If you have an active lifestyle, you’re likely dealing with some degree of muscle soreness. The bad news is that while exercise is critical, we tend to feel more sore as we age. That’s where this Ekrin Massage Gun Review comes in.
Whether you train at the gym, on the pavement, at the slopes, or in the water, you need the right tools to support your body. You want to keep your joints supple, your muscles strong, and you don’t want to be so sore that you end up being more sedentary.
How Percussive Massage Guns Work
Percussive massage is a type of soft tissue manipulation therapy. It takes the best of massage therapy and bundles it up into one powerful handheld device. Percussive massage guns work by sending force deep into your muscle fibers, breaking up internal adhesions (muscle knots) and increasing blood flow to tight areas.
Massage guns can reach speeds upward of 3,200 repetitions per minute (RPM) and deliver up to 60 pounds of force. Devices with multiple massage attachments and ergonomic handles make it easy to target all muscle groups.
When used regularly, percussive massage guns help improve:
- Blood Flow. When you use a vibration massage gun on, say, your left hamstring, the sensation triggers your body to send more blood to that muscle. Increased blood flow means an increased flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles undergoing vibration therapy, helping them recover faster.
- Connective Tissue. Vibration therapy breaks up adhesions in the fascia, a type of connective tissue that surrounds muscle tissues, as well as deeper muscle knots. The impact of the vibration massage device forces taut tissues to relax, relieving pain and tightness.
Which Massage Gun Model To Buy?
Physiology explains how massage guns work on the body to relieve pain, reduce soreness and improve performance. After doing a lot of online research and asking for advice from folks at our gym and friends who had tried various massage guns, I chose the Ekrin Athletics brand because of their great reviews, low price point (much less expensive than a Theragun) free shipping, and lifetime warranty.
I bought the smallest model, called Bantam, because I wanted something I could easily slide into my purse or backpack when I’m hiking or traveling. It has three speeds, comes with four different attachments and weighs just one pound.
The affordable Bantam model has been ideal for our needs but if you want more bells and whistles, there are two other upgraded models that have additional speeds and attachments. You can see a comparison of the three models HERE and choose the one that’s right for you.
How I Use The Ekrin Bantam Massage Gun
While you can certainly use a massage gun for daily muscle maintenance and as a pre-workout routine, but I tend to use it mostly when I’m sore. Or to work out any lingering muscle pain before I go to sleep.
I like the round and the flat heads best as they’re the most gentle. The bullet and fork heads are more intense.
I hold the head against whatever areas of my body are sore (usually my hips, glutes and hamstring) and then turn it on while GENTLY pressing the head against my skin. The lowest setting is usually plenty of pressure for me, but if you want more intensity it can be turned up two more levels.
I use my Bantam in each area for a couple of minutes, pausing if I feel a muscle knot. When I find a spot that’s tender, I hold the massage gun there for as long as I can so that I can break up any muscle adhesions. I’m not gonna lie, it hurts a little when I hit one of those tender spots, but after about seconds, the muscle starts to release and it feels a lot better.
In general, massage guns are safe to use for muscle soreness and as a tool to improve your fitness. However, you should be aware of common improper uses of massage guns.
Don’t use a massage gun:
- On bony areas
- Near musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and strains
- Around bruises or open wounds
- If you have severe or unexplained pain
- Without talking to your doctor if you have arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia or another musculoskeletal condition.
- Also, check with your doctor if you are pregnant.
Don’t Spend $500+ On A Massage Gun!
When I started researching massage guns, I was overwhelmed with the variety and the huge price tag. It’s easy to spend over $500 on a product that may be more than you need.
The Ekrin model’s range from $149 – $329 but you’ll pay 20% less when you shop with my link.
Every week I try a new product and post a (brutally honest) review. This is not an ad. I’ve received no compensation for this post. Check out all of my other review posts HERE.
PIN IT!
