Massage guns have become a popular tool for home recovery and self care. The question is, how do they work, are they worth it, and is it really going to help you?
We use massage guns in our treatments regularly, so we’re a big fan of the benefits they can bring. However, we want to give you an overview so you know how massage guns may or may not help you.
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Are Massage Guns Worth the Hype?
Well, let’s start with the evolution of the massage gun. Although percussive therapy has been around since the early 1800’s, the massage gun has become the new hype. The first massage gun was invented by a chiropractic doctor, Jason Werseland, in 2008. His invention was sparked by the need for a more functional and effective way to treat myofascial tissue complaints. The first massage gun to hit the market was called the “TheraGun.” Since then, the popularity and demand for massage guns has rapidly increased.
How Do Massage Guns Work?
It is a form of percussive therapy that uses rapid, repetitive pressure to target deeper muscle tissues. The alteration between the compression and retraction mechanism of the gun does not allow the body to acclimate. The force/stretch activates mechanoreceptors & muscle fibers in the targeted area. What are mechanoreceptors? They are tiny neurological receptors that detect when something is touching your skin. This sends a signal to the brain to create an anatomical change of improved muscle mobility.
Is it Good or Bad that the Body does not "Acclimate" to the Massage gun?
First, let’s break down what body acclimatization is. It is a normal biological function that allows your body to adapt to a repeated exposure in your environment. For example, when you go from an air conditioned building to then stepping outside on a hot summer day, the temperature change feels extreme. Yet, after being outside for a couple of minutes your body gets used to the summer heat. Thus, your body has adapted to its environment and signals that no biological change is needed. When using a massage gun, the body can not acclimate to the stimulus as it changes and does not remain constant. This signals to the body that a biological change is needed and focuses the brain on that targeted area. For instance, it would be like walking in and out of an air conditioned building into the hot summer day every minute… your body would not be able to acclimate to the changing temperature. So, in the case of using the massage gun, it is a good thing as we want the body to make a change in the affected muscles.
What are the Benefits of Using a Massage Gun?
There are so many benefits that few people talk about. It is a great tool to help improve the function of your muscles, but let’s break it down even more. First of all, the mechanism of percussion stimulates the nerve cells in the area which causes the blood vessels to dilate. This improves the blood circulation and lymphatic flow in the targeted area. An increase in blood flow helps supply the tissues with nutrients while flushing out the toxins stuck in the affected area. With more nutrients getting into the tissues, the process of muscle recovery accelerates and improves. Healthier tissues result in greater flexibility and mobility of your joints. Additionally, it reduces your pain and soreness.