WHAT DOES A MASSAGE GUN (also known as a percussion massager) REALLY DO?

When discussing the Dance Buddy massager with dancers and athletes, this is perhaps the most frequent question we get. The majority of people we talk to have either seen a massage gun in a mall or have at least seen an advertisement for one on social media. What a percussive massager performs, its advantages, and how it differs from traditional hand massages are far less well understood. In conclusion, a lot of people question whether massage guns are a legitimate form of exercise or just another fad.

Almost brief version

The most obvious advantages of a percussion massager over a traditional hand massage are time and convenience. Not many people have the time or resources to have a massage before and after every workout. Many dancers can, however, consistently use a portable massager and use it for a little period of time before and after a rehearsal, which takes us to our next significant comparison.

Another significant advantage over other massage techniques is consistency. Many of us artists are unable to schedule preventative treatment, so we wait until we are in pain and unable to perform before visiting a therapist, chiropractor, or doctor. We can stop pain and injuries in their tracks by keeping a portable massager in your dance bag.

Professional massage therapists and educated professionals will always outperform massage guns in terms of technique and competence. Contrary to what social media might have us believe, watching a few videos won't replace years of knowledge and training in how to treat and avoid muscle injuries. Dance Buddy offers some YouTube tutorials on how to get the most of your new massage gun. The majority of massagers are made to be used alone or with a partner. It is unlikely that they will have the same level of talent as a true specialist unless you are fortunate enough to have a trained professional at your side.

BENEFITS OF PERCUSSION MASSAGE IN GENERAL

In addition to the fact that a massage gun feels great, the benefits of regular use are described in more detail in the following few lines.

ACHE AND PAIN RELIEF AND PREVENTION

Jumping dancer in studio

The typical aches and pains that result from consistently pushing your body to its limit are well known to all dancers and athletes. The list includes your lower back, hamstrings, lower back arch, calf muscles, and more. Even while the aches may not show up for a day or two, our bodies eventually let us know when we've worked out hard.

When used frequently, percussion massagers are extremely effective at easing and preventing these muscular aches, pains, and overall soreness. The massage gun's vibrations enhance the flow of blood and oxygen to your muscles. This improved circulation helps to remove lactic acid from the body, loosens up tight spots, and promotes healthy muscular recovery.

How does using a percussion massager ease pain?

increases oxygen and blood flow to the muscles

transports lactic acid away

opens up tight spots that are impeding proper blood flow.

REVERSE INJURIES

In an outdoor setting, a dancer

It's very likely that you have experienced one or more injuries while doing your favourite move if you have been dancing for a very long time. Lack of proper warm-up before a performance is a leading cause of accidents. Cramping, strains, sprains, and even torn or pulled muscles are a few of them.

Fatigued muscles and improper warming up prior to vigorous exercise are two typical causes of these injuries. Both of these things can be accomplished quite well using percussion massagers. The massager's vibrations will encourage blood flow to the muscles, loosen them up, and provide them with the oxygen they require to function at their peak. Furthermore, utilising the massager before and after exercise lowers the accumulation of tight areas and lactic acid from routine activity, thus lowering the risk of muscular weariness and injury.

How does using a percussive massager reduce the chance of getting hurt?

increases blood flow to the muscles

increases muscle oxygenation

transports lactic acid away

Releases muscular knots and tight spots.

Disclaimer: Dancing and performance include risk, and there is no way to completely eliminate it.

QUICKER RESTORATION TIMES

Individuals dance at a studio

The time it takes for your muscles to recuperate so you can return to the floor will be shorter if you utilise a massage gun. This is especially helpful if you're at a performance and need to rest and stay warm in between acts. Being able to swiftly recover after exerting yourself to get back on the floor a few minutes later is only one aspect of recovery time; another is being able to recover from one day to the next. Both of these kinds of muscle rehabilitation will benefit from percussion massager use.

The massager boosts circulation and increases the flow of oxygen to your muscles to shorten the amount of time it takes for your muscles to recover properly. Additionally, the vibrations will loosen up tight spots, enhancing the flow of blood and oxygen to your muscles. Additionally, this enhances your muscles' capacity to eliminate lactic acid, which lessens pain. As a result, your muscles recover more quickly and you continue to function at their peak level.

How does a percussion massager shorten the period of recovery?

boosts blood flow and enhances oxygen delivery to muscles

relaxes tense muscles

removes lactic acid

Improve range of motion and flexibility

someone doing yoga.

Dancers are constantly seeking to increase their flexibility. Regular usage of a massage gun will soothe aches and pains in your muscles and joints as well as remove knots and tight spots that limit flexibility. The massager's vibrations will lessen inflammation by loosening up the affected areas and allowing for improved circulation to remove fluids. Your body's range of motion will be improved by the decreased inflammation.

How can a percussion massager increase range of motion and flexibility?

decreased joint inflammatory reaction

keeps muscles flexible and eases tension

reduces muscular soreness

GENERAL WARNINGS FOR MASSAGE GUNS

Knowing the advantages of massagers is excellent, but it's also crucial to understand when and how not to use one.

Don't try to be a doctor! Consult your doctor before using any massage guns if you have an injury that is already present or if you are experiencing unusually high levels of discomfort.

Don't massage your muscles excessively. Overmassaging a muscle might reduce its benefits and have the opposite effect. The massager will work more effectively if you use it several times for shorter durations of three to five minutes.

Bad hurt versus good hurt. Oftentimes, when massaging a tight place, we experience a "pleasant pain." However, you should reduce pressure or avoid the area if you experience severe discomfort or a pain that causes you to pull away from the massager.

Avoid touching your throat. Never apply pressure with a massage gun on the front of your neck or close to your throat. This carries a significant risk.