Handheld Message Therapy Machine That Provides Continues Pounding of Sore Muscles
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / Michela Buttignol Massage guns can be helpful tools for relieving sore muscles and preventing soreness when used before and after workouts. They target muscles with rapid-fire pulses, aiming to provide the benefits of massage therapy from the comfort of your home. When choosing a massage gun, take into consideration your personal noise tolerance, the device's stall force—which is how much pressure you can apply before it shuts off—the gun's weight and shape, and customizing options such as multiple speed selections and head attachments for hitting different muscle groups, so you're receiving targeted benefits. To find the best massage guns on the market, we tested 18 massage guns at home over several weeks. Our testers used the massage guns pre- and post-workout on multiple muscle groups, including glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, and more, any time they felt sore. We evaluated each device on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) for its effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. Based on our tests, here are the best massage guns on the market. Courtesy of Amazon Our Ratings Pros Quiet (even on highest setting) Great battery life Easy to maneuver Cons Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some What do buyers say? 95% of 1,598+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. We gave this massage gun a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars for effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, and value, which is why it was an easy choice for our best overall spot. Our tester noted that this massage gun was very effective at reaching specific trigger points and particularly sore spots. A fan of deep tissue massage, our tester also loved that the device comes with multiple smaller attachments for more intense kneading. Compared to opove's previous model, the opove M3 Pro—which was previously our best overall pick, this model is quieter, keeping its noise level between 45 and 55 decibels when in use. Even on the highest of its three available speed settings, it's quieter than the lowest setting of many other massage guns on the market. Although this massage gun has a hefty stall force of 50 pounds, it is quite lightweight, only weighing 2.3 pounds. Our tester, who also tested opove's M3 Pro model, found the Apex to be easier to maneuver, as it is more compact and features a grippy handle for easy holding (a feature that the M3 Pro model lacked). Its battery life is also competitive, clocking in between three and four hours on one full charge. Plus, we love that it comes with a convenient carrying case, so you don't have to worry about misplacing any of its six unique attachments. Its three speed settings and six head attachments make this massage gun versatile enough to hit all muscle groups and sore spots, from gentle relaxation to deep massage. Our tester found the opove Apex Massage Gun powerful enough to offer deep relief due to its impressive stall force and 14.5-millimeter stroke length. Price at time of publish:$250 Noise: 45-55 dB | Stall Force: 50 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 3.5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "For anyone who is looking to try out a massage gun or even a more veteran exerciser who has tried massage guns out in the past, this gun is truly versatile! It's great for people who like more relaxing, lighter massages and people who like deep tissue massage." —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Verywell Fit senior commerce editor and product tester RecoverFun Our Ratings Pros Super lightweight Great battery life Cons Not as powerful as other options Lacks a structured carrying case Mini massage guns aren't the most powerful options on the market, but they definitely get the job done for people looking for basic relief. This mini massage gun from RecoverFun earned 5 out of 5 stars for all of our testing attributes: effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. This gun is both affordable and effective, generating up to 3,200 percussions per minute across four different speed settings to provide significant therapeutic relief. The brushless motor is surprisingly quiet, and the battery lasts an impressive 5 hours on a single charge. The USB charging port design helps you keep it powered up while on the go as well. It only weighs 1.1 pounds, and our tester found that the ergonomic design makes it both easy and comfortable to hold. Price at time of publish:$79 Noise: 42 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "This gun only has four speeds, so it doesn't feel like you can overdo it. The size makes it easy to maneuver: I never feel like the massage gun is going to slip out of my hands or get too unwieldy." —Ashleigh Morley, Verywell Fit commerce editorial director and product tester Dick's Sporting Goods Our Ratings Pros Affordable Theragun option Ergonomic grip App integration with Bluetooth Cons Handle may be too short for hard-to-reach areas Shorter battery life Theragun is a powerhouse in the massage gun market, and after testing the brand's most popular massage gun models, the Theragun Prime was our favorite. The Prime massage gun earned 5 out of 5 stars on four of our six testing attributes, which gives it an overall higher rating than the more expensive Theraguns we tested. Our tester felt it was very effective at relieving sore muscles after a workout and was easy to hold and quiet. It's a budget-friendlier option from the brand that still provides all the features you need for sore muscle relief. It comes with four head attachments and a smart app that our tester notes was very helpful with initial setup and even provides how-to video guides. We love that the brushless motor contains QuietForce Technology that keeps this massage gun pretty quiet while in use without losing power. The device comes with five built-in speeds, but you can also select any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute to customize your treatment on manual mode. Price at time of publish: $299 Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "This was feeling like a 'nice to have' gadget until the morning I woke up with a tension headache. I used the Theragun on my back and shoulder and felt great for the rest of the day." —Sabrina Rojas Weiss, Verywell Fit product tester Amazon Our Ratings Pros Portable Easy to hold Compatible with other Theragun attachments Cons Only comes with one head attachment Low stall force For an even budget-friendlier Theragun that is also easily portable, we recommend this Mini version. We gave the Theragun Mini Massager a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. The Mini is perfect for working out knots and tight spots while on the go. Its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to stash in your gym bag or hiking pack, so you can use it anywhere. With a 20-pound stall force and only three speed settings, the Theragun Mini is not as powerful as other massage guns on our list, but our tester felt a noticeable difference in hip flexor tension after using it. Mini massage guns are particularly useful for people who have weaker hands or struggle with chronic arthritis pain and can't hold heavier devices comfortably for an extended period of time. We like that the Theragun Mini has a sleek, ergonomic grip that helps reduce the strain on your hands. Price at time of publish: $199 Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 20 pounds | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Customizability: 3 speed settings | Battery Life: 2.5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "The Theragun Mini is a no-brainer for folks who want the experience of a massage gun without the size/scale of the larger devices." —Tory Brangham, Dotdash Meredith chief commerce officer and Verywell Fit product tester Amazon Our Ratings Pros Ergonomic grip Customizable speed range App integration with Bluetooth Cons Larger size may be difficult to hold The Theragun Elite did not score as well as the Prime during our test, but we still think this is a quality massage gun from a trusted brand that's worth the splurge for anyone looking for a higher-tech option. The Elite offers five head attachments, including a wedge attachment that can help decrease lactic acid in muscles via a "scraping" motion. Like the Theragun Prime, the Elite comes equipped with QuietForce Technology and smart app integration. The Therabody app integrates with Apple Health and Google Fit and can suggest guided routines based on your fitness program. You can also store up to three preset routines right on your device. Our tester noted that the Elite is a little bulky, so holding the gun for a long massage session may be difficult, which is why it only scored a 3.5 out of 5 for ease of use. However, our tester also noted that the Elite head attachments glide smoothly over sore muscles. She also liked that you can easily adjust the speed of the massage gun, which makes the device versatile for soothing mild to deep muscle aches. Price at time of publish: $399 Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 40 pounds | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Customizability: 5 head attachments | Battery Life: 2 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "I had high expectations for the Theragun due to its reputation, and it definitely delivered. It's pleasing to the eye, feels high-quality during use, and has minimal flaws or details that could be changed. While there are only three speeds, it's more than enough, and it doesn't skimp on versatility with its five attachment heads." —Tori Zhou, Verywell Fit associate commerce editor and product tester Amazon Our Ratings Pros Has additional skincare treatments Ergonomic design Six head attachments In need of a massage gun, but for your face? Meet Therabody's TheraFace Pro. Whether you have irritating jaw pain or facial muscle tension, this innovative facial tool uses gentle percussive massage to ease discomfort. It has three different percussive attachments—flat, cone, and micro-point—to target different areas and concerns. What's more, the device comes with three additional attachments, including cleansing, microcurrent, and LED light therapy rings to help users work toward a variety of skincare goals. It's an eight-in-one device that works to relieve facial pain and tension headaches; target fine lines and wrinkles; and clean and tone the skin. Our tester said it provided a relaxing, effective upgrade to her skincare routine. Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not Applicable | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Customizability: 6 attachments | Battery Life: 120 minutes Verywell Fit / Michelle Parente "The TheraFace Pro is an eight-in-one device that delivers unique treatments, real results, and restorative relaxation. If you're looking to splurge on an effective device, the TheraFace Pro is worth it to level-up your self-care routine."—Michelle Parente, Verywell Fit commerce writer and product tester Amazon Our Ratings Pros Rotating arm 60-pound stall force Six head attachments Cons Expensive Larger size may be difficult to hold The Pro massage gun is the top of the line from Theragun and a fan favorite. It didn't perform as well as other options on our list, but we think it's still a good investment if you're seeking a truly deep tissue massage. With a stall force of 60 pounds, six head attachments, and a rotating arm, the Theragun Pro offers maximum intensity and versatility for treating sore muscles—earning a score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness. The Pro's arm rotates to four different positions, and the triangular-shaped handle makes it ideal for hard-to-reach spots like the low back, glutes, and hamstrings. Our tester noted that the Pro is pretty heavy at almost 3 pounds, so it's better suited for someone with lots of arm and grip strength or someone who has a partner or trainer that can assist with the massage session. Like other Theragun devices, the Pro comes with smart app integration and up to three preset routines that can be saved on the device. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you'll never be left waiting for your massage gun to charge up. Price at time of publish: $599 Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: 60 pounds | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments and 4 arm positions | Battery Life: 5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "I would recommend this massage gun to someone who works out very frequently and who has used massage guns in the past and plans to use massage guns very frequently, which would make this worth the cost. I would also recommend it to someone who likes deep percussive therapy." —Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT, Verywell Fit senior commerce editor and product tester Amazon Our Ratings Pros Long battery life Six head attachments Auto-shutoff feature Cons Low stall force Large size compared to other massage guns The Sportneer Elite D9 has an impressive battery life of up to 6 hours. After you charge it, you won't have to worry about recharging it for weeks, depending on how often you use it. This makes it reliable and convenient. The D9 is durable and has a 10-minute auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating, making it a safe choice. It has six speed settings and six head attachments—including two specifically designed for oil massage—allowing you to reach your neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, and legs for a full-body massage. Our tester found the massage gun very comfortable to use, giving it a rating of 5 out of 5 for comfort. Our tester did note that it is a large device, so it may be difficult to take on the go. Price at time of publish:$130 Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: 30 pounds | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Customizability: 6 head attachments | Battery Life: 6 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Renpho Our Ratings Pros Portable and lightweight One-button control Auto-shutoff feature Cons Lowest setting may not be gentle enough for some Battery life can affect performance Renpho is no stranger to wellness products, known for its high-tech bathroom scales and foot massagers. At 0.9 pounds, the Mini Massage Gun is the lightest option on our list. We like that it can be gripped perfectly with the palm of your hand and easily packs into a gym bag or suitcase, with or without the included carrying case. However, don't be fooled by its small size. Some users have reported that the lowest setting is still quite powerful. It features five speed settings and four head attachments, from flat to cylinder, and Renpho promises a torque that's 1.5 times higher than competitors—which means a lower likelihood of stalling. Our tester noted the high quality of the device and its carrying case and liked that it included a body map with suggestions for which attachments to use. We gave the massage gun a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for stall force, ease of use, and portability. The one-button control is convenient for turning on the device and increasing its speed, but our tester noted that after reaching maximum speed, the next push of the button returns the speed to level 1 instead of shutting it off completely. Price at time of publish:$90 Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "I prefer the Renpho Mini Massage Gun to larger massage guns that don't feel as safe or manageable. This was extremely intuitive to use and effective." —Rachel Berman, RD, Verywell SVP and group general manager and product tester Amazon Our Ratings Pros Auto-shutoff safety feature Carrying case included High stall force Cons Battery life can affect performance Heavy If you prefer more aggressive massages, consider Achedaway's Pro 16mm Massage Gun. It has the highest stall force on our list at 80 pounds and five speed settings. The massage gun weighs 2.5 pounds, so it's not the lightest but not the heaviest on our list. Our tester noted that it was difficult to hold with one hand when massaging hard-to-reach areas like the back, so the weight is a compromise to consider if you're looking for a powerful device. We think it's worth the tradeoff, given that the device earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for effectiveness. It features a battery life of two to three hours, but we like that you can buy an extra battery to double the battery life. Users have reported that a low battery can impact its performance and intensity, so you may need to plan ahead and make sure you have a full charge before using the device. For safety, it includes an auto-shutoff feature when not in use. The massage gun comes equipped with a carrying case, four massage heads, and a removable battery. Price at time of publish:$299 Noise: 40-60 dB | Stall Force: 80 pounds | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Customizability: 4 head attachments | Battery Life: Up to 3 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "I really enjoyed using the Achedaway Pro because it helped relieve muscle tension and tightness in my back. Plus, it was easy to use, set up, and attach the different attachments it came with." —Kayla Hui, MPH, Verywell writer and product tester Amazon Our Ratings Pros Very quiet 10 head attachments 20 speed levels Cons Amplitude is shorter than other massage guns Some users report battery stops holding a charge The TOLOCO Massage Gun's brushless motor is built with noise reduction technology that keeps it at 40 decibels, making it the quietest on our list. Our tester felt it was easy to use, lightweight, and impressively quiet, giving it a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for ease of use, comfort, and portability. The stall force for this gun is not listed by the manufacturer, but even though the motor is quiet, it's still powerful. Our tester noted that they had no trouble applying a lot of pressure and felt the higher settings were appropriately intense without causing the gun to vibrate too much, earning it a score of 4.5 out of 5 for stall force. The TOLOCO is versatile and easy to use. We like that it comes with 10 head attachments and 20 speed levels, making it easy to adjust for different muscle groups, like neck and shoulders or glutes and hamstrings. Price at time of publish:$220 Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Customizability: 10 head attachments | Battery Life: 4 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "I really like this little device! I don't find massage guns as helpful as other things, but I definitely see the benefit of investing some money into this affordable, versatile, portable, and effective little machine." —Autumn Rauchwerk, MS, RDN, RYT, Verywell Fit senior commerce editor and product tester Best Buy Our Ratings Pros TSA approved for carry-on Compact Three plug adapters for travel Cons Short battery life No carrying case The Hyperice Hypervolt Go is a lightweight and portable massage gun built for traveling. It weighs less than 2 pounds, comes with three plug adapters for international outlets, and is TSA compliant for carry-on. It comes with two head attachments and three speed settings, and our tester noted that it was effective at relieving muscle tension in her legs and back. The massager was very quiet and easy to use with a one-button control—earning the device a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for ease of use. The Hyperice has a shorter battery life than other massage guns on our list, but with three adapters, you can charge it on the go, and we like that its light weight makes it easy to maneuver into hard-to-reach spots like the low back or feet. Price at time of publish:$159 Noise: Not provided | Stall Force: Not provided | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Customizability: 2 head attachments | Battery Life: 2.5 hours Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples "I liked how lightweight the device was. The handle was also easy to hold and maneuver." —Kayla Hui, MPH, Verywell writer and product tester Best Overall: opove Apex Massage Gun Best Budget: RecoverFun Mini Massage Gun Best Theragun: Theragun Prime Massage Gun Best Budget Theragun : Therabody Theragun Mini Best Splurge: Theragun Elite Massage Gun Best for the Face: Therabody TheraFace PRO Best High-Intensity: Theragun PRO Best Battery Life: Sportneer Elite D9 Massage Gun Best Mini: Renpho Mini Massage Gun Best Stall Force: Achedaway Pro 16mm Massage Gun Best Quiet: TOLOCO Massage Gun Best for Travel: Hyperice Hypervolt Go We chose the opove Apex Massage Gun as our best overall selection because we found it to be effective, comfortable, easy to use, and a good value. Its three hours and thirty minutes battery life, 50-pound stall force, and six head attachments make it versatile enough for a total-body massage. We recommend RecoverFun's Mini Massage Gun as a budget-friendlier option that is still very effective and easy to use. We also like that, despite its small size, it still has competitive battery life. 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best massage guns we reviewed. We recommend them without reservation. 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These massage guns are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great massage guns, but others are better. 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These massage guns are just average. 3.4 and below: We don't recommend massage guns with this rating; you won't find any on our list. To narrow down the best massage guns, our editors tested 18 different devices at home. Ten testers—including a certified personal trainer, a certified barre instructor, and a certified yoga teacher—used each massage gun at least four times: Once before and after an upper-body workout and once before and after a lower-body workout for 3-5 minutes a session. Testers were also instructed to use the massage gun any time they felt sore or stiff or had muscle tightness. Our testers then rated each massage gun on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) in the categories of effectiveness, comfort, ease of use, stall force, portability, and value. We also gave each massage gun an overall rating which reflects whether or not we would recommend it to a friend or family member. Testers were also asked to evaluate the safety and noise level of the device and if the included instructions were clear and helpful. Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz The motors that power massage guns can be surprisingly loud, so it can be a rather unpleasant experience to use them on neck and shoulder muscles. "When you use a massage gun, noise is generated by the motor units, which is important to consider when you plan to use the device on muscles closer to the ears," Latoya Julce, a fitness professional and registered nurse in New York City, says. Luckily, lots of the newer models prioritize decreasing this motor noise. This term refers to the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls. "It's important because if you want to add the pressure of the massage gun on the tissues and the unit stops moving, then it's not helpful and the massage gun isn't doing what you need it to do," Dr. Karena Wu, DPT, board-certified physical therapist and owner of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City and India, says. People who want deeper, more aggressive percussive therapy typically need massage guns with higher stall force. Because these devices are often held with one hand, weight is a vital factor. "Weight is important because you have to hold the unit in your hand and be in a position to have the massage gun hit your tissues," Dr. Wu says. She notes that if a unit is too heavy, you can end up with a fatigued arm, unable to target the correct tissues. You want to feel confident that you can hold the massage gun steadily and safely on the targeted muscle while it's running at top speed. Consider customization as you think about which muscles you typically need to target and what type of massage therapy you enjoy using on those muscles. Some massage guns come with a handful of head attachments, some offer an adjustable head angle on the device itself, some provide both of these features, and some neglect both. Dr. Wu says that pinpoint, flat, and curved attachments help target a variety of different muscles and tensions. "If you're really tight and tender, then starting with a flat head attachment would be best to warm up the tissues without discomfort," she says. Jen Zeltwanger, ACSM-EP, is an ACSM-certified exercise physiologist and long-time fitness writer. Jen has been involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years and has written articles and tested products for a variety of fitness and wellness publications, like Sass Magazine and Field Hockey Life Magazine. She uses the TOLOCO Massage Gun to relax her stiff back and uses it after training and runs to loosen her tight hips. She considers it an essential part of her training program. Additional reporting by Alena Hall As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how critical a quality recovery practice is to a person's overall fitness routine. She's always exploring the latest and greatest health gadgets as they enter the market, but more importantly, she looks for scientific research that validates their claims.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/opove-8e0d4bbc96b641ff80c1dfcc6c810431.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-05-25at3.31.42PM-451aa76d4bc34db0b1be74afadd65379.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-05-25at3.21.09PM-fffd94a079c0419ebb8ab290203ff279.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/theragunmini-0fba282630534aa1845460dd4f1068cf.jpg)
What Our Editors Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-05-25at3.17.14PM-e6583a9d33fb406ab417905a15d15fd4.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TherabodyTheraFacePRO-27d09fb3a734441baf2e2ea654dfc1eb.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-05-25at11.40.46AM-33041889595a41f78aae118a4dac6457.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-05-25at12.55.41PM-420240e2827c47238e0b06c3044d7079.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-05-25at3.13.10PM-192e60f1be2645039a0f1fb67deab270.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/achedawaypro-ccfeaf8e6e85497484dcedc5aa0f5e45.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/toloco-f0e95c471b6843dab92d03e692989d8f.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ScreenShot2022-05-25at2.45.59PM-020b18ca4e354d9d8135167c8f5ad2e9.jpg)
What Our Testers Say
Overall Rating Effectiveness Comfort Ease of Use Stall Force Value Amazon 5 5 5 4.5 5 Amazon 5 5 5 5 5 Amazon 5 5 4.5 5 5 Amazon 5 4.5 5 5 5 Amazon 4.5 4 3.5 4.5 4.5 Amazon 5 5 5 5 4.5 Amazon 5 4.5 4.5 5 4.5 Amazon 4.5 5 4 5 4.5 Amazon 4 4 5 5 Amazon 5 5 4.5 5 4.5 Amazon 4 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 Amazon 4 5 4.5 5 4.5 Final Verdict
How We Rated the Massage Guns
How We Tested the Massage Guns
What to Look For in a Massage Gun
Noise
Stall Force
Weight
Customization
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Source: https://www.verywellfit.com/best-massage-guns-4800201
0 Response to "Handheld Message Therapy Machine That Provides Continues Pounding of Sore Muscles"
Postar um comentário