ActiveWorkouts5 surprising benefits of massage guns from improved flexibility to reducing the effects of DOMSThere are so many benefits of a massage gun, whether it’s faster recovery or better sleepWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkouts5 surprising benefits of massage guns from improved flexibility to reducing the effects of DOMSThere are so many benefits of a massage gun, whether it’s faster recovery or better sleepWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
There are so many benefits of a massage gun, whether it’s faster recovery or better sleep
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Therabody)
(Image credit: Therabody)
The benefits of amassage guncan be extensive, so if you’re in the market for something to relieve tension, speed up recovery and improve your fitness performance, it might be worth investing.
A massage gun is a handheld device that looks a bit like a power drill, but with a large, round tip. Lizzie Read, sports therapist atP3RFORM, explains that massage guns are a type of self-myofascial release - this is a self-massage technique for people who are experiencing muscle tightness or pain.
Sounds good, right? Massage guns also have a ton of other benefits. We’ve unpacked some of them for you here.
Benefits #1: Faster recovery
“One of the main benefits of a massage gun is speeding up recovery, allowing you to get back to training more quickly and reducing injury time”, says Read.
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“Using a massage gun can also improve sports performance,” she adds. In fact, one study published in theJournal of Clinical and Diagnostic Researchfound that the vibrations from a massage gun could improve muscular strength, power development and range of motion following exercise, as well as decrease DOMS.
Benefits #2: Increased mobility
“Regular use of a massage gun can stimulate nerve receptors which causes the widening of blood vessels in the skin and muscles (known as vasodilation), improving mobility,” says Read.
“This nervous system response will allow you to more easily move your body after using the massage gun because it stimulates the muscles in the area treated. Increased vasodilation can also create a warming effect on the skin, which is another lovely bonus that aids feelings of relaxation.”
(Image credit: Therabody)
(Image credit: Therabody)
Benefit #3: Increased flexibility
One of the other benefits of a massage gun is that it enhances the range of motion - this is how far you can move or stretch a particular part of your body.
A study published in theInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Healthfound that this allows for a greater range of motion and flexibility.
Benefit #4: Stress busting
“Basically, applying the massage gun to areas on the body that are tight sends a signal to the brain via the nervous system,” she says. “This sends an ‘action signal’ back to the muscle, causing it to relax.”
(Image credit: Hyperice)
(Image credit: Hyperice)
Benefit #5: Improved sleep
“When we are calmer and more relaxed, then we often sleep more soundly and have less symptoms of anxiety.”
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