buy a Massage Gun

There are a number of handheld massagers on the market. Typical vibration massagers aren’t usually powerful enough to massage deeply. Massage guns have more powerful motors and reach deeper into muscle tissue, which can relieve pain, release tension, and even improve range of motion.

Massage guns range in price from below $100 to several hundred dollars. Higher-end, more customizable models, Davé says, typically cost more. While Sherry says cheaper or knock-off brands probably won’t do you any harm, they may not match the intensity of other models.

Here are some key features experts recommend looking for when you’re shopping for a massage gun:

• Speed settings: Not all muscle groups can withstand the same pressure. That’s one reason adjustable power settings are an important feature, according to Gangstad. For example, you may want to use a lower setting on more sensitive spots, like the calf, and higher pressure on large muscles like the hamstring.
• Ergonomics: Look for a gun that easily allows you to reach the areas you want to massage, Gangstad suggests, so you don’t have to contort your body. In our evaluations, we found that devices with a triangle or partial triangle-shaped grip tend to perform best in measures of ergonomics, says Paul Ritchey, DrPH, a human factors and ergonomics specialist in CR’s Consumer Experience and Usability Research program. To make sure you actually like using the gun, Davé recommends venturing to a walk-in store where you can hold the massager in your hands.
• Stroke depth: Sherry suggests considering the stroke depth or “amplitude” of the massager. “A cheaper massager you can buy at the grocery store might plunge at 1/60th of the depth [of a high-end massager],” Sherry says.
• Ease of use: While some consumers are drawn to percussive guns with bells and whistles, such as flashy screens and companion apps, Davé says it’s important to pick a model you understand how to use. “If it’s not easy to use,” he says, ”it discourages people from using it.”
• Customizability: Picking a massage gun with multiple detachable heads is another way to ensure versatility, Davé says. For example, a “bullet” attachment might work well for a very focal trigger point, such as over the trapezius muscle (shoulder area). A “fork” attachment is better for a muscle region, such as the calf or hamstring muscle group. Rounded heads sometimes come in different sizes; Davé says gluteal muscles might fare better with a medium or larger option. Softer heads are appropriate for sensitive areas.
• Portability: Massage guns can range in weight from just over a pound to several pounds, Davé says. If you plan to travel with your massage gun, you may want to opt for a lighter-weight option. 

First, identify the specific muscle area you want to target. Turn the massage gun on, and move it slowly and gently across the area in back-and-forth motions, applying more pressure as needed.

Davé says that anywhere between 6 to 10 minutes is usually enough. “In general, start low and go slow,” he adds. “Listen to your body, and stop immediately if you feel any pain.” Overstimulating the muscle can cause damage, bruising, and in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis (the acute breakdown of muscle tissue).

Always do your best to vibrate the massager only over muscles. Avoid joints and bones, especially if you have any type of arthritis. It’s never a good idea to use a massage gun directly over any part of the spine, Fredericson adds, including the neck. If that area is sore, Gangstad recommends using the gun on the upper trapezius, the big chunk of muscle above the shoulders. 

People with chronic pain also need to be extra careful with percussive massage. Fredericson says deep pressure could cause pain to flare, especially in those with fibromyalgia. And if a muscle is particularly sore, whether from a workout or stress-related tension, don’t overdo the pressure. “That muscle will only tense up more if it’s in a lot of pain,” Gangstad says.

Certain medical conditions may also make massage guns unsafe to use in particular areas. For example, Sherry says people with low bone density should proceed with caution. Davé adds that it’s crucial to avoid using a massage gun near surgical wounds, in areas with deep-vein thrombosis (often indicated by swelling, pain, and warmth), or near a pacemaker or any other type of implanted hardware. Pregnant people should also avoid using massage guns, Davé advises. And they should never be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, or acute inflammation.

If your massage gun is causing you pain or making things worse, Sherry suggests consulting with a medical professional, who can rule out any issues. 

And if you have concerns about whether a massage gun is right for you, talk to your medical provider before buying one. Should your doctor encourage percussive massage, you can get some extra help from a massage therapist or physical therapist. “Working with a trained professional to learn how to use them most effectively for your condition can be helpful and reduce the risk of hurting yourself,” Sherry says.