Why a Massage Gun Might Be the Best Thing You Do for Your Muscles

Written By Selina Sahba

The Science Behind Percussive Therapy

Massage guns use rapid bursts of targeted vibration to penetrate deeply into muscle tissue. This stimulates:

  • Increased blood flow

  • Breakdown of adhesions

  • Reduction in pain and muscle tightness

  • Improved range of motion

  • Accelerated healing post-injury

Think of it as a pocket-sized massage therapist—on call whenever you need it.

When to Use a Massage Gun

1.  Injury Recovery

Massage guns can ease pain, reduce tension, and restore function after injury—especially when foam rolling or manual massage isn't accessible.

“I often recommend them for clients recovering from hip, shoulder, or back injuries where deep, sustained pressure isn’t tolerated.”

2.  Maintenance Between Massage Sessions

A massage gun can maintain tissue health and flexibility between your professional bodywork visits. It helps prevent buildup of fascial adhesions and keeps the tissue hydrated and responsive.

3.  When Foam Rolling Isn't an Option

Let’s face it—not everyone can roll on the floor.
Massage guns are:

  • Easier to control

  • Better for isolated muscle groups (like pecs, lats, and glutes)

  • Great for those with mobility or balance challenges

  • Easier to reach places that the foam roller can’t get at well, i.e. Inner thighs, calves, upper traps (shoulders near the neck)


My Top Massage Gun Recommendations

If you’re ready to try one, here are the two models I recommend most often to my clients:

1.    Opove M3 Pro 2

Best for deeper work and athletic recovery

  • High stall force (up to 70 lbs)

  • 5 speeds + 7 heads

  • Super quiet with long battery life

  • Great for quads, glutes, and deep tissue work

  • More affordable than the Theragun and more likely to go on sale, i.e. Amazon Prime Day

2.      Theragun Relief by Therabody

Best for everyday users, seniors, anyone wanting an easier grip and a more gentle force.

  • Quiet, ergonomic, and easy to use

  • Trusted by therapists and athletes alike

  • Great for the neck region, the feet, and other small muscles, but still works well on the whole body.

  • 3 speeds + triangle grip = intuitive for beginners

  • Industry standard brand, a little more expensive than the Opove M3

Selina Sahba
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