The 5 best massage guns for recovery and relief in 2023

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You sound tense — can we help?

Chances are if you have opened up this article, you and your body could use some TLC by way of a massage gun you can use at home, whenever sore muscles arise.

A massage gun is really exactly what it sounds like. The device pulses or vibrates (or both!) at a high speed, and when applied to your skin, it works to relax the muscles underneath, just like a typical massage from a spa.

The benefits of these devices are many, but to differentiate from a spa treatment, the gadgets are smaller, easy to transport, can be used at home on yourself or a partner and can be far more affordable than going to a spa or even a chiropractor every time you need a rub down.

By all means, those with medical concerns or injuries should consult their doctor and medical team before using a massage gun, or at least before relying on them solely. Instead, think of massage guns as a great way for an athlete to massage overworked muscles, those that sit at a desk all day to work out knots in their shoulders or backs and for a full-body pick-me-up whenever you need, so long as you use the device correctly.

We also consulted Camila Perez, a licensed massage therapist, esthetician and certified manual lymphatic drainage therapist, to help us with our FAQ section, plus reviews from customers just like you to help us compile this list. Read on for Perez’s expert advice after 20 years of working with the body, plus her top picks throughout the story.

For a mini massage that also packs a punch, we love the Theragun Mini. We actually reviewed this one ourselves, falling in love with how portable the device itself was, but also how the attachments and power was on par with the larger versions. Read more here, as well as in the customer review below.

What customer reviews say: “I am a fitness instructor, and I travel for work. The amount of times this has saved my life is immeasurable. If you were on the fence I highly recommend you purchase this one,” reads a recent Amazon review. The device has more than 6,000 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on Amazon alone, plus other rave reviews at Best Buy and other retailers.

Other specs: Three attachments, 120-minute battery life, three speeds.

Our massage expert picked this massage gun, as well as rave reviews from customers. The price is steeper than some on this list, but is pretty comparable to the higher-end Therabody devices and comes with attachments and power to back it up.

What customer reviews say: “Still going strong after 3 years! I bought the original version back in 2020 and the thing is still going strong. I use it almost everyday and have saved thousands of dollars by not having to pay for massages as frequently. The battery holds its charge and has not diminished since first purchase. The power is fantastic and it’s quite enough to use while watching TV. This thing is a go-to workout companion,” reads a review on the site. You can also find the massage gun on Amazon, where it has a 4.5-star rating and over 400 reviews.

Other specs: Five attachments, three hour battery life, five speeds.

Sometimes the best way is also the cheapest way, when you need a quick massage on the go. We found this Amazon pick, looking to their 4.5-star rating and more than 1,100 reviews, and then obviously noticing the price tag below $100.

What customer reviews say: “I am a custom woodworker and had recently been diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both hands in addition to some damage to two of my disc in my lower back. But the biggest thing was the scar tissue that had begun to develop around my finger joints and knuckles,” reads a rave review. “But let me tell you when I used this massage gun on my hand, palm and finger joints it was like doing the.exercises a hundred times in a few minutes. I had it on the lowest setting and it hurt a little bit at first 15 to 20 seconds and then the pain began to subside. After about a week most of the scar tissue dissolved around my fingers and palm joints. I am sold on using this quality massage gun.”

Other specs: Eight attachments, 24 hour battery life, seven speeds.

Talk about an Amazon all-star. This massage gun was the first pick on the massage gun page of the site, and for good reason. It now has more than 10,500 reviews and an average 4.5 star rating, making it a customer favorite. We also love it for it’s many attachments and the price, which frequently goes on sale.

What customer reviews say: “It’s easy to assemble (changing out the various massager pieces, per targeted muscle), easy to use (just turn on at the bottom, and tap up or down for preferred speed), and great battery life! I really enjoy both KNOWING the battery life at all times, and simply TAPPING the up and down button for preferred massaging speed. The LED lighted numbers for speed and battery life are easily visible, and the overall massager is easy to hold while using.”

Other specs: 10 attachments, two hour battery life, 20 speeds.

Our expert chose this massage gun as one of her favorites, and according to the reviews, this checks out. The VYBE brand massage gun has been dubbed a great pick for athletes, due to the ergonomic handle and ease of transport, allowing you to take this to the gym, practice or the big game.

What customer reviews say: “This thing is amazing. I believe the hype about this type of massage gun now. I didn’t want to spend a couple of hundred dollars to learn if this tech would benefit my wife or me,” reads an Amazon review. It is really effective in a short period of time. I sit at a desk during the week and do projects on the weekend. This made Monday a lot less painful than I expected. My wife also likes it, and it helps with her pains. It seems well built, and I was surprised by the apparent cost-value ratio. Time will tell how well it will hold up. Even the case doesn’t seem cheap or flimsy.” You can find 1,150 more reviews where that came from, as well as a 4.6-star rating on Amazon.

Other specs: Four attachments, four hour battery life, five speeds.

Q: What do massage guns really do? A: “They use rapid and repetitive pressure to target specific areas of the body,” said Perez. “Overall, massage guns can be an effective tool for promoting muscle recovery, reducing pain, and improving mobility.” She then listed the five major things that happen in the body during a massage, listed below:

Q: What areas of the body can I use a massage gun on? A: “Large muscle groups — massage guns can be used on large muscle groups, such as the quads, hamstrings, calves, and back, to help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow,” said Perez. “Sore or tight spots — massage guns can be used to target specific areas that are sore or tight, such as trigger points or knots. [And] areas of tension — massage guns can be used to work out areas of tension, such as the neck, shoulders, and hips.”

Q: Where should I NOT use a massage gun? A: “Massage guns should not be used on bony areas, such as the spine, ribs, or joints, as they can cause discomfort or even injury,” said Perez. “Massage guns should also not be used directly on nerves or blood vessels, as they can cause damage or irritation. Massage guns should not be used on injured or inflamed areas, as they can aggravate the condition and delay healing.”

Q: What is the best way to begin to use a massage gun? A: “Turn the device on before you start, in the lower setting, and increase gradually,” explained Perez. “Hold the massager perpendicularly, and let the head graze the skin over the muscle, Resist the urge to push the massager into your muscle — the up and down motion of the gun will do the work for you. Just float the massage head on the skin, or over a thin layer of clothing. Some massage guns will stall if you apply too much pressure during your session to prevent injury or bruising.

Q: This hurts. Is that okay? A: “A little discomfort is okay, but stop the gun if you feel actual pain. If someone uses a massage gun on you, speak up if you feel pain,” warned Perez.

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