Advice to improve your movement, fitness, and overall health from the world's #1 in orthopedics.
What You Should Know about Using a Massage Gun
Are they safe? Do they work? Rehabilitation expert Ioonna Felix breaks down the buzz.
Advice to improve your movement, fitness, and overall health from the world's #1 in orthopedics.
There’s nothing better after a tough workout session — or a long day hunched over your desk — than a long, luxurious massage. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the time, budget or inclination for regular sessions with a masseuse.
Enter personal massage guns. While massagers of old would vibrate in a general area, these newer, more powerful handheld machines (also called percussion massagers) deliver pulsing, rapid bursts of pressure deep into the muscle fibers. Many also have adjustable attachments that can be applied to different-size muscle groups.
But can a handheld tool replace the know-how of a trained practitioner? Ioonna Félix PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CTPS, site manager at the HSS Westside Sports Institute Rehabilitation and Performance Center, breaks down the buzz. (Side note: It’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before incorporating a personal massage device into your regular recovery routine, particularly if you have any preexisting conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes or are on any medications.)
Published 2/16/2021
