If you find yourself wincing post-workout or waking up with random aches and pains, we feel you. No matter the reason for your soreness, the best massage guns can help. Percussion massagers, as many of these at-home devices are know, come with a range of benefits, including alleviating muscle soreness and stiffness, says sports therapist Dr. Julia Morgan.
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The benefits of massage guns
A really good massage gun can target both large and small muscle groups to provide an intensive deep tissue massage–breaking up scar tissue and increasing blood flow to release stress, increase range of motion, and improve recovery time. “How often you use one is dependent on the person, activity level, and tolerance, but I use mine almost every day,” Morgan says. And of course, a good massage isn’t limited to just massage guns; there are other massagers we use religiously, including ones for the hand, neck, and even the scalp. Keep reading to discover some of our favorites.
Best Overall: Theragun Prime
Why we like it: The cream of the crop when it comes to body massagers, you may be most familiar with the Theragun. It boasts all the bells and whistles, including five speeds of tailored treatments and four attachments to target different areas. According to Barry’s NYC instructor Izzi Lynn, “For the hustling athlete, the Theragun Pro is hard to beat. I bust out my Pro after a long run or particularly heavy lifting day to get instant relief.”
- Benefits: Can relieves soreness, reduce tension, accelerate recovery
- Speeds: 5
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Battery Life: 2 hours
- FSA/HSA eligibility: Yes
Best Budget: Sharper Image Powerboost Deep Tissue Massager
Why we like it: Those who grew up visiting Sharper Image stores remember that the brand has always been known for its innovativeness. This battery-powered deep tissue massager, priced under $100, rivals its competitors with five interchangeable attachments and six intensity settings. It’s also super quiet, allowing you to use it without worrying about waking your partner up or disturbing their Zoom calls. Moreover, there’s a chic pastel blue shade available for those who find massage guns to be an eyesore.