Comfort: While using the massage guns, we note how comfortable and ergonomic the device is to hold and how heavy it is. We evaluate the percussive force and whether it feels comfortable on our muscles. We also note whether the handle design or any settings of the device make it more customizable for a more comfortable user experience. Both myofascial release and massage involve the application of pressure to release tension, but they have different benefits and purposes. Just keep in mind that it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before using a myofascial release tool. Because they have a smaller surface area than a foam roller, massage balls offer a greater amount of precision and pressure control.

While some are smooth, others, like this roller from TriggerPoint, have bumps and ridges to provide deeper and more intense pressure. The Theragun PRO is a good option for serious athletes, as it offers several speeds and attachments for a deep and powerful massage. Cryotherapy (also known as cold therapy) is a technique that uses brief exposure to very cold temperatures to help reduce muscle inflammation and numb nerve pain ( 5). The ergonomic design of the massager makes it easy to use and comfortable in your hand. It has 4 different nozzles (The Mushroom, Round, Conical, and U-shape), Therefore, you can target muscles all over your body including those near joints like wrists or ankles. Use this device for 15 minutes at a time per session. Had enough of muscle pain? Soon no more! The FASCIQ® mini massage gun is a must-have. Easy to use with immediate relief from muscle pain. Anywhere and anytime.Massage tools: Foam rollers, tennis balls, and massage balls can help release tension in specific areas. However, don’t be fooled by its small size; its 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. When testing, we liked the high quality of the device and its carrying case and that it includes a body map with suggestions for which attachments to use. You can use a massage gun whenever you want to relieve muscle tension, but it’s most commonly used before and after workouts. “For warmups, using a massage gun can reduce soreness or stiffness from workouts from the day or days prior and activate muscles before a session,” Abarca says.

Slightly larger than a baseball, the sphere can be used on its own or inserted into a rubber grip to make it easier to hold. This roller can be paired with the Hyperice app for guided sessions, advice, and progress monitoring. She also called out its easy-to-grip ergonomic design, which she says makes it more comfortable for people with hand and wrist issues, such as arthritis. Myofascial release works specifically with the fascia, or connective tissue, and usually targets problem areas through sustained pressure. The MuscleGun Carbon is a travel-sized massage gun that's comfortable and easy to wield. During testing, we found it quieter than other options we tried. But we also noted that it wasn't as powerful as massage guns with a higher stall force, and we ultimately reached for more powerful massage guns to relieve muscle tension.An advantage of the gun? It can target specific areas of the body better than a foam roller, especially those that are hard to reach, like the pectoral muscles in your chest, your biceps, and psoas muscles (which run from your low spine to the tops of the femur bones in your legs), says Brian Abarca, personal trainer certified through Passaic County Community College and owner of Abarca Fitness in Union City, New Jersey. The massage therapy gun delivers deep pulses (or percussions) in the muscle tissues. These repeated pulses generate an increased blood flow, accelerating the growth & repair of the tissues. These result in a relief of pain and an increasing range of motion. The deep muscle percussions provided by massage gun therapy can deliver all the following benefits: However, because it has a smooth surface rather than the grooves and treads of the Fireballs, it allows for a more even distribution of pressure, which is useful for massaging out more sensitive areas.

Sams L, et al. (2023). The effect of percussive therapy on musculoskeletal performance and experiences of pain: A systematic literature review. Noise: 45-55 dB | Stall Force: 50 lbs | Weight: 2.3 lbs | Customizability: 6 head attachments, 3 speeds | Battery Life: 3.5 hours | Our Overall Rating: 5/5 It’s also worth looking for products that include detailed instructional materials, such as access to online training videos.Best for those who travel often or want the convenience of a massage gun that fits in their gym bag. The Hyperice Hypervolt 2 is a powerful massage gun that effectively loosens tight muscles, but its percussion is quite intense, even on the lowest setting. Ultimately, we found it too intense and uncomfortable to include in our list of top recommendations. Bottom line: a high powered tool that’s great for athletes looking for a high intensity, targeted massage Noise: 40 dB | Stall Force: 30 lbs | Weight: 2.3 lbs | Customizability: 6 head attachments, 6 speeds | Battery Life: 6 hours | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5