For athletes looking to work out some knots and speed up muscle recovery, there are a lot of great tools on the market—from foam rollers to massage balls, but one tool that’s been growing in popularity is the massage gun. Also known as percussive massagers, these battery-powered handheld devices emit a high volume of small bursts that can penetrate into muscles to help relieve pain and loosen tension.
“I think they are a great tool for both pre-workout and post-workout,” says physical therapist Ashley Rozek. She adds that it’s important to see a physical therapist first to learn how to use one so you can properly target the right muscles and avoid injuries. “They are powerful and can hurt if used incorrectly,” she notes.
While there are plenty of affordable massage guns on the market, you’ll want to spend a little more for some added benefits like app integration and quiet operation. The most premium options on the market (like the Theragun Pro and Elite) are more powerful, offer better ergonomics through a triangular design and deliver a more comprehensive experience with a range of head attachments and multiple massage speeds.
If you’re on a budget but want to get the same benefits as pricier options, check out the Hyperice Go 2. Weighing just 1.5 pounds and featuring three massage speeds, this device is TSA-friendly for easy on-the-go relief and comes with five unique head attachments that include a fork, rounded brush, cushion, flat and bullet. Its powerful motor also produces the lowest decibel reading of any massage gun we tested, making it a great choice for sharing a room or in public spaces. best massage gun
