Massage is known as one of the oldest healing traditions, dating back to ancient civilizations. People swore by the technique way back then and there is a reason it has stood the test of time. Well, it has many benefits, particularly if you are dealing with pain or aches. Research has shown that massage therapy (myotherapy) can help manage chronic low back pain, soft tissue injuries, stress and anxiety, blood pressure and more. Now, massage guns are the trendy gadgets in this niche. You are perhaps wondering if you should buy one. To answer this, let us delve into the facts.

How Effective Are Massage Guns? 

Massage guns are one of the most talked-about gadgets in the fitness world. You must have seen it in your favourite workout video on YouTube. They are that hand-held tool that looks more or less like a drill. It uses a technique known as percussion (vibration) therapy on the target area of the body. 

Research has shown that this type of therapy works in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). After an intense workout, it is not uncommon to experience muscle soreness. A good massage can help to reduce the pain and to aid in muscle recovery. This is where a hand-held massage gun makes it easier to do it on your own!

The key is knowing how and when to use a massage gun. If you want to counter muscle soreness after a workout, it is best to use the massage gun almost immediately after the exercise. What it does is reduce the build-up of lactic acid and toxins in your muscles. You can also use the massage gun the day following a workout to increase the blood flow and consequently supply more oxygen to the muscles. 

Using a massage gun before exercising can also help. It will increase blood flow to the areas you target. When this happens, oxygen and nutrients supply to the targeted areas are increased. So, your muscles are well-primed for the workout. 

Moreover, percussion massagers are great for reducing swelling and managing things like tingling and numbness. They are even replacing compression socks! The science behind that is that the mechanical action of the massage guns ensures that blood reaches the targeted areas. 

Massage guns are also excellent for people who have fibromyalgia. The condition tends to cause muscle and joint pains as well as headaches. In this case, they can help by breaking up knots in the muscles, reducing pain, and helping with mobility. 

Tip: In as much as massage guns help with the pain, a qualified doctor’s input is necessary before trying out massage as a treatment for your condition.

Are Massage Guns a Replacement for Massage Therapy?

These guns offer several benefits of a massage without the hassle of doing regular visits to a massage therapist. It comes in handy, especially with the ongoing pandemic and social distancing requirements. The beauty is that they offer vigorous massages with various attachments ranging from balls of different firmness and finger-like tips. They also allow for different settings. 

Some may argue that no massage gun matches the skills of a professional therapist. While this could be true, massage guns are an excellent way to complement massage therapy sessions. They can be used in the comfort of your home.

A massage gun might not know to differentiate between a bone, nerve, muscle, or fascia. But it will come in handy if you know how to use it well!

The Best Hand-Held Massage Gun and How to Use It

There are many massages gun brands in the market. Some are low quality, and you might end up disappointed. The Urikar AT1 massage gun is a cut above the rest. This massage gun is excellent for relieving pain anytime and from anywhere. It is very relaxing and excellent for recovery after workouts. 

Urikar AT1 is an AI-powered percussive massage gun with up to 3800 RPM, 8-speed levels, 65 pounds of force, dual modes for your home fitness. Also, it has six interchangeable heads and a rotatable handle to ensure you reach target areas.

It is also quite easy to use, thanks to a Smart dashboard that displays the instructions for every massage cycle. You get suggestions for how long to massage. You are bound to get an experience closer to the massage therapy at the spa!  Urikar AT1 has an innovative infrared inspection sensor that can easily adapt the speed depending on your movements. The advanced noise insulation helps to keep the noise levels down. You won’t have people thinking you carried your generator to the gym! 

A massage gun is an excellent option if you want to:

• Relieve musculoskeletal pain and stiffness
• Boost Athletic performance
• Boost your recovery after a workout
• Reduce common musculoskeletal injuries
• Sleep better!

How to use the Urikar AT1

Step 1: First, turn on the power switch by long-pressing the power switch, then attach the massage head. 

Step 2: Adjust the operating mode to your liking. By default, this is set to Smart mode. The massage head display icon on the screen will be lit. It will show the part of the body where the massage head you pick will work best.  

Step 3: You can switch to a constant speed mode by long-pressing on the compound button just below the display screen. You can then adjust the speed to your liking

Step 4: Lastly, place the message at the target area and enjoy your therapy. Once it stops, switch off your massage and store it properly.

It is that simple! Just check out the video below to learn more about this amazing percussive muscle massage gun.

Extra Tips: Safety Issue about Massage Guns 

It is worth noting that massage guns are safest and most effective when used correctly. Remember, any improper use could lead to more damage to an existing injury.

Also, engaging areas that have strains and muscle tears may further aggravate the problem.

As a rule of thumb, it is best to seek a physical doctor’s opinion if the gun is causing too much pain. You should also speak to a doctor if you are unsure of whether to use it or not. 

Most people also tend to get trigger happy and want to go the painful areas quite intensely. Well, going too hard on vulnerable points could lead to neuropathy or other problems. 

Always refer to the instructions on the device. Again, speak to a qualified doctor if you have any persistent pain and discomfort issues.