Massage gun

From Cyberlaw: Difficult Issues Winter 2010
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Massage guns are a great new device that lets you give as much or as little massage therapy as you would like. It works by applying constant pressure on a soft, flexible wand at varying speeds. Many professional therapists use these tools on patients who have been injured or simply want to give a more intense massage. Using a massage gun can make massaging therapy more enjoyable for everyone. Read more on the Best Massage Gun

Percussive, or muscle-tensing, massages offer brief bursts of intense pressure to the injured muscle tissue, reducing pain and swelling. Because they deliver muscle stimulation at a sustained level, they also promote healing by increasing blood circulation to the area (1, 2, 3, etc.) Many professional therapists use them on patients who have been injured or simply want to give an even more intense massage. Because they are focused on a small area, they can also be used in conjunction with other therapeutic methods.

One of the advantages of a massager such as a massage gun is the ability to work when it is not necessarily convenient for you to. While most people would say it is not worth putting the extra effort into a session if possible, there are those who are saying it is a must. Novick says a regular massager is important because it provides consistent pressure over long periods of time. For those who are unable or unwilling to invest in a large portable tool, handheld devices may be a practical option. "They definitely do an effective job," he says.

According to Novick, one of the most common complaints of massage users is low blood flow. "When muscles aren't receiving enough blood flow, it can hamper circulation and lead to pain and discomfort," he says. While he declined to go into detail about the specifics of what is meant by circulation, he says that using a massage regularly can improve blood flow and help to prevent injury. Novick says there are various ways in which a massage gun can accomplish this. "The secret is in the controls and the position of the nozzle."

There are many instances where the relief of pain resulted from the manipulation alone, without the help of a physical therapist. For instance, if someone has carpal tunnel syndrome, it can be relieved with the help of a massage gun. "The same holds true when someone suffers nerve damage in their back area," Novick says. "It's easy to find someone who will perform a particular manipulation if you ask around." If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to consult with your doctor before trying a home treatment.

Novick advises consumers to look for a product that has received good reviews from both professionals and consumers. He says a product should be well-suited for the kind of work it is intended for. For example, if someone is going to use a massage gun to treat chronic back pain, they should buy the skin athletics and not the skin flexibility. The skin athletics is intended for use in a specific environment, while the flexibility is intended for use in a variety of circumstances. It is always a good idea to ask questions when you're considering an investment such as this, and a trained professional should be able to provide advice on the correct model to purchase.

In addition to getting the benefits of massage therapy from massage guns, they can also provide relief from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Novick says, "People who suffer with this ailment typically experience muscle pain after some period of activity. The soreness can last anywhere from several hours to several days. The muscles become inflamed and tender and it's very difficult to perform normal everyday tasks." One benefit of using a massage gun is that they provide immediate relief from symptoms and many people do say that it improves their moods.

However, massage therapists do caution against purchasing massage guns to provide therapy to clients. Instead, most doctors recommend that they purchase an electrotherapy machine. They are designed to target specific areas, such as back pain or muscle tension, and they can be adjusted for intensity and frequency. Another advantage to using these machines is that there is no lubrication required, so users don't have to worry about running out of foam. Also, because they are cordless, therapists can carry them with them wherever they go, whereas therapists must carry a foam roller. For some, the cost of a massage gun may be an investment in quality of life and they find that spending the money to purchase and use the equipment can enhance their therapeutic sessions.