Massage guns are handheld massagers that are usually rechargeable and are very easy to use. People love them because they can target specific areas of the body and because they are usually lightweight instead of heavy.

Even better, massage guns are usually less expensive than people think they are, which makes them even more appealing. If you’re considering buying one of these devices, it’s best to know what you’re looking for and this article is here to help you do just that.

What to Look for When Buying a Massage Gun

Before you head out to buy a massage gun, there are a few things you should know about them that can help ensure that you buy the perfect one for your needs.

Below are five tips to keep in mind when shopping for massage guns:

1.  They Are Not Miracle Workers

Massage guns don’t do everything. Keep in mind that they massage specific areas of the body, but those areas tend to be small.

If you want a bigger area massaged, there might be better alternatives for you. This includes large foam or rubber balls, including the balls used in the sport of lacrosse, that cover bigger areas of the body.

Still, if you have a small area of the body that is tight or sore, massage guns are often the perfect solution. They can target specific areas of your muscles and usually provide instant relief.

2.  You May Not Need a Massage Gun

Massage guns are great for increasing your range of motion and helping to work out knots in your muscles, which in turn decrease the possibility of getting an injury.

They truly offer numerous advantages, but if you do a good enough job of stretching and/or you see a massage therapist or chiropractor regularly, you may not need it.

That being said, keep in mind that it’s a good idea to keep a massage gun around for those times when you get sore or tight in a specific area and you need help working it out so that you can feel better.

3.  They May Not Help with Long-Term Recovery

Massage guns have tons of benefits and they do actually work; in fact, they work very well. The thing is that although they provide instant relief, they do not always help your muscles recover faster.

They are great for increasing range of motion and easing pain, but they won’t actually speed up your recovery time. Of course, most people aren’t using massage guns for this purpose anyway.

If you keep in mind what massage guns can and cannot do, it’s easy to decide whether you should buy one or not. They are still a great item to have around for after your workout.

4.  They Are Available in All Price Ranges

The good news about massage guns is that they are available regardless of what your budget is like. In fact, one thing to remember about massage guns is that you do not have to spend an extraordinary amount of money just to get a good one.

As long as the brand is reputable, you’ll be purchasing a quality massage gun even if you don’t spend a lot of money.

If you’re wondering what the difference is between an inexpensive massage gun and an expensive one, it usually boils down to the number of settings and other fancy features. Inexpensive massage guns have fewer fancy features and fewer settings; otherwise, they’re both quality items.

5.  They Are Good at Reducing Pain

For people who are wondering about massage guns’ ability to reduce pain, do not worry because they have been proven to reduce many different types of pain.

You should also keep in mind that today’s massage guns often come with attachments that make them even more effective, including heated heads and heads of different sizes.

In addition, massage guns are perfect for reducing the stress you feel after a long day working on your computer, including the neck and shoulder areas. Massage guns are great for all types of problems, in other words.

Can You Use a Massage Gun on Your Head?

Yes, you can use a massage gun on your head as long as you keep in mind a few recommendations. First of all, massage guns should never be used on any part of your head for long periods of time.

If you’re going to use a massage gun on your head, only use it for a very short period of time. Even better, if you are looking for a massage gun for your head, try to find one that specifically says this.

There are several massage guns made specifically for the head area, but even if you only want to massage your head occasionally, you should still check the directions to make sure that the gun doesn’t say that you should not use it on your head. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Do Massage Guns Get Rid of Knots?

Yes, massage guns can get rid of knots in the muscles. Knots are called myofascial trigger points and are caused by tension that forms in the muscle.

Massage guns target that tension and ease it so that the knots are no longer there. If you’re going to use a massage gun to get rid of knots, make sure that you use the right amount of pressure.

If you use too much pressure, it may not get the knot out and even worse, it’ll be painful. Use medium pressure on the knots to work them out and help you feel better.

Conclusion

Massage guns are popular because they do a great job of targeting specific areas of the body that have sore and stiff muscles. They are inexpensive and even come with various features and attachments.

The main thing to remember with massage guns is that even though they aren’t perfect, they do a lot of good for most people and come in many different price ranges, too.

If you’re considering buying a massage gun, do your research and find a reputable brand. It’s better if you decide beforehand what features you want out of it.