Key specs – Device type: Wraparound; Massage type: Shiatsu; Power : Battery-powered; Heat option: Yes; Intensity/speed settings : Three speeds & multiple settings

There’s no storage pouch provided so we recommend keeping the box it comes in, but for the price, it’s a solid choice for a versatile home massager that can be used practically anywhere on the body.Theragun advises taking care and caution when using massage guns on areas of the body that are sensitive to pressure and around bony areas. In addition, the company says people with certain health conditions should speak with their healthcare professional before use. Key specs – Device type: support device; Massage type: Traction support; Heat option: No; Intensity/speed settings : No

Gua sha: This traditional Chinese healing technique uses a tool to apply pressure to acupressure points and scrape your skin. Tools come in different shapes to target specific areas of the body. They’re small enough to toss in your bag to use on the go. Professional sessions are available, often from acupuncturists. Using a massage gun during pregnancy may provide similar benefits to prenatal massage. A 2021 research review suggests that relaxing massage during pregnancy may help alleviate pain, boost mood, and improve sleep. The best budget massage gun is the Vybe V2 Percussion Massager. The user-friendly design is powerful enough to provide deep tissue massage, offering plenty of value for the price. Style of massage offered : This can range from light and gentle to deep, shiatsu-style kneading. If you love a deep massage, you’ll probably be inclined to lean into the machine – but that can leave red marks and isn’t the best idea. Excess pressure can also slow the mechanism down, making it less effective. That said, more research is needed to determine whether using a massage gun before or after workouts is more beneficial and which speeds and durations are most effective. Should you still stretch if you use a massage gun?

Back Massager

Imtiyaz S, et al. (2014). To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The Theragun Elite is a favorite among chiropractors, athletes, and casual exercisers, as it features a powerful motor and five attachable heads for targeted muscle relief. Topical products: Use topical products, such as massage oil, CBD balm, and analgesic ointment, to reduce friction and make applying pressure easier during a self-massage.

However, during your first trimester, it’s best to avoid using a massage gun or having any type of massage since this may increase your risk of miscarriage. Mueller SM, et al. (2021). Effects, side effects and contraindications of relaxation massage during pregnancy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Theragun PRO is a good option for serious athletes, as it offers several speeds and attachments for a deep and powerful massage. A thin layer of lycra covers eight medium-sized shiatsu nodes that rotate in two directions and are surprisingly powerful, giving a satisfyingly deep massage even on the lowest of the three intensity levels. It can take a little experimentation to find the right angle and pressure, but once you’ve adjusted the foam-filled leather straps to a suitable length, it’s pretty intuitive to manoeuvre it into knotted muscles. An added bonus is how quiet this massager is – we almost forgot it was there.Konrad A, et al. (2020). The acute effects of a percussive massage treatment with a hypervolt device on plantar flexor muscles' range of motion and performance. They can determine whether the devices are safe and appropriate for your needs. Do massage guns help with arthritis?