This guide covers TOP best percussion massage guns currently available on the market, from the most powerful professional-grade deep tissue ones to lightweight models that effectively combine percussion and vibration types of massage. There are models that were developed for athletes and have proven to be most effective for recovery after workouts and rehabilitation. You will learn about how percussion guns work and what they are used for. The guide analyzes all the strong points of this method, elaborating on the benefits it offers. It also offers valuable recommendations on using this kind of device, what areas of the body you can treat with it, and in what sequence.

This is a portable electric device that delivers strokes, sending pulses of pressure into the muscles. These are deep tissue percussion massagers that enhance blood flow and range of motion as well as help to get rid of muscle knots and relieve tension. This treatment also contributes to more rapid recovery, mitigating pain, and muscle soreness.

The pulsations it produces soften stiff muscles and soothe the tissue around them, which results in a relaxing effect in the treated area. Although percussion massagers are particularly advertised for home use, they are also in demand among professional physical therapists who apply these devices to their patients with a view to reducing pain sensations. As a rule, we feel pain in muscles in several areas of our bodies, and this is where the electric massager will come in handy.

Percussion massage is different from a traditional one in that it reduces sensitivity in the area around a sore muscle by affecting its fiber gradually until the area is penetrated. In a traditional massage, a therapist oftentimes may not penetrate deep enough to reach the needed areas. Moreover, the massage itself can be painful, while percussion therapy involves only relief.

Percussion therapy offers a wide array of benefits for the user. Now, let’s take a closer look at them.

Health benefits. This treatment can be recommended as part of rehabilitation in the postoperative period because it is able to enhance lymphatic and blood circulation, which hastens the healing time. Besides, percussion therapy is helpful for stiff joints and spasms of muscles, as it stretches out their fibers. All this is particularly beneficial for those who for some reason cannot attend a physical therapist or cannot do it regularly enough. With this kind of massagers, patients suffering paralysis will benefit from muscle stimulation that will prevent atrophy and improve reflexes.

Reach your athletic goals. Percussion massagers are used by professional trainers as they are known to help athletes enhance their performance. After intense workouts, they have to deal with sore muscles, which is why recovery is an integral part of professional-level workouts. Providing stronger muscle contractions, these devices reduce recovery time, while the enhanced blood flow decreases fatigue. All this makes the athletes stronger and more durable.

Wellbeing. Even though you don’t suffer any disorder or disease, a percussion massager can be useful for you. By improving blood circulation, it will make you feel better and relaxed. This therapy is also applied to help reduce the number of toxins in the muscles. On top of that, this is a good way to boost your immunity, improve digestion and even sleep better.

Coping with stress. With the enhanced blood flow, oxygen consumption is improved, which results in better breathing. The latter, in its turn, brings down stress and relieves anxiety.

Pain alleviation. One of the essential benefits of these devices is that they are able to decrease pain. The higher amplitude the massager has the more effective it is in pain management. And yet, there is not enough scientific evidence proving that percussion massagers can really alleviate pain. According to Dr. Charles Kim, assistant professor at NYU Langone Health’s Rusk Rehabilitation, while different frequencies are known to have an impact on the muscular healing process and relaxation, there is no convincing study in the field of pain management.

Before anything else, plug the unit if it is corded or insert batteries in a cordless model. Put the required attachments following the label direction and turn on the massager. Unless the doctor recommends otherwise, the first place you should treat with the massager is your shoulders and the back of your neck. Move the device from one shoulder to another as it is the region where the muscles are often tense. Do not apply it to the areas where bones protrude.

Start with the lowest setting, gradually increasing the speed. Keep in mind that most units can be adjusted over the course of a session so that the user could choose the most comfortable setting. Then, massage your back, moving along your spine. Never put the device directly over your spine, instead, massage the muscles on either side of it. When you feel that your muscles start to relax, switch to the lower back where the muscles are usually stiff.

After that, move down to your buttocks, focusing on the hamstrings, which are oftentimes the cause of lower back issues. Massage your calves and the ab region, the latter should be treated using the lowest setting. You can apply the unit to your chest as stimulating the area around the heart enhances the blood flow while massaging the lymphatic nodes improves your immunity. And finally, move to your arms and wrists.

Since a percussion massager isn't a cheap gizmo, you should consider some aspects before you part with your money.

One-person/two-person. There are models that are larger in size and require someone to move the unit along your body. For some people, this is not a problem as they can ask their partners to do so, while others prefer massager that can be used without assistance. For example, if you have to travel a lot, the latter type will be the best option for you.

Weight. Keep in mind that the heavier the device the more intense pressure it can apply. On the other hand, lightweight models are easier to maneuver and reach specific areas of the body.

Design. Apart from being a nice-looking product, it should have an ergonomic design. The device should be easy to grasp and operate, and simply feel comfortable in your hand. Keep in mind that the model with a long handle is more convenient.

The number of heads. For the most part, the more heads are built in the unit the better. However, if you want to treat only one spot, a single-head model will work better for you.

Features. The therapy effectiveness is directly dependent on how many features the product has. By adjusting the speed, you are more likely to achieve your goal.

Material. Your massager will last longer if it is made from a durable high-quality material. Make sure that the unit has aluminum or stainless steel parts. High-quality material is also safer in case the device overheats.

TOP Best Massage Gun Reviews | 2021

Below we've compared 5 massage guns from trusted manufacturers from $169 to $799. These models have different designs, weights, and sizes as well as exert a different amount of force. The number of percussions varies from model to model, as well as the number of speed options. Some items have as many as 6 attachments for various parts of the body — from the large muscle groups to tender areas — something that will make the massage more accurate and efficient.

1. Theragun PRO Percussive Therapy Device | Best Professional Deep-Tissue Percussion Massager

This brand is a leader in the market and is well known for its professional-grade products. The Theragun company was set up in 2007 by Dr. Wersland, a chiropractor who made a decision to develop his own product after he had suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident. PRO is the most powerful model of the brand that is used to treat muscles, assist recovery, and relieve pain.

One of the main advantages of this model is that it was designed for professional use and is the most advanced model on the market. It will take you less than a minute to work one muscle group, making it more flexible and stronger. This unit is a real beast as it exerts about 60 pounds of force. The massager offers 2-speed options — a standard one and a lighter one, with the former producing up to 40 percussions per second.

Comparison: the Max Force of Theragun Massage Guns
- Theragun PRO: 60 lbs
- Theragun Elite: 40 lbs
- Theragun Prime: 30 lbs

PRO comes with six attachments, which can be used depending on your needs. Whether you want to treat tender areas, large muscle groups, shoulders, or the lower back, you will find an appropriate attachment in the kit. The product features a comfortable design with an ergonomic handle, while the arm can be adjusted to 4 angles.

Since this percussion gun is so powerful, no wonder that it operates on two rechargeable batteries. This means that you will not have to spend extra money on purchasing new batteries. Customers rate this model highly, saying that this is an awesome device that provides immediate relief, helping with tight muscles and cramps. Some of them recommend taking advantage of the app that can be used as a good guide. Although this percussion gun is the priciest on the list, it is really worth buying!

Theragun PRO: Check the current price

2. Compex Fixx™ 1.0 Massager For Sore & Overworked Muscles

The first thing to know about Compex is that it is a brand of the highest standard of quality. Founded in Switzerland 30 years ago, the company is now a global leader in the industry of portable muscle stimulators. Compex products are medical-grade devices and are used by professional therapists and athletes. These devices have proved to be effective tools for pain management and muscle recovery. Apply it both before and after workouts to improve your athletic performance and speed up the recovery.

 

The Compex Fixx massager is particularly good for treating overworked and sore muscles as it provides massage penetrating deep into the muscle tissues. You can customize your massage by both using the device’s speed adjustment feature and putting pressure on your hand. The device comes with 3-speed modes, 3 arm positions, and interchangeable massage heads. Besides, you can purchase additional attachments — a cone and a pad.

This tool is popular not only with men but also with women. This is because of its ergonomic design and amazingly small weight — just 35 ounces. The more lightweight the device is, the longer you will be able to effortlessly treat muscles.

The Compex Fixx™ 1.0 Massager has received a lot of positive feedback from general consumers and professionals. For example, Italian cyclist Davide Belfiore is impressed with its ability to provide an immediate effect. Another satisfied buyer, CrossFit athlete Stefano Migliorini, recommends applying the tool after intense exercise to treat stiff muscles and trigger points.

Massage gun: Check the current price

3. Wireless Percussion Massage Guns | Best Trusted for the Money | Best Under $200

Recommended by professional bodybuilders, this powerful percussive therapy tool will recover your muscles and relieve muscle strains. Manufactured by a Texas-based company with 20-year experience in the industry, the iReliev massage is a high-performance, medical-grade device delivering impressive results. While being powerful, it boasts low-noise operation, with the noise level not exceeding 58dB.

Equipped with a high-torque motor (up to 5400 percussions per minute), the device allows you to choose between six-speed settings so that you could select the most comfortable deep-tissue massage. With a weight of 2 pounds, it is more lightweight than many other competitive models and, therefore, easier to hold and operate.

Besides, the massager is cordless and comes with a 2400mAh Li-ion battery, which lasts for more than 3 hours on a charge. What we like about this model is quality assembly, power, convenience, fair — and not inflated price of about $150-200.

If you want a pocket-sized deep tissue massage gun you will like Bob and Brad Mini Deep Tissue Massage Gun developed by the physical therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck. It is compact, lightweight (435 grams) yet powerful with 5 adjustable speeds: 1800, 2100, 2400, 2700, 3000 percussions per minute.

Bob and Brad: Check the current price

4. PADO Pure-Wave cm7 Cordless Massager Body + Facial (Dual Mode)

A nice sleek design is the first thing that jumps out at you but is by no means the only benefit. This product is recommended by sports trainers and professional therapists, and there are reasons for that. It comes with two motors — one for percussion and the other for vibration. Vibration delivers a soothing massage while percussion gets deep into the muscle tissue.

Its ergonomic design will allow you to effortlessly treat hard-to-reach areas of your body. Another peculiarity that distinguishes this item from the other ones on the list is that it can be applied directly to the face. This will help to reduce stress and the tension in the jaw muscles. There are five attachments for the percussion end, while the vibration side is designed only for a facial attachment.

Customers say that this massager is even more powerful than those used by therapists in clinics. They use it for pain relief and recovery, noting that it works well but the battery dies too quickly. Some buyers complain that attachment falls off the vibration side of their massagers, but these are individual cases. Their other gripe was about the unit turning off, once the pressure is applied.

Pado: Check the current price

5. TimTam Power Massager v1.5 Deep Tissue Massage Gun

In addition to Theragun, there is another reputable brand of high-end massagers — TimTam. Why trust this brand? Well, just look at who the founders of TimTam are — Georges St-Pierre, Canadian professional mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, and Kelly Starrett, physical therapist and coach. No wonder they have created truly professional-grade massagers! Notably, the company’s clients include trainers, athletes, therapists as well as ordinary consumers. That is why those looking for a reliable and powerful massager, can safely choose TimTam products.

There are two most popular models from TimTam — PowerMassager™ Pro Handheld Percussion Massager and Power Massager v1.5 Deep Tissue Massage Gun. The first one has a unique feature — a heated tip, which significantly enhances the effect of deep tissue massage. The machine has 3-speed settings and delivers up to 2,800 strokes per minute. It comes with a built-in temperature sensor and an LED display. Due to the adjustable arm, you will be able to reach any area of your body without effort. The device has a durable battery that can last up to an hour of continuous operation. With a weight of 4 pounds, it is portable and convenient to use.

The second option, TimTam Power Massager v1.5, is less expensive but also less powerful as the device will give you 2000 strokes per minute. Nevertheless, this product has its own strong points. Its 90-degree articulating head and interchangeable tips will provide you exactly the massage you want.

TimTam: Сheck the current price

Products with 5 star rating

 

Product5 Stars Votes
Bob and Brad Pocket-Sized Deep Tissue Massage Gun2274(4.4%)
Theragun Elite1635(3.1%)
Flyby F1Pro Massage Gun1573(3%)
OPOVE M3 Pro Decent Massage Gun1080(2.1%)

Best-Selling Massage Guns in Canada | Comparative Table

Testing & Customers Reviews

We found reviews from real YouTube bloggers about the products from our article.

LearnWithTravis: "I am not a massage therapist. I've never had a device like this before and when I bought Theragun PRO I had no idea if it worked for what I needed it for and that's why I think I am the perfect person for this review. Why? Because I think most people that are thinking about buying these are regular people with real problems wondering if this can help. And in my case I have long battled hip quad and back tightness and I also recently got back into lifting and I was curious if this would help me with some of the soreness from that. It has a rotating arm and this triangle design so you can hold it in different positions and with doing that you can reach anywhere. I tested my back that's in my opinion the trickiest areas to try to cover. I was able to get my lower mid and upper back without any issues. It is ridiculously easy to use. Anybody can figure this thing out.

I never saw any signs that this thing wasn't strong enough to keep up with me. I'm 6 foot 3, 210 pounds and was trying to push this thing hard and I learned that it is plenty strong. So you don't have to worry about that at all. I was always able to find the right attachment to address what I wanted to do. One thing I really like is there's not a lot going on or there's not a lot of things that can break. There's a screen with a button in the front. There is the button here to rotate this and when it locks in it feels really solid. The button feels strong. None of this feels like chintzy plastic. It feels like a very good build. As far as the overall build quality it feels like it's very good material. It doesn't feel like there's things that are gonna break over time.

Battery life wise this thing seems like it can last the full 300 minutes and probably longer than that because after quite a bit of testing I still had a lot of power on the first battery. There a nice carrying case which is very solid and works very good to move it around. This thing has some noise but from what I understand it's quite a bit better than the other models have. For the most part it's not a type of noise that's gonna drive people nuts."

kofuzi, runner: "A couple of months ago I was dealing with a runner's knee issue. In fact that's how I found Bob and Brad the two most famous physical therapists on the internet. I was googling and youtube searching all my symptoms and trying to figure out what was going on and how I can fix it. Rest and reduction of mileage really wasn't cutting it so I needed to do something else.

I've been using Bob and Brad Mini Q2-D Massage Gun every day since I got it and I gotta say that I'm thoroughly surprised at how well this thing performs. It's relatively quiet even at some of the higher settings. I usually use it at number three even up to number five it starts to get a little bit louder but I actually don't mind this level of volume for this kind of device. And the thing that I found the most surprising is just how powerful this massage gun is. A lot of the smaller ones you really press in on them you can get the motors to stall but this one no matter how hard I press it on in it I just can't get it to stall. It just keeps going even at some of the lower speeds. That's really helpful because you don't always necessarily want the fastest percussion. Sometimes you want deep percussion at a low kind of frequency and so being able to really dig into your thigh or dig into your quads really is nice.

This massage gun is very heavy. It's much heavier than it looks probably because it's got a pretty generous battery in it. I've been able to get three or four sessions out of it before I had to top it up on the battery. It charges by usb-c on the bottom. So really easy to charge, very convenient for the portability factor. I'm not sure that I love like the shape of it. It's kind of big and I have small little hands and so like none of them really seem to fit me very well unless it's a very like cylindrical shape.. This one is kind of like it's just big and a little bit bulky so usually I kind of like find a position on my leg for it to go and then i'll like palm it down. So it's not a huge deal that like the grip is kind of weird for me. It's not a deal breaker for me for sure. Overall though I would say that I am thoroughly impressed with this mini gun and it even makes me think like do you really need the big one if this one is so good? Plus the price on this one is just absolutely amazing. I think it might be my favorite."

Steven Morales Certified Personal Trainer: "I've had PUREWAVE CM-07 now for about nine months and it's probably one of the most used pieces of soft tissue or massage equipment that I've gotten so far. Everybody in the house uses it every time somebody comes over we end up having them use it. I personally think and I've actually had a handful of clients buy this as well that it is phenomenal at digging in areas that maybe you don't want to mess with using the lacrosse ball or the massage stick or the massage cane or the Alpha ball, yoga tune up ball whatever soft tissue tool you're gonna use. It just hits that area in a different way. So I really really enjoy this. Like I said probably the most used and best purchase we've made for the house for soft tissue stuff. I still use all the other tools it's just I get to use this and it's easy. I can sit on the floor watching TV, maybe I'm on the couch and I can drill on this area and it just gives a little bit of relief and works phenomenal on the calves and the quads. I highly recommend this massager."

6. Handheld Deep Tissue Muscle Massager | Cheap Theragun Alternative

If your budget is limited, you may opt for this item as it is the most affordable percussion massager in our review. It cannot boast the performance of Theragun, produces much noise, and comes only with 3 attachments. Still, there is a number of strong points that are worth mentioning.

With a weight of about 3.5 pounds, this unit is lightweight enough. I like its compact and ergonomic design, particularly the massage arm that can rotate 90 degrees. Surprisingly, for the price, it offers more speed levels (6) and is able to give you up to 2400 strokes per minute. The manufacturer promises that you will feel real percussion that penetrates deep into the muscles. This model also runs on two rechargeable batteries.

Well, judging by the feedback, this thing does the job, helping to cut the time spent on recovery. Customers also speak well of the trigger button, which is very convenient to use as you will not have to hold it down during the treatment. With one click, you will turn on or turn off the unit. But this percussion gun is really very noisy as some customers say that they have to put on their earbuds while using the device.

CC - Muscle Massage Gun: Check the current price

7. OPOVE G3 Pro | Best Portable Deep Tissue Massage Gun

It has a compact design and weighs just a bit more than two pounds. It can operate for a long period of time — up to 6 hours while charging takes from 2 to 3 hours. There are three modes, with the lower one giving 1800 percussions per minute and the fastest one delivering as many as 3200.

The pack includes 4 attachments, one of which is good for all body parts, another is intended for large muscle groups, the third one is designed for the upper back, and the fourth one will deliver deep tissue massage. The downside is that the device may interrupt its operation if you put too much pressure on it. Customers suggest applying this massage gun to alleviate muscle tension after workouts or such outdoor activities as hiking.

CC - Muscle Massage Gun: Check the current price

Pros And Cons of Massage Guns

Pros

  • A drug-free alternative in pain management. Although the treatment should be considered rather as a supplementary measure, it will allow reducing the consumption of medicines that usually have multiple side effects.
  • Portability. These devices are mostly handheld and the user can typically do without someone’s assistance. This is particularly essential for those who have to travel a lot.
  • Affordable price. Generally, the price isn’t more than $500, but you can easily find a cheap option under $100. All in all, owning an electric device will cost you less than attending a physical therapist on a regular basis.

Cons

  • Jewelry and clothing can be entangled in the device and damaged.
  • Energy consumption. Battery-run models involve extra spending, especially when used regularly.
  • Contraindications. They are not recommended for pregnant women, diabetics, and people with thrombosis and epilepsy. You cannot use them if you have an implanted medical device.

FAQ

Percussion massager vs Shiatsu: what is the difference?

Percussion penetrates deeply into the muscles. By using strikes and thumps, the percussion massager stimulates the skin, muscles, and veins. Shiatsu employs acupressure to release tension in the muscles and fix imbalances in the energy flow.

What is the best percussion massage gun?

Theragun is definitely the best model I have reviewed. While being designed for professionals, it is very comfortable to use.

As to the good, reasonable price, I think that PlayMakar MVP is the best-trusted massage gun for the money. For $179, you receive a professional medical-grade, high-powered percussion massager, equipped with a high-torque motor (up to 5400 percussions per minute). If you want to learn more about how we tested it, check out our Massage Gun Review.

Read a detailed insight into trusted percussion massagers in our Buyer's Guide - Best Massage Gun Reviews.

Can you use a massage gun for cellulite?

Yes, it works on the areas affected by cellulite, such as the ab, buttocks, and legs. This kind of device is supposed to make your skin more elastic.

Can you use it for the lungs?

If you suffer from pulmonary diseases, a percussion massager can be very helpful as it facilitates loosening the mucus in your lungs. Debora Leader, a medical writer who specializes in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, suggests using electronic devices for chest percussion. She notes that the best time to perform this therapy is in the morning because your lungs build up mucus while you are asleep.

Is massage gun good for athletes?

Yes, it is. There are professional-grade models available on the market and they have proven to help athletes recover faster and easier. By treating your muscles before and after workouts, you will make them more flexible as well as will improve tissue connectivity.

We think that PlayMakar MVP is the best-trusted percussion massage gun for the money. For $179, you receive a professional medical-grade, high-powered percussion massager, equipped with a high-torque motor (up to 5400 percussions per minute).

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