Are they worth it?
Theraguns have become very popular in recent years as an aid to help with recovery.
Now that everyone can buy and use them, do most people know:
- what they actually do?
- And how to use them without making certain injuries or general pains worse?
Or
- are they copying what they’ve seen in the gym by other people or from watching on social media?
So what is it used for?
The main purpose of Theraguns or massage guns, is to act as a percussive technique with different speeds and modes to:
- stimulate muscle,
- create blood flow,
- increase range of movement
- Reduce pain and
- Break up scar tissue
- Release muscle spasms
In a treatment setting with a practitioner who has the right knowledge of anatomy and how this type of percussive technique works on the body, this can be very beneficial for the individual that needs the treatment.
However, most people who own them and don’t know how to use them correctly can make injuries or general pains much worse by applying more pressure than they actually need to, when in reality this isn’t very effective for recovery.
This is a common misconception of the device that most people do is to think that by going deeper and creating pain is better when it isn’t and can cause further issues.
Different speeds and modes
When using a Theragun, always listen to your body.
It should be used within your bodies pain threshold.
Any discomfort should be at a tolerable level, and not painful.
- Full Speed ahead
Ideally, using a Theragun on high speed is better for pre-event and inter-event as this can allow to stimulate the muscles before movement to reduce the chance of injury before competing/exercising and during the middle to prevent the muscles from cooling down to much.
At full speed, Theraguns shouldn’t really be used for post-event exercise or competing as the percussive technique can further damage the soft tissue.
- Slow and steady
At a lower speed/power, the Theragun can be used post exercise to stimulate blood flow to help drain lactic acid and help with faster recovery.
What’s the alternative?
There are other treatments that can be beneficial for recovery that you can do yourself (which again you should be mindful that you are doing it correctly).
-
Although it is basic stretching, it is one of the best self-treatments you can do to aid with recovery and to reduce the chance of injury and pain before and after exercising/playing in a sport. (Check out our online resources or give us a call if you need help with this)
-
Foam rolling can be a great diy massage tool to use pre and post workout with many great benefits (Self-myofacial release). Read more
If you are interested in buying a Theragun for personal use or use on a friend/training partner, make sure you talk to a Sports, Injury and Rehabilitation Therapist on how to correctly use it and get the most out of the treatment you want.
As always, we are only a phone call away if you need help. abo