What is a percussion massager and what does it do?

As you will know if you have come for a massage, especially a sports massage with me, I will have either used or spoken about the Theragun or percussion massager. In this blog we will talk about what it is, what it does and how you can incorporate it into your training routine to aid your recovery and readiness!

What is a percussion massager?

Prices range from £40 on amazon for a massage gun on amazon to £500 plus for a Theragun style professional massager.

While prices vary drastically, they all do a similar thing, which is to rapidly and repeatedly drum or tap on the surface of the muscle which in turn increases blood circulation and in some techniques stretches the muscle fibres.

What is the benefit of that?

There are a host of claimed benefits from doing this technique and in fact you will find massage therapists all try to do a similar thing, which is to relax the area, increase mobility and blood circulation to allow the body to do what it needs to! The claim and some evidence suggest that using a percussion massage:

• Reduces inflammation

• Pushes fluids out of the muscles and into the circulatory system

• Relax the muscles

• Break up scar tissue and other adhesions

• Minimizes soreness and muscle tension

• Helps prevent DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness)

Should I use one?

You could certainly build a percussion massage treatment into your routine, for example, you could warm up areas of your body by using the gun to increase blood flow and circulate your muscles before you start training, or you could use it during a workout to help your body with its process of clearing waste via the lymphatic system, or indeed do it right at the end of your training for a similar effect and to cool down your body.

However, before using the gun or starting a new fitness routine of any kind it is always recommended that you speak to your doctor or a health care professional.

How do I use it?

To use a massage gun you want to try to build up the speed and depth of the gun slowly. In other words, start light and slow and build up to an acceptable comfort level. Ideally, avoid joints and areas directly around the joints, and work your muscles directing the gun towards the heart. (You could do it in all directions but the best practice is to work up the body towards the heart with pressure and release that as you come back down).

But nothing beats a good old fashioned massage so get booking ;)

Don't forget we now use Klarna on our website so you can buy a voucher pack and save money and pay over a number of months, check out this blog for more info on that!