There is a lot of talk about these instruments lately and we have been curious to find out what this thing about the massage guns y if They are really effective for muscle recovery. Because as it is popularly said, we are often bombarded with products that are heard everywhere and, in the end, what they have is much ado about nothing. Could this massage gun thing be just another hoax among many? What do users who have tried it think?
Many runners have turned these accessories into inseparable training companions, so there must be something true. And we are going to tell you both the good and the bad with us in this article.
What are massage guns?
At first glance the massage guns They are nothing more than a foam roller. In fact, if you have never heard of them or seen them, you may find it difficult to recognize them when you see them, because nothing in their appearance suggests that they are what they are, much less their effectiveness.
It must be clarified that they really are not a new product and that they have been with us for almost 10 years, but now it is making a lot of noise and we want to know why.
The success of these gadgets for runners is based on the fact that they are the indispensable tool to carry out a widely applied therapy among athletes called “percussion therapy”. And with that said, we move on to the next point.
What is percussion therapy?
La percussion therapy is applied in physiotherapy to help the Muscle recovery. This process is essential for any athlete, especially among runners who have pushed their body and, therefore, their muscles in general to the maximum, covering several muscle groups.
Consists in apply quick blows, riding a vertical shape, throughout the entire musculature of the patient's or athlete's body.
The objective sought is relieve muscle pain that we have left after a hard training session (effectively, the much-feared soreness that makes more than one think twice before exercising again, basically because you can barely move if you are a beginner).
Not only does it relieve the pain, but these muscle blows also allow us to move freely again, because the muscles recover almost magically. But be careful, what lies behind these devices and techniques is not magic, but science. Because science supports that this type of treatment generates this effect on the muscles and very positive effects.
How is percussion therapy applied with massage guns?
The massage guns They usually bring supplements that help to efficiently reach each part of the body, hitting each muscle. A massage is carried out in which the key points of the body are hit, as indicated above, with quick and vertical blows.
When doing so, the muscles and soft tissues of the body receive strong impulses and vibrations that generate a chain reaction. Contracted muscles are released, improves blood flow and, furthermore, a kind of lymphatic drainage. This multiple effect has benefits for the athlete, making them recover better and faster.
It is recommended to apply for 1 to 3 minutes on each muscle group for results. We will start with light touches and little by little we will intensify and increase the rhythm, with soft and undulating strokes.
Can percussion therapy be applied to the entire body?
The massage guns They are a safe instrument as long as they know how to use them. You have to start carefully, because not all people tolerate the same level of pain and discomfort can cause some to back out of therapy. Little by little the speed and power will increase.
It can be used from the quadriceps to the balls of the feet, But you have to avoid sensitive areas where the nerves, joints and bones are located, because in these areas it could be especially painful and no effects would really be obtained here.
What benefits do massage guns provide?
Gun massages ensure that the person recovers before the ravages of a training session, by achieving, in the same action, breaking stiff muscles, improving blood flow and allowing the body to reabsorb fluids, avoiding muscle dehydration. .
In short, with a percussion massage you achieve:
- Gain flexibility.
- Eliminate holes.
- Reduce muscle pain.
- Improve blood circulation.
- Reduce muscle spasms.
- Reduce lactic acid.
- Break up adhesions and promote healing of muscle fibers.
Why are massage guns better than classic massages?
After reading all this, you may be wondering: “Well, what's new about this? Have you not been applying professional massages all your life? Why is this technique so popular and what makes it so different and special?”
There will be those who prefer to go to their masseuse and allow themselves to be pampered by their massages (well, the “pamper” thing has escaped us), and those who are encouraged, on the contrary, to try this gun technique.
One of the main advantages is that anyone can buy their gun and apply the therapy at home, so it will be much more profitable than going to a masseuse. You will have your own recovery session whenever you want.
So this is where the secret is and the answer to whether or not it is advisable to purchase one of these massage guns. They can be effective for muscle recovery, but as long as they know how to use them properly, which is not easy either, because not everyone knows how to use them and give the massage correctly. In inexperienced hands, the harm can be greater than the benefit.
The massage guns They are one more option to consider if you like having your gadgets and learning how to use them. Yes, they can be effective, well used. While for the most inexperienced or those who suspect that they may have an injury, it is important that they go to a professional and have them advise them on what treatment will be best in each case.