When it involves figuring out, restoration is simply as necessary because the exercise itself. Most approaches to muscle restoration contain a mix of bodily manipulation and vitamin, however you can even make the most of high-tech restoration instruments meant to reduce muscle soreness (together with the hard-to-resist CBD-infused activewear). While many athletes may need hit up a therapeutic massage therapist previous to the pandemic, options that may be utilized themselves within the consolation of their very own residence are more and more well-liked. This has led to the rise of the therapeutic massage gun.
A massager gun makes use of the power of percussive remedy — also referred to as vibration remedy — to govern your physique’s mushy tissue. They’re basically backed by the identical in depth scientific analysis that helps therapeutic massage remedy because the optimum instrument for treating a sore muscle after a exercise. Everyone from leisure gym-goers to skilled athletes and folks with persistent ache — all of them love percussion remedy from these highly effective massagers for a lot of causes.
Percussive remedy is alleged to assist muscle tissues get better quicker whereas lowering muscle ache, muscle fatigue and lactic acid buildup. They can even assist stop delayed onset muscle soreness. A percussion gun means that you can concentrate on a sure muscle group or muscle knots for speedy ache reduction. They can even enhance your vary of movement and adaptability, encourage blood circulate, assist with muscle stiffness and extra. Percussive remedy might even assist with stress and sleep. Also, not that it’s best to put money into a muscle therapeutic massage gun for that reason alone, however the slow-motion movies of therapeutic massage weapons punching muscle tissues look insanely Insta-worthy. Just watch out with utilizing a massager gun when you have any accidents past a muscle ache from a tricky exercise.
We’ve examined greater than 30 therapeutic massage weapons at this level and the next six are CNET’s picks for the perfect therapeutic massage gun choices in 2021 for muscle restoration and ache reduction. We’ll proceed to replace this finest therapeutic massage gun checklist.
Therabody
The Theragun Prime is a part of the fourth technology of Theragun therapeutic massage weapons. Its prior equal was the Theragun Liv, which was on this checklist of finest therapeutic massage weapons, and can also be reviewed in-depth right here.
The Theragun Prime’s essential spectacular function is that it is a lot quieter than its now-defunct counterpart. In reality, the Prime rivals the famously quiet Hypervolt Plus by way of quantity stage — that is a large enchancment from the Liv.
The enhancements do not cease there, although: Where the Theragun Liv solely had two preprogrammed speeds and got here with two closed-cell foam attachments, the brand new Theragun Prime has 5 built-in speeds (from 1,750 rpm to 2,400 rpm) and comes with 5 closed-cell foam therapeutic massage gun head attachments.
At $299, the Theragun Prime is expensive, however would not induce sticker shock fairly just like the Pro G4 (under). This percussion massager generally goes on sale for $249, so maintain your eyes peeled for that.
To me, the enhancements make the Theragun Prime appear properly definitely worth the value. The competitors to the Prime, to me, is the unique Hypervolt: These two therapeutic massage weapons have many related options and hover across the identical value vary. The selection is yours for the making!
David Carnoy/CNET
Therabody’s Theraguns are thought-about the gold normal in percussive remedy, so its most luxurious, feature-rich muscle gun mannequin have to be the most effective, proper?
In all reality, I’ve to say sure. Having examined greater than 20 therapeutic massage weapons, together with three different Theraguns, the Theragun Pro is fairly dang spectacular — particularly in comparison with the earlier line of Therabody therapeutic massage weapons. (The Theragun G3, an analogous percussion massager model, was beforehand on this checklist. You can learn our full evaluation to study extra.)
The Theragun Pro G4 is, before everything, a lot quieter than its former iteration. Loudness has been a chief criticism of Theragun patrons because the firm’s early days, and the model lastly made a transfer to treatment that.
I’m not saying the Pro G4 is silent — the noise stage continues to be louder than most different therapeutic massage weapons — however it would not rattle my mind just like the G3 did, due to Theragun’s new QuietForce Technology. If you are an athlete or severe exerciser who can take care of a therapeutic massage system that seems like a muted turkey carver (and also you’re keen to pay high greenback for percussive remedy at your fingertips), the Theragun Pro G4 is a superb selection for you.
With as much as 60 kilos of power, a rotating arm and ergonomic deal with, a deep attain of 16mm into your muscle tissue, and speeds as much as 2,400 repetitions per minute, the Theragun Pro is constructed for individuals who want respectable percussive remedy a number of instances per week. In brief, this percussion massager is the true deal, however it’s in all probability not value it for the typical exerciser.
Previously, the TimTam All New Power Massager was my decide for the perfect high-powered therapeutic massage gun, however when you have cash to spend, you may’t beat the facility and relative quietness of the Theragun Pro.
Sportneer
This $130 percussive therapeutic massage gun from Sportneer works surprisingly properly for the value. It delivers six speeds of percussive remedy and reaches as much as 220 watts and three,200 repetitions per minute.
Depending on what energy setting you utilize, the battery life on this therapeutic massage gun can final from two to 6 hours. I used the Sportneer system earlier than and after exercises, in addition to on relaxation days, and I by no means felt dissatisfied with the deep tissue therapeutic massage expertise.
The Sportneer therapeutic massage gun comes with six head attachments, two of which have metallic ideas. You can use the metallic attachments to therapeutic massage your self with CBD oil, important oils or pop them within the freezer for a contact of cryotherapy.
This percussive massager can also be comparatively quiet: The web site claims the therapeutic massage gun reaches a most of 40 decibels, which is a softer noise stage than the amount at which most individuals hearken to music.
I beforehand reviewed the Sportneer K1 therapeutic massage gun, which is one other good worth system from this model for $30 much less.
Ekrin Athletics
In the percussive remedy enviornment, there is a widespread trade-off: energy for sound. It’s robust to discover a reasonably priced and quiet but highly effective therapeutic massage gun. Ekrin Athletics has created simply that with its B37 therapeutic massage gun.
The Ekrin Athletics B37 therapeutic massage gun packs all of the main business requirements, together with an ultra-quiet motor (even quieter than the Hypervolt, in my view), a number of pace and strain settings that ship as much as 56 kilos of power, an eight-hour battery life, an ergonomic design and a handy carrying case with a number of therapeutic massage head attachments.
At a listing value of $230, the worth is phenomenal — it is a low value for the worth you get, because the Ekrin therapeutic massage gun compares to the well-known and extremely desired manufacturers within the percussive remedy enviornment. And, it is backed by a lifetime guarantee, so there’s actually no cause to not at the least strive the Ekrin Athletics B37 therapeutic massage gun.
Ekrin Athletics is a relative newcomer on the muscle gun scene, however make no mistake: This model, based by two former collegiate athletes, is elevating requirements and decreasing costs for percussive remedy.
Hyperice
The Hypervolt Go is the latest launch from Hyperice, and it is lighter, smaller and probably the most reasonably priced gun within the Hypervolt line. At $160, it is an awesome deal for a gun that is almost as highly effective because the full-size fashions that retail for $300 and up. It weighs 1.5 kilos, making it preferrred for journey when you do not wish to compromise valuable area in your carry-on or gymnasium bag.
I examined the Hypervolt Go and was severely impressed at how highly effective the gun felt. Compared to the Hypervolt (which I additionally examined), I virtually couldn’t inform a distinction by way of power. The full-size Hypervolt does include extra attachments (the Go has two), however the Go additionally has three pace settings, which continues to be spectacular for a small gun. If you are new to therapeutic massage weapons and are on the lookout for a stable product to strive at a cheaper price, the Go is a superb product to begin with.
— Mercey Livingston, CNET contributor
Achedaway
The Achedaway Pro is a favourite for super-sore days. Quiet and simple to deal with, this therapeutic massage instrument options 5 energy and pace settings starting from 1,700 to 2,800 rpm, which in accordance with the corporate are suited to get up muscle tissues, launch fascia, get rid of lactic acid, present deep tissue therapeutic massage and facilitate muscle restoration.
Its checklist value of $539 is on the excessive finish — really, this Theragun different is up there with the top-level Theragun Pro G4 — however the Achedaway Pro typically goes on sale for $299. The Achedaway massager feels sturdy, would not make the within of your head rattle and supplies various ranges of muscle reduction therapeutic massage which are appropriate for sore muscle tissues.
The larger energy settings felt nice once I wasn’t sore, however did not harm tender muscle tissues, both — an ideal combo in my e-book. Like many different massagers, the Achedaway Pro comes with a number of head attachments for massaging totally different muscle teams. The rechargeable battery is detachable for straightforward and transportable charging.
Previously, I reviewed the Achedaway Vibration and Percussion Massager (the predecessor to the Achedaway Pro) and I favored that one, too. There are solely minor variations between the 2 (the amplitude and power are better on the Pro), so the unique Achedaway continues to be percussion therapeutic massage gun selection for a lesser value.
Also examined
We examined the next percussive therapeutic massage weapons during the last two years. Though they did not make the minimize for the above classes, many of those are nonetheless nice merchandise. Check them out and see if one is perhaps the precise selection for you. (Watch this: Best therapeutic massage weapons of 2021).
Theragun Elite
If you are taking a look at a $400 therapeutic massage gun already, you could as properly get probably the most highly effective therapeutic massage gun on the market and go for the Theragun Pro.
Theragun Mini
Though mighty (and mighty handy), the Theragun Mini is louder than something I’d wish to use on a aircraft. My expertise is that the Hypervolt Go has probably the most settings with probably the most travel-friendly options.
Hyperice Hypervolt Plus With Bluetooth
A stable therapeutic massage gun, the Hypervolt Plus rivals the Theragun in performance and effectiveness, however the Ekrin Athletics B37 swiped its spot as “most quiet.”
Hyperice Hypervolt
Hyperice’s unique therapeutic massage gun continues to be percussion therapeutic massage gun possibility, however I’d personally spend the additional $50 to get the Hypervolt Plus if this was the model I used to be after.
Ekrin Athletics Bantam
This is a stable mini therapeutic massage gun, however it would not pack as many options because the Hypervolt Go. It is $40 cheaper, although, so it may very well be the precise selection for you.
Ekrin Athletics B37S
Another nice product from Ekrin Athletics, the B37S is almost as quiet as its sibling the B37. My expertise with the B37S is that it is much like the Hypervolt by way of energy, design and noise.
TimTam All New Power Massager
This therapeutic massage gun might be too highly effective for the typical individual. It actually seems like an influence drill. But it is an awesome possibility for brawny folks with a excessive ache tolerance who like a deep tissue therapeutic massage.
TimTam Power Massager Pro
Similarly, TimTam’s different therapeutic massage gun is tremendous highly effective, however it does have some gentler settings — it has 5 settings versus the All New Power Massager’s two settings.
ExoGun DreamPro
With all of the therapeutic massage weapons on the market today, the ExoGun DreamPro is not one among our high picks, although you will get it at a steep low cost proper now. It presents lukewarm energy and the design is considerably clunky, making it uncomfortable to carry for lengthy durations of time.
NordicTrack Percussion Recovery Gun
This therapeutic massage gun did not impress: It’s not very highly effective, but this percussion therapeutic massage gun continues to be louder than many fashions on this checklist. The sensation feels extra like vibration than percussion. (Note it is at present out of inventory on the corporate’s web site and never simply out there on-line.)
TriggerPoint Impact Massage Gun
Coming from the corporate that makes the intense orange foam rollers discovered at each gymnasium, I had excessive expectations for the TriggerPoint therapeutic massage gun. They weren’t fairly met, because the therapeutic massage gun comes with only one attachment and isn’t as highly effective as I anticipated.
Compex Fixx 1.0 Massager
The Compex therapeutic massage gun looks like a cross between TimTam and Theragun. It has an adjustable head and three speeds, so whereas it is nothing spectacular, it will get the job finished.
Sportneer K1 Percussive Massager
This therapeutic massage gun was a high decide till Sportneer got here out with a brand new model. I nonetheless suppose it is a high-value therapeutic massage gun and it is value attempting if you’d like one thing within the $100 vary.
Recoverfun Mini Massage Gun
At solely $79, this therapeutic massage gun is a superb entry-level possibility for anybody scared to pay for a full-sized therapeutic massage gun or higher-end transportable therapeutic massage gun.
MuscleGun Carbon
This therapeutic massage gun would not provide something that different therapeutic massage weapons on the $200-$250 value level do not provide. For that value, I’d select the Ekrin Athletics B37 or the unique Achedaway. What I do love concerning the MuscleGun merchandise, although, is that your buy offers you entry to the app, which has video- and audio-guided therapeutic massage gun protocols.
MuscleGun X
A cheaper product from MuscleGun, this system is on par with others in its value vary. It’s corresponding to the Sportneer Elite K9 therapeutic massage gun. The aluminum attachments are a pleasant contact.
Vybe Pro
With 9 speeds and eight attachments, the Vybe Pro is a superb possibility for individuals who need quite a lot of versatility.
Vybe V2
This one matches the TimTam therapeutic massage weapons by way of energy, noise and design, so I would not suggest it to the typical individual. However, if you’d like one thing very intense, go for it.
HoMedics Thera-P Heated Massage Gun
The heating component on this therapeutic massage gun is a pleasant contact and it’s totally soothing. However, the wire and minimal energy output will outweigh that impact for a lot of.
Vivreal Handheld Massager
This price range possibility feels clunky, however it does mean you can hit hard-to-reach spots, reminiscent of your mid-back.
Renpho Handheld Back Massager
Another budget-friendly decide, the Renpho Back Massager undoubtedly makes full again massages straightforward and doable by yourself (whereas many different gadgets require a second individual). It’s not that highly effective, however it’s enjoyable.
Wahl Deep Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager
My unique “finest price range decide” from two years in the past has since been changed, as lots of therapeutic massage weapons have appeared in the marketplace. This continues to be a cheap and stable deep tissue massager possibility, so long as you are okay with a wire (I do know, blasphemy).
What to search for in a percussive therapeutic massage gun
Speed and energy: These two components are undoubtedly crucial. Everyone’s ache tolerance and therapeutic massage preferences differ, however anybody can profit from a massager with at the least two settings: one being much less intense so you may nonetheless use the gun on very sore muscle tissues the place you might be experiencing muscle rigidity or ache.
Type of movement: As mentioned within the NordicTrack description, percussion and vibration are very totally different. When looking for a therapeutic massage gun, take into account which mechanism is extra necessary to you.
Portability: If you are going to be touring along with your therapeutic massage gun, you may need one that may simply match right into a bag or suitcase, or one which has its personal carrying case. Though most are certainly handheld massagers, some models are reasonably cumbersome, such because the TimTam fashions.
Attachments and equipment: Where in your physique will you utilize the therapeutic massage gun? If you may solely apply it to your giant muscle tissues, reminiscent of your again and legs, you in all probability do not want many attachments or equipment. But for those who intend to apply it to particular areas and set off factors, such because the arch of your foot or your neck, you’ll profit from smaller attachments supposed for these particular areas.
Battery life: Pretty self-explanatory — the longer the battery life, the higher, as with all electronics.
Cost: You’ll wish to search for a therapeutic massager system inside your price range. The costliest therapeutic massage weapons normally provide extra adjustable pace, energy and movement settings, however cheaper fashions can actually get the job finished.
Other nice methods to get better from robust exercises
If you are not precisely into the concept of punching your muscle tissues — which might be painful for those who’re actually sore and tender — it’s best to know that therapeutic massage weapons aren’t your solely possibility for post-workout restoration.
Cryotherapy: Ever marvel what it is prefer to submerge your physique in subzero temperatures? With the rising reputation of whole-body cryotherapy, you may strive it out just about wherever.
Far-infrared remedy: Tom Brady makes use of fancy infrared-infused pajamas and bedsheets to maintain himself in tip-top form. It’s speculated to induce the identical advantages as warmth remedy, however with out really making you sweaty. Find out if it really works.
Compression remedy: What’s been round for ages as a medical remedy has made its manner into the health world as a restoration mechanism. You would possibly really feel foolish sporting massive inflatable boots, however there’s some fairly convincing science behind compression remedy for muscle restoration.
Using a foam curler: You can at all times keep on with the fundamentals. Science says utilizing a foam curler is nice for tight muscle points and joint mobilization, which can assist relieve some soreness — or at the least make it simpler to maneuver round whenever you’re already actually sore. Hyperice, the corporate that makes the quiet Hypervolt therapeutic massage gun, additionally makes a vibrating foam curler, so you will get the results of percussive remedy and foam rolling on the identical time.
Recovered and able to hit the gymnasium once more? Beat boredom in your subsequent treadmill run and discover out if Orangetheory Fitness is definitely worth the hype.
Our Health & Wellness e-newsletter places the perfect merchandise, updates and recommendation in your inbox.
More well being and health suggestions
The data contained on this article is for academic and informational functions solely and isn’t supposed as well being or medical recommendation. Always seek the advice of a doctor or different certified well being supplier relating to any questions you will have a few medical situation or well being aims.