Massage Gun Explained

In brief: A massage gun is a handheld device that delivers rapid percussive pulses into the muscle through interchangeable heads, a technique often called percussive therapy. Runners use it to ease muscle tightness, reduce the feeling of stiffness and aid recovery, targeting areas such as the calves, quads and glutes. It offers a more concentrated, adjustable alternative to a foam roller and is quick and easy to use at home.

What is a massage gun?

A massage gun is a battery-powered handheld device with a motor that drives a head rapidly back and forth, delivering fast pulses of pressure into the muscle. This is known as percussive or vibration therapy. Most come with several interchangeable heads of different shapes and a choice of speeds, so the pressure can be adjusted for different muscle groups and personal comfort.

How it works

The rapid percussion delivers repeated bursts of pressure to the muscle and surrounding tissue. This is thought to help reduce the sensation of muscle tightness, increase local blood flow and provide a relaxing effect, in a similar way to massage or foam rolling but more concentrated and easier to direct at a specific spot. As with rolling, much of the benefit is believed to involve the nervous system relaxing muscle tension.

Why runners use it

Runners use a massage gun to work into tight, hard-working muscles such as the calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes, either as part of warming up or to help muscles feel recovered afterwards. Its appeal is convenience and control, since it can target a small area firmly without needing to balance bodyweight over a roller, and the intensity can be dialled up or down.

How to use one

Switch the device on, choose a comfortable speed and move the head slowly over the muscle, pausing briefly on tight areas. Keep it moving rather than holding it hard on one spot for a long time, use lighter pressure to start, and avoid bony areas, joints and the front of the neck. A short time per muscle group is enough. If an area is painful rather than tight, it should be assessed rather than worked hard.

Massage guns and your running kit at OD's

A massage gun complements comfortable running and recovery clothing that lets muscles relax and move freely. At OD's Designer Clothing we stock premium running footwear and kit from brands such as On, Saucony and Salomon, with expert advice in St Helens. We offer next-day delivery and free click and collect.