Massage gun
Massage gun
Author Dorottya Sándor | September 14, 2020
What should you know about it?
Massage Gun Treatment
Massage guns have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Are these devices really that effective? Before we answer, let’s take a brief historical overview.
Is the massage gun an effective tool?
Sports scientists began investigating the application of mechanical vibrations and oscillation in the early 19th century to enhance muscle function and athletic performance. During vibration treatments, we utilize the physiological reactions to mechanical vibrations as therapy. Vibration is a short and rapid oscillating movement that continuously repeats. Vibration can be applied using various devices, either as local therapy or whole-body vibration.
The massage gun, as a neuromuscular vibration device, was developed by chiropractor Jason Werseland, who discovered how to combine healing and ease of use in a single device. Since then, massage guns have become a globally popular tool, used not only by therapists but also by professional athletes. So, the answer to our question is: yes, in addition to being a very pleasant treatment, it is equally effective.
How does the massage gun work?
Numerous receptors are found in the connective tissue fascia surrounding our muscles, in our muscles, tendons, joint capsules, and joint ligaments. Our receptors perceive various stimuli: pressure, vibration, pain, and the spatial position of our joints. During soft tissue treatments, by stimulating the receptors with appropriate intensity, we can achieve a reduction in connective tissue tension through complex neurological mechanisms, thereby decreasing pain. In the case of massage gun treatment, we stimulate our connective tissue fascia with pressure and vibration.
However, it is important to note that nothing can replace proper warm-up and stretching before exercise! The massage gun is to be used as a complementary therapy, with outstanding results.
The device can be used on multiple muscle groups throughout the body, but it is advisable to avoid direct contact with the spine, and in cases of more serious muscle injuries, it is recommended to consult a specialist for a quicker recovery!
The therapy can be combined with many other treatment options: shockwave therapy, ultrasound therapy, TAPE application, fascia release manual therapies, cupping, fascia knife treatment, flossing.
What is the massage gun good for?
Vibration devices are capable of vibrating at different frequencies, typically in the 30-50 Hz range. During treatments, we use various treatment heads: solid plastic, silicone treatment heads. In terms of shape, many forms are available: spherical, double fork, chisel, conical. We select the one best suited to the complaint of the specific region, aiming to minimize pain.
Therapeutic Indications:
- Soft tissue tension
- Muscle pain
- Trigger points
- Scar Treatment
- Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, heel spur, runner’s knee syndrome, tenosynovitis
- Supplement to shockwave therapy
- Post-exercise recovery
Therapeutic Contraindications:
- Embolism, thrombosis in medical history
- In cases of fracture, before bone callus remodeling
- Pregnancy
- Increased bleeding tendency
- Acute inflammation
- In children, before the closure of growth plates
In cases of a history of malignant tumors, an oncologist’s recommendation is required for physical therapy treatments, regardless of the region.
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