HOW TO USE A MASSAGE GUN
Do you just buy your first massage gun and haven't taken formal instruction of any kind before, and don't know how to use it? You may have heard others say that the massage gun can only be used by a therapist. Haven’t you? Well! Using a massage gun is not magic. In fact, it is easier than you think.
I'm glad to say this! Massage gun is basically relying on the same extensive scientific research that backed massage therapy as the ideal tool for muscle pain while recovering from exercise. You should use the power of percussion therapy to control the soft tissues in your body. Everyone ranging from professional athletes to people with chronic pain uses this powerful massager for a different purpose.
In addition, the percussion massage gun is a handy, deep tissue instrument that uses rapid movements to trigger blood flow to muscles. Also, it brings powerful pulses and vibrations to the muscle tissue, promotes better blood circulation, loosens up the muscles, and relieves pain. Keep reading this guide to learn how to use the massage gun.
Introduction To Using A Massage Gun
The following are some fundamental steps for using a massage gun:
- It is recommended to operate the massage gun before placing it on the body. If this is not the case, deformities can occur in the body, or worse, bruising.
- You should begin with the lowest speed. So you can gauge your endurance level, beginning with high speed can be a little painful. Also, you should remember that pain can be caused by a small muscle tear or increased inflammation. There will be great damage when you hit the muscle into submission. Much is not always good.
- Generally, at every speed you use, the main thing is to allow the massage gun to float above your muscles. So, avoid using strong pressure on the massage head against the body. You should allow the massage gun its job by gently moving it to the affected area. Consider light to moderate pressure majorly.
- Since you bought a massage gun to ease muscle tension and not make it worse, you shouldn’t forget to relax. You’ll not get the most out of the tool if you’re being nervous and flexing your muscle during its examination. You should first breath, inhale, exhale then slowly move the massage gun over the abdominal muscles.
How Long Can You Use Your Massage Gun?
Majorly, using a massage gun causes a lot of "good pains". People usually say it all the time. However, it hurts to use it on painful areas, but when it relaxes, it feels good.
With each percussion, the head of the massage gun usually applies small-shocks to the body. In the short term, yes, it improves blood circulation and relieves stress. More than 2 hours continuous use has the opposite effect.
You should follow these guidelines to get the most out of it:
- Activation of Muscle: 30 seconds: Before exercising, aim the massage gun at the muscles for 30 seconds to stimulate the muscles and nerve fibers.
- Re-activation of Muscle: 15 seconds: Do you feel tired during training? Are your muscles tired or starting to contract? Give them a little boost with an extra 15 seconds of training.
- Recovery and Pain Relief: 2 minutes: After exercise, you are free to use your massage gun for about two minutes on every muscle group. You can repeat this process throughout the day with a break of at least one to two hours in between.
How Can You Use The Massage Gun Tips
Each percussion massager has several interchangeable massage gun tips or attachment. If you don't know how to use massage guns, you should take a look at the four standard tips listed below;
- The big ball: It is the most used massage gun tip. It is made of dense rubber or reinforced foam based on the manufacturer. It is intended for the treatment of muscles of large and medium groups and is the most versatile.
- The smooth head: It is a good multifunctional attachment. A smooth head can produce a more intense massage more than a big ball from the chest to the bottom. Since it does not have sharp edges, it hurts less when it hits your bones during a massage.
- The Bullet: Ideal for trigger points or knots. This massage gun accessory is ideal for focusing on a specific point on the body. For example, the parts of the shoulders or the various attachment points on the ligament.
- The Fork Head: The double head allows you to aim areas such as the spine and help with back pain. It can also be used elsewhere like the calf muscles or even along with the Achilles.
Using A Massage Gun After Exercising
After an intense exercise, your muscles are likely to worn out due to tiredness. So, using a massage gun right after your workout can help you recover quickly. In addition, a massage gun is easier to use than a foam roller.
Remember that your muscles are already tensed, stressed, and inflamed. Whenever possible, follow the 2-minute rule for each muscle group. The last thing you want to do is to aggravate the pain or cause more damage. Basically, you want to use it adequately to wash out the lactic acid from the muscles.
You should drink plenty of water in addition to the massage gun. If you’re exercising and using a massage gun, it will increase your blood flow and overall blood circulation. When it comes to removing toxins and lactic acid from the blood, water is the main carrier. While science is not clear on the amount of water to drink, 2-3 liters a day is enough to prevent dehydration.
Which One Should You Choose Between Ice And Heat After A Massage?
If you use a massage gun, it will help you to free tensed muscles. In order to free those activation and stressed points, you will need a very deep muscle therapy which can make the muscles quite tender. Hence, stay away from the heat first. Blood is already flowing through your body and the muscles are on fire. So, there is no need to warm up your blood further. Alternatively, you can start with some form of cryotherapy.
It would be better for you to start using something like the Recoup Cyrosphere, just in case you are not ready for a cold shower yet. It is handy and hassle-free.
