Should You Buy a Massage Gun? The Pros and Cons (2 of 3)

Three reasons why a massage gun might be right for you

The convenience factor

First and foremost, you don’t need to make an appointment with a licensed massage therapist or physiotherapist. You can apply the massage gun treatment from the comforts of your home at whatever time works best for you.

You can take them virtually everywhere

Massage guns are small and portable, which means you can take one to your workplace or put it in your check-in bag when you go on vacation.

They are inexpensive

For casual users seeking basic muscle relaxation, you shop for a massage gun for as little as $30 on Amazon. Middle-tier models aimed at fitness enthusiasts can fetch upwards of $250, but if you get a lot of use out of them and find that they are helping in your recovery, you’ll find it worth the cost.

Three reasons why you might pass on a massage gun

The potential for injury

It is important to be aware that certain orthopaedic conditions are highly sensitive to manipulation and pressure. As a result, if you are someone who has a high threshold for pain, you might not even be aware of the damage to your muscles that the massage gun is causing. Furthermore, if you injure a muscle by, say, landing hard on your shoulder during a pickup basketball game, you would not want to use the massage gun to sooth the pain as it will likely make the condition worse. Thus, you should always consult with your doctor before using a massage gun for anything other than basic muscle relief.

They aren’t intended to be substitutes for proper medical treatment

If you have chronic back pain or other muscle issues, a massage gun may indeed provide some noticeable temporary relief, but it is not intended to replace professional therapy. So if you view the massage gun as a way to avoid seeking medical treatment, you should probably reconsider buying one.

They are prone to being noisy

If you’re hoping to engage in some physical self-care under calm, zen-like conditions, the massage gun is going to put a damper on those ideals. Many models contain motors that make noisy, obnoxious sounds that disrupt the peace. If quiet is what you seek, it makes more sense to schedule a weekly appointment with a massage therapist instead.