Massage Gun. Are they worth it?
Percussion massage guns are very popular at the moment. But it is worth buying one? Do they work? What do they actually do?
PROS OF PERCUSSION MASSAGE:
INCREASES BLOOD FLOW.
Percussion over a muscle increases the blood flow to the muscle and the extra blood flow brings more oxygen to the muscle fibres. You can actually see the red area of extra blood after using the massager. This blood relaxes muscles and helps muscle tendons heal (because tendons have a poorer blood supply and as a result tend to heal more slowly).
HELPS REMOVE TOXINS.
When muscles are tight (from overuse) they can build up toxins like lactic acid, which is an irritant. The increase of blood flow from percussion massage helps to clear away these toxins.
BREAKS ADHESIONS AND SCAR TISSUE.
The repetitious impact of massagers can break down scar tissue and adhesions in and around muscles, helping old injuries to heal.
INCREASES ‘RELAXATION FEEDBACK’ (PROPRIOCEPTION) TO THE BRAIN.
When you stimulate movement receptors in joints and muscles, these receptors send feedback to the brain causing a reflex relaxation of the local muscles. This feedback also has a dampening effect on stress.
STIMULATES DORMANT MUSCLES.
There is a theory that the stimulation of these movement receptors (proprioceptors) can make the brain more aware of dormant or unused muscles too.
CONS OF PERCUSSION MASSAGE:
The biggest con is that percussion can increase inflammation so massagers should not be used when inflammation is present. It can shake the brain a bit too if used too close to the head. And it is best to avoid use over shallow joints like the knee, elbow, ankle etc.
WHO ARE PERCUSSION MASSAGE GUNS RECOMMENDED FOR?
People looking for… relaxation, sports recovery, or rehab of old injuries (not new injuries which can be still inflamed) could possibly benefit from percussion massage.
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