Massage Gun Talk

Four Solutions to How To Use Massage Gun On Bac...

If you are like many people, you have some type of chronic back pain. You decided to get a massage gun to help relieve that pain at times when you are away from your therapist. However, you are not sure how to use a massage gun on your back by yourself. Having someone else do it for you is an option, but it kind of defeats the purpose. There are four potential solutions that we will look at below.

Just hold your massage gun and apply it to your back

• It may not be intuitive, but believe it or not, you may be able to just hold it in your hand and turn your hand in such a way that you would be able to use it directly on your back without help. However, not everyone can do this, and among those who can, not everyone is comfortable or likes the idea.

Household items can help

• A common solution is to place the massager between two household items that would hold it in place. Some people place it between two couch cushions such that the head of the massager would be free to apply the massage while they move their body. Another idea would be to slide the massage gun onto a window handle to hold it in place. You can get creative with what works best for you with what you have access to. In some cases, it can get difficult, but it is a free option considering you are using what you already own to get the job done.

Get a long handle for your percussion massager

• Another solution would be to get a long-curved handle to attach to the gun. That way, you can reach different spots on your back without needing to use any awkward arm positions. However, you will have to pay attention to a few things here. First, there are plenty of options in the market, and not all of them will work for your model. Second, this is not a free option. Depending on how much your massage gun was, it may not be a good option. In some cases, these handles cost as much as a low-cost massage gun. In essence, you would be doubling the price of that massage gun. Nevertheless, it is a solution.

Maybe use a mounting?

• Last but not least, there is an option to buy a mounting that would hold your massager. Similar to the option of using household items to hold it, the difference is that the mounting is designed specifically for this. Mountings have different designs with different costs, which can be too expensive in some cases. You will also need to figure out where the mounting would attach. That will also differ. In some cases, it could be the door, in other cases, it would be the wall. What works for you may not work for others. Similar to the handle option, you will need to consider if the mounting works for your specific model and that it is not a free option.

These are our solutions to how to use massage gun on yourself. As in, how to use on back by yourself. Creativity is key!

Use a massage gun on your back by yourself and enjoy relief from back pain.

Massage gun magic! How to Use a Percussion Mass...

There are different solutions to the problem of how to use a massage gun on the upper back. Some are simpler than others, but in all cases, it is not as complicated as it may seem. The biggest issue seems to be reach.

Holding the massage gun can do the trick

The first solution lies in just holding it with one hand and reaching across to massage the upper back muscles on the opposite side. Give it a try; it's probably a lot easier than you think. However, I fully understand that not everyone will be able to reach all the spots they would like to.

Try using a long handle

Another solution would be to get a massage gun with a long handle attachment that would help you reach further. There is also an option of getting a handle that would attach to any massage gun. There are different options in the market that will do that. Just make sure they are universal and do not just work with specific brands.

Massage gun holders are also an option

Looking for something different? There is an option for a massage gun holder. Most come with the caveat of needing to mount the holder, which may or may not be an issue for some individuals. It’s also important to make sure the holder will attach to your specific massage gun model as some of these holders are model-specific.

Maybe have a friend apply it

Outside of the options discussed above, having someone apply the massager for you is always an option. However, it does remove the flexibility of being able to get a massage on your own.

Other than reach, what else should be considered?

Remember that you are targeting muscles and not the spine itself. So, your application should be either a little to the right or a little to the left of the spine. Attachments are important. While there are many attachment options, always start conservatively by using the large ball attachment. It will reduce the pressure on any individual spot. You can always change to different attachments as needed. Many electric massagers will come with a fork attachment that massages both sides next to the spine, without touching the spine itself. However, they do have a smaller area, so they will have more pressure than the large ball attachment. You probably do not want to use it for the first time.

Benefits of using a percussion massager on upper back

Since we are on the topic of how to use a massage gun on the upper back, we should also address its benefits. I mean, why would anyone want to use it on the upper back to begin with? With most individuals sitting in front of a computer for many hours each day, slouching and forward head posture are very popular. These types of postures can cause many biomechanics problems to the spine, resulting in upper back pain. Muscles around the spine, such as the trapezius and the erector spinae, can become spasmed and hold a lot of tension. This gives rise to discomfort or pain, as well as a decrease in range of motion. Using a massage gun in such situations can help relax these muscles and allow more mobility.

Treat the cause of the problem

It's important to recognize that although a massage gun can bring comfort, it does not address the root of the problem. Thus, it is crucial to eliminate the cause and not just address symptoms. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using a percussion massager, as it may not be the best solution for your specific problem.

Using a percussion massager on the upper back is a great way to relieve pain and improve functional mobility.

Deep Tissue Massager: Transformative Power in t...

Is a deep tissue massager the answer to your problems? That would depend on your specific needs. In our fast-paced world, stress and tension have become a significant part of our lives. Everyone is looking for the right relaxation and relief solutions. While there are many solutions out there, a deep tissue massager can be a great solution for many people. This revolutionary tool was first developed about 15 years ago and has taken the market by storm.

Why a deep tissue massage gun?

Unlike massagers that are just skin deep, a deep tissue massage gun can penetrate to the deep layers of muscle and connective tissue. In addition to vibration, a deep muscle massager can deliver high levels of targeted pressure to reach the deep layers. Reaching deep structures helps promote an overall sense of relaxation.

How does a deep muscle massager help relaxation?

The first mechanism is increased blood supply to the area. As circulation improves, tissue healing is expedited, and more oxygen reaches the different structures. In addition, improved circulation helps remove waste products quicker than normal.

In addition to improved circulation, mechanical stimulation helps relieve pain through what is called the gate control theory. As different stimuli go to the spinal cord, the spinal cord needs to decide which ones go to the central nervous system and which ones don't. Stimuli from mechanical sources, such as from a massage gun, are stronger than those from pain stimuli. So, these stimuli will be the ones passed on by the spinal cord, while pain stimuli will be blocked. This is exactly why an itch is relieved by a scratch. That is why if you do not like tickling, you feel better scratching. It's all about blocking out the pain signal.

A deep tissue massage gun also promotes relaxation through mobilizing adhesions. Whether it is connective tissue around the muscle or between muscles, injury and inflammation will result in tissue fibers healing with scar tissue, causing the formation of adhesions between fibers. A deep massager can help realign these fibers as well as break down adhesions.

Why use a massage gun compared to a therapist?

The question that presents itself is, wouldn't a regular massage do the same thing? Yes, with a good massage therapist. However, massage guns are small, portable, do not require an appointment, and you only have to pay for it once.

Make a new best friend with a deep tissue massager and enjoy quality relaxation on demand.

Hand-held Massagers: Are They Here to Stay?

Hand-held massagers have become quite popular since their invention in 2008. You see them everywhere! Whether you are at the gym or at a track meet. In fact, chances are, you know someone who owns a hand-held massager or you own one yourself. I believe this trend is just going to grow.

Hand-held massagers cannot replace a massage therapist or masseuse. Just having a human touch is beyond what a machine can do. However, there is a lot that a hand-held massager can do that you will never be able to get if you seek a therapist.

When is a percussion massager better than a therapist?

With a hand-held massager, the keyword is convenience. Picture this: you just got out of your basketball game and you need to relieve the tension in your leg muscles before going to bed. Just a few minutes with a massage gun will leave you feeling great. The same is the case if you have an early morning workout and are going to work right after. You have a few minutes between showering and going to work to get your massage in. Not to mention when your muscles tighten up without warning.

Back massage on demand

Do you feel your back tightening up at the end of your workday? Well, that little device is hand-held back massager as well. Just apply to your back whenever you feel the need. You can even keep your hand-held back massager at work to use for a few minutes every couple of hours throughout the day.

Reduce injury with a percussion massager

A hand-held massager can be a great tool to improve range of motion before performance, which is very important to many athletes. Some say massagers help performance. However, so far there hasn't been clear evidence to support that claim considering it is a relatively new tool. Improving range of motion may or may not improve performance; however, it is a key component in injury prevention. So, right before getting to that starting line, a few minutes of application can solve a problem you otherwise would not be able to with a therapist, unless you have a therapist with you at the event.

Massage guns save you money

Last but not least, the cost! Depending on the massager you choose to get, a massage gun can be expensive. If you compare the price to a massage therapy session, they are expensive. However, a hand-held massager lasts for years, so there is definitely great cost savings over time. You will ultimately make up the cost in less than five uses.

With a hand-held massage gun, instant recovery and relief have never been easier.

A Deep Tissue Massager Helps You Reach Otherwis...

When would a massage gun be “deep tissue”?

A deep tissue massager can come in different forms. The most popular form is the massage gun. However, not all massage guns are deep tissue massagers. A key element in determining whether a percussion massager can be considered a deep tissue massager has to be its amplitude.

Unfortunately, there are no industry standards that can automatically be applied. Different manufacturers will indicate their massage gun is for deep tissue massage. However, in some cases, the amplitude can be as low as 10 mm and as high as 16 mm. Nevertheless, 10 mm is considered deep tissue by many.

Of course, amplitude without stall force would not be effective. What exactly is stall force? Stall force is how much force you can apply to a massage gun before the motor stops. For a percussion massager to be deep tissue, it would need at least 40 lbs of stall force. Some massagers in the market reach 60 lbs of stall force.

Deep tissue vs traditional massage

Deep tissue massage has similar benefits to traditional massage but affecting both superficial and deep structures. Buried beneath the surface of superficial muscles are layers of muscle tissue and connective tissue. These structures are typically missed when using a smaller amplitude massage gun. They can also be the source of major discomfort for individuals. Connective tissue microdamage heals with scar tissue, which leads to adhesions. These adhesions limit mobility and are a source of discomfort. A deep tissue massager through mechanical percussions can break down these adhesions.

Achieving pain relief with deep tissue massager

Mechanical stimulation through a massage gun relieves pain through different mechanisms. The body responds to it by increasing blood flow to the area. Increasing blood flow speeds up healing and the removal of metabolic waste. Mechanical stimulation and increased blood flow result in an increase in temperature. The soothing effect of heat also plays a role in the feeling of relief.

Mechanical stimulation also relieves pain through what is called the “gate control theory.” Sensory stimuli come from different parts of the body and go to the spinal cord. However, individuals only perceive the first stimulus that reaches the spinal cord, as in the first through the “gate.” A mechanical stimulus is much quicker than a pain stimulus, which translates to individuals feeling the percussions and not the discomfort. A similar situation to rubbing your leg right after a fall or scratching when you feel an itch or tickle. Both an itch and tickle are forms of pain stimulation; scratching is a form of mechanical stimulation.

The benefits described above apply to all types of massage. However, in the case of deep tissue massage, these benefits apply to structures that are buried below other muscles or connective tissue. This translates to comfort that is not just skin deep.

A percussion massager reduces pain and inflammation in otherwise unreachable muscles.

Help Recovery with a Percussion Massager

There are many Massage Gun tools that can help recovery after a workout. Everyone has their preferences; each recovery tool has a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. My preferred tool is the massage gun. It has several distinctive features that place it ahead of other tools, in my opinion.

Let's consider different tools that help recovery as well as help with soreness:

Ice baths: Beyond the chill, they do help sore muscles

Some individuals utilize an ice bath. No complaints about its effectiveness, but you lose me at the word "ice"! I cannot imagine jumping into one. I wouldn't be able to tolerate the cold. Assuming the cold doesn't bother you, there are a few other obstacles. You would need to purchase an ice pod to use it at home. In addition to being expensive, the size of these pods would necessitate creating space to accommodate them. You could have the option of using one at your local gym where you work out, but access can potentially be an issue, especially at crowded gyms.

Massage: Money and time can impact your decision

What about a good old-fashioned massage? Again, a very effective recovery tool. However, you will need to pay for a massage every time you receive one. Plus, you need to make a special trip to your massage therapist. Not to mention, your massage therapist may or may not be available when you need them. Unless your workouts are scheduled regularly, it may not be a practical option.

Foam rolling: Effective but bulky

It may be appealing to do something like foam rolling. This may be a suitable option for some individuals, but not everyone is a fan for some reason. Part of that is related to the time and space required. It means extra time at the gym or creating space for it at home.

Passive recovery: When it comes to help with soreness, it just doesn’t cut it

I do know quite a few individuals who settle for passive recovery. That's another way of saying, they do nothing. Over time, your body will recover from fatigue, but this will not help with soreness. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is caused by microdamage to muscles from a workout. With passive recovery, it is highly likely that you will experience DOMS. Otherwise, DOMS would not even exist.

Massage guns: Help With muscle recovery without the problems with other modalities

Percussion Massage guns can help with soreness! Utilizing a massage gun will increase blood flow to the areas it is applied. With increased circulation, there is enhanced healing of the microdamage in muscles.

In addition to helping with soreness, a massage gun is small, making it portable. That means you can use it while you are on your break at work or on your ride home from the gym. So, if you are short on time, it's the most practical option outside of passive recovery. Depending on the model and features, massage guns can get expensive. However, it is a one-time cost, and it would pay for itself in a few weeks of usage.

Whether it's fatigue or DOMS, a massage gun can be the solution you were looking for.