Massage gun: effect, use and how it can complement the massage chair
From professional sport to your own four walls - that's the journey of the massage gun in a nutshell. They were originally developed to help athletes loosen up their muscles and shorten the regeneration phase after intensive training sessions. Today, these handy devices are no longer only found in professional sports, but have found their way into many households. But what's really behind them? In this article, you will find out everything about the massage gun, its use and effects, when a massage gun is useful or rather dangerous and how it can be optimally combined with a massage chair. Reading tip: If you...
From professional sport to your own four walls - that's the journey of the massage gun in a nutshell. They were originally developed to help athletes loosen up their muscles and shorten the regeneration phase after intensive training sessions. Today, these handy devices are no longer only used in professional sport but have found their way into many households.
But what is really behind it? In this article, you will find out everything about the massage gun, its use and effect, when a massage gun is useful or rather dangerous and how it can be optimally combined with a massage chair.
Reading tipIf you would like to find out more about which massages are generally helpful for your body before deciding on a massage gun, take a look at our article "From head to toe - massages help here".
Please note that this article does not replace medical advice. If you have health problems and are not sure whether a device such as a massage gun is suitable for you, please always consult a medical professional.
What is a massage gun?
A massage gun, often referred to as a "muscle gun", is a handy device that uses vibrations and impact movements to relax the muscles. Visually, it is somewhat reminiscent of a drill, with a handle and an interchangeable attachment. The massage gun works with high-frequency, percussive impulses that can penetrate deep into the muscles and relieve tension. The different attachments enable targeted treatment of different areas of the body, some of which are more difficult to reach.Â
But when is it useful to use a massage gun? The device is suitable for use after intensive training sessions as well as for acute tension caused by poor posture or stress. The deep tissue effect promotes blood circulation and loosens the muscles.
In contrast to classic massages, they are not suitable for a full body treatment, but is more suitable for targeting problem areas. A closer look at the mode of action tells us more about the most suitable areas of application.
Massage gun and its effect: selective and in-depth
The technique, which imitates a massage gun, is based on so-called percussive therapy. In simple terms, it works with short, intensive impacts on the muscles that penetrate deep into the tissue. This stimulation promotes blood circulation and loosens hardened muscles. Massage with a gun can therefore help to prevent muscle soreness, especially after sport, by breaking down lactic acid more quickly.
In addition to muscle relaxation, the massage gun can also have a stress-reducing effect, as the improved blood circulation releases endorphins that increase well-being. However, self-application already suggests that the relaxation factor is not the massage gun's greatest strength, as it is not possible to achieve a relaxing effect. The application also needs to be learned in order to actually benefit from the positive effects - so let's take a look at how to use a massage gun correctly.
Reading tipFind out more in our article, how massages can affect the nervous system.
Massage gun: Application and tips for use.
If you want to achieve the best possible results with a massage gun, the right application is crucial. First of all, it is important to only work the affected muscles briefly - a treatment time of 30 seconds to two minutes per muscle group is usually sufficient. So start with low intensity and increase the strength as required. Do not hold the massage gun in one place for too long, but move it slowly over the muscle.
Massage with a massage gun should also never be painful, but should always feel pleasant. Particularly sensitive areas such as the neck should be treated carefully with the massage gun so as not to risk injury.Â
Reading tip: Whether manually, with a gun or in a chair: If you suffer suffer from muscle pain after a massageour article can help you.
Massage gun: useful or dangerous?
A massage gun can be a useful addition to muscle regeneration, but it is not suitable for everyone. The benefits of the muscle gun are obvious: targeted relaxation of the muscles, improved blood circulation and quick relief from tension.
A massage gun can help to relax the muscles and shorten the recovery time, especially after sporting activity. However, a massage gun is not always useful; incorrect use can also be dangerous. Too much pressure or too long a treatment with the muscle gun can lead to injuries.Â
Of course, it is helpful to know the advantages and disadvantages here, as there are also situations in which you should clearly refrain from using a massage gun.
When should you not use a massage gun?
There are certain situations in which the use of a massage gun can be dangerous and is not advisable. People with inflammation, open wounds, skin conditions or fresh injuries should refrain from using it, as the intense shocks from the massage gun could aggravate the condition. People with vascular diseases such as thrombosis or osteoporosis should also be careful, as the vibrations of the muscle gun can increase the risk of aggravation. Before each use, carefully consider whether a massage gun is suitable for your individual needs. If you are unsure, it is better to seek advice from your doctor beforehand.Â
As you can see, the purchase of a massage gun can make sense and certainly has its advantages, but it still poses one or two challenges in terms of comfort, safe use and ease of use. For us, this makes the addition of a massage chair an extremely harmonious overall solution.Â
Massage gun & massage chair - How can the two devices complement each other?
A massage chair offers a relaxing all-round treatment and is ideal for general relaxation and stress reduction. You sit in the chair and can relax without restriction or focus the massage on specific areas of the body. All you have to do is select your desired program. With the massage gun, on the other hand, you have to do a little more work yourself. It is used to target specific muscle groups, especially after sport or for acute tension.
Together, the two devices offer a comprehensive way to relieve pain: the massage chair provides deep relaxation and increases general well-being, while the massage gun can target specific areas of the muscles. Together, the two devices can make an important contribution to physical regeneration. If you are wondering whether a massage chair is worthwhileyou can find an overview of the benefits of such a purchase in our article.
Massage by gun and chair: a combination of relaxation and targeted muscle care
As you can see, a massage gun offers an effective way of targeting tension. However, in order to pursue the holistic aspect both physically and mentally, a device such as the massage gun definitely needs a supplement to achieve the best possible results. This is what makes the combination with a massage chair so perfect - one provides deep relaxation, the other precise treatment.Â
It's clear that you don't have to be a professional athlete these days to treat yourself to deep relaxation and recuperation with a massage gun. The important thing is that you use devices such as the massage gun and the massage chair in a targeted manner and tailored to your needs. Not only can you support your body and your health, but you can also increase your well-being and be more relaxed overall.
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Co-founder and Managing Director of Massage Chair World. With his expert knowledge and industry expertise, he helps private individuals and companies to find the right massage chairs for relaxation, health and vitality. The individual expert advice is provided both by telephone or video chat, as well as in the exhibition outside Stuttgart.
