Massage Guns: How to Use Them Safely and Effectively | University of Utah Health

Massage guns have become a popular tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering quick relief from muscle soreness. Whether you are looking for a post workout tool to improve recovery or a method for pain relief, massage guns can be a great at-home option.

Beyond workout-related benefits, massage guns also assist in injury rehabilitation and can potentially help to break up scar tissue.

Some other benefits to using a massage gun include:

You should use a massage gun for sore muscles after a workout or three to five days after an acute muscle strain for injury recovery. Massage guns are particularly beneficial for muscular tissue and respond well to sore muscles.

Massage guns are safe to use as long as they are used properly. It’s important to follow best practices and be aware of which areas of the body to avoid in order to prevent injury.

Here are some tips for the safe use of a massage gun:

While massage guns are relatively safe, you should make sure to use them only on certain areas of the body. These are some of the areas to avoid:

Most massage guns have different attachments that can be used for different areas of the body or for different purposes. This is how the most common attachments can be used:

While there are benefits to using this at-home equipment, in some cases it is best to turn to a professional.

“A massage gun is great for a quick and easy feel-good treatment, and they can be beneficial,” says Josh Fuhriman, a physical therapist at University of Utah Health. “But it won't replace the hands of a trained professional.”

If you have persistent pain or specific concerns, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

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