Massage Guns: Everything You Need To Know to Relieve Tension
Tension bothers us all at times. It can be particularly painful in the neck. Anyone who has a sedentary job knows what I'm talking about. But tense arms or legs especially after a workout are no fun either.
The new miracle weapon against tension of all kinds should be a simple massage gun application.
The theory behind the functional principle is simply quick knocking. And it has the potential to noticeably improve and accelerate warm-up or regeneration.
Why Professionals Rely On Massage Guns
Some professional athletes have been seen using massage guns such as those available from Hitbod. NBA star Kyrie Irving is possibly the most famous among them. When Irving was injured on his back in the NBA Finals in 2017, his trainer treated him with a massage gun and thus saved him from failure. But it's not just athletes who use devices like this to keep their bodies in top shape. It can also be used as a preventative therapy. Massage guns are used by all sorts of customers as percussive therapy. And with great success. If you train hard and always want to recover quickly so that you can train even harder, this device should be considered.
How To Use One
One of the great things about a massage gun is that it's incredibly easy to use. Just hold on to a target, press and wait for it to do its job. But to get the maximum out of the Massage Gun, you should take a few basics to heart.
Before using the device, turn it on. The head of the massage gun begins to pulsate. Laying on gently is ideal. Then slide it along the desired muscle to be relaxed or warmed up. There is no need to press particularly hard on the skin with the massage gun. The pulses do their job that way too. If you find a trigger point, or a hardened, knotted area of the muscle that feels somehow painful or more tender than the rest, stick to that area for a bit. Slowly move the massage gun over the muscle. The frequency of the vibration triggered by the massage gun can be varied. Adjust them so that it is comfortable for them and does not cause pain or other uncomfortable feelings. You will notice that blood flow is stimulated and muscles are relaxed. Enjoy this massage.
Before, During, and After your Workout
Before Your Workout
The Massage Guns were created primarily for regeneration, but you can also use them for warming up. In theory, percussive therapy does several things when you warm up. First, it increases blood flow in the targeted muscles. Second, the pulsation speaks to the sympathetic nervous system. The device prepares you for physical activities such as sports. When using the massage gun primarily for a workout, aim at the muscle group that you want to exercise. Just invest 30 seconds and work your way along the muscle, but avoid massaging joints. Stay on the thickest part of the muscle. Always work your way back and forth along the muscles.
During Your Workout
Between the individual sets, you can also benefit from the advantages of the massage gun. You can do this by releasing built-up tension or loosening tight areas. This will loosen you up for the next practice set. Hold your massage gun on the muscle group that feels tense for just 15 seconds that should increase blood flow and relax the muscle. So he's ready for the rest of the workout.
After Your Workout
When you've finished your workout, your body is in - let's call it - an excited state. The theory says that the massage gun can help calm the nervous system down again. The sooner you fire up your parasympathetic nervous system, the sooner you will calm and relax the muscles again, the faster your body will go back into recovery mode. To use the Massage Gun here - turn it on and spend 90 to 120 seconds sliding up and down each muscle group. But again the tip: stay on the muscle cord and avoid being close to the joints. This helps relax the muscles.
Good To Know Before You Buy
What else there is to know about the Massage Gun: Not everyone should pick up a massage gun without thinking. They are not suitable for children under 7 years of age, for pregnant women, people with diabetes or neuropathies, people with pacemakers, artificial joints or metal plates. If you have any doubts as to whether you can use these devices, it is best to ask a doctor or physiotherapist.