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Need a massage? The right massage or Theragun can soothe away all those sports, desk, and life-induced aches and pains — masseuse optional!

Massage has been around for thousands of years. In the East, it’s considered an effective healing method and held in the highest esteem. If you’ve travelled to Asia, you’ve likely had or at least been offered a massage from a locally-trained masseuse.

In the West, massage is also commonly used as a therapy to help heal injuries and relieve pain. However, you’re likely to pay an arm and a leg for a session, certainly more than you would in India or Thailand! Luckily, those looking for a reliable, affordable source of massage can find what they’re looking for in a massage gun or Theragun.

Besides helping with desk-induced aches and pains, massage guns are great for sports injuries, regular massage, and more besides! Here are our top muscle massage guns and Theragun picks for 2022.

Many sports people and athletes incorporate massage into their workout routines to aid muscle recovery, warmup, and cool down. However, a massage gun isn’t just ideal for those who do strenuous exercise.

You can use your massage gun or Theragun for a regular massage or help relieve everyday aches and pains. For example, to manage chronic injuries or deal with desk-sitting related soreness.

There are various types of massage guns on the market, some of which massage using vibration. However, some operate with percussive movement instead of vibration, for example, the innovative Theragun. The vibration or percussive movement of a muscle massage gun presses against soft tissue, mimicking a real massage.

In this way, soothing aches and pains, relaxing your muscles, reducing inflammation, and improving blood circulation. Massage guns may also improve lymph drainage, your range of movement, fight cellulite, and break up scar tissue.

Massage guns are powerful devices. As with massage, you should always be cautious about how, how long, hard, and where you use yours. Each muscle massage gun should come with usage instructions, which are advisable to follow.

These instructions will likely detail how long to use the massage gun. Generally, most massage gun manufacturers recommend you use yours:

Your masseuse, physical therapist, or doctor may also advise you on the correct length of time to use your massage gun. Always ask your healthcare provider for advice before you start massage — especially if you have any conditions, are new to massage, or are pregnant.

Massage guns vary in features, from hand-held guns to balls. Each gun may come with one or more attachments ideal for different body areas. Most massage guns are wireless with rechargeable batteries. So, they are easy to hold and take with you to the gym or work.

Ideally, you should pick out a gun best suited to the areas you wish to massage. Additionally, one that comes with the types of attachments you need for these areas. The biggest consideration is probably the gun’s massage and speed settings.

If you have a condition, are pregnant, injured, or sensitive, a softer gun may suit home massage best. As an athlete, you may prefer a powerful gun. As a novice, a gun that is simple to use and easy to hold may be preferable.

Here's this year's best massage and Theraguns that you can buy, so that you can enjoy the benefits of a professional masseuse at home.

The HoMedics Pro Physio is a massage gun that can do it all. We love how versatile this gun is. It features five massage programs and three speed settings.

Besides barrel, ball, cellulite, and arrow attachments, the set also includes hot and cold attachments. So, you can use it to target cellulite, as well as using hot and cold massage to get better results.

Not everyone has a few hundred spare to spend on a muscle massage gun. The Bodi-Tek Sports gun offers a lot more for a lot less.

The set includes a few interestingly-shaped attachments, ideal for getting at hard-to-reach aches and pains. Plus, it’s compact and light, making it easy to use and carry.

The Hypervolt Go is a handy, portable muscle massage gun to take with you anywhere you go. This lightweight massage gun weighs under a kg and comes with multiple plug adapters.

So, you can charge it no matter where you go. With two massage attachments — bullet and flat, and three speed settings, it isn’t fussy to use, either. Overall, it’s a good size, weight, and easy to grip and hold.

On first spotting it, we’ll forgive you for mistaking the Theragun Wave Solo for a piece of sci-fi memorabilia. This unique, ball-shaped Theragun looks like a cross between a robotic eye, security camera, and Star Wars TIE fighter.

Its round shape is perfect for foot massage, but also anywhere else that can benefit from pinpoint pressure. This massage gun also uses vibration more so than percussive pressure, with wave-shaped grooves to knead out those knots.

If you’re starting out with massage, you may not want to spend too much on a massage gun. You may also want to avoid getting a pricey gun that is too powerful for you.

This top-rated Jane Choi massage gun comes with plenty of attachment heads to try out. With a carry-case, easy-to-read LCD display and controls, and grippy handle, it's user-friendly.

Plus, it features twenty speed settings to help you gauge which side of the power spectrum your needs lie. Sure, it’s no premium massage gun, but it's a great starter gun that doesn’t demand a large investment up-front.

If you’re looking for a gun that is a heavy-hitter, you’re unlikely to do much better than the Theragun Elite. This premium muscle massage gun performs as well as it looks.

Featuring Theragun’s signature triangular handle, it’s much more ergonomic than your average massage gun. This smart gun also pairs with the Therabody app, allowing you to adjust and save your own massage settings and routines.

With a built-in OLED screen, quiet motor, variable intensity, and premium look, it's both easy and enjoyable to use.

Arguably one of the smallest massage guns, the Pulseroll Pro Handheld is dynamite in a small package. Powerful yet lightweight and compact, this gun is a worthwhile buy for after-sport sessions.

At just 14 cm tall and weighing only 450 grams, it’s surprisingly small for such a powerful massage gun. Pack it in your handbag, gym bag, or in its carry-case, and you’re good to go.

You’ll have plenty of space left for the rest of your kit and activity necessities. Another plus is the Pulseroll Pro’s longer-than-average six-hour battery life.

Are you looking for a unique gift to give someone for Valentine’s or a special occasion? A massage is a romantic gift, even better if you don’t need to do all the kneading yourself.

This discreet Zikko Dr Rock massage gun may be just the device to pick. It’s the perfect choice for a couple's massage, being both simple to use and quiet.

With a passion-red, sensual, brushed aluminium finish, it certainly looks the part. At just under 14 cm tall, it’s small enough to fit in a handbag or drawer and not intimidate anyone.

The Theragun Prime is another heavy-hitting massage gun in the Theragun range. What is the main difference between the Theragun Elite and this model, the Theragun Prime?

It’s slightly less powerful, with 10 lbs less stall power compared to the Theragun Elite’s 40 lb stall power. It also only comes with four attachments instead of the five that the Elite includes.

Additionally, the Theragun Prime only comes in full black, whereas the Elite comes in red, white, and black, with a blue gun accent. Otherwise, the Theragun Prime offers the same 1750 – 2400 PPM, five speed levels, two hrs of battery, and 65 dB operation the Elite does.

If you’re looking for a less powerful machine and don’t mind the limited heads and colours, it makes sense to save a bit of cash and opt for this gun instead.

There are plenty of muscle massage guns on the market, from budget to splurge. Do bear in mind that just because a massage gun is pricier doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right fit for you.

If you’re an athlete or someone with plenty of deep-tissue massages under your belt, it’s worth investing in a powerful gun. For example, a Theragun Elite, Theragun Prime, HoMedics Pro, or the more portable and lightweight Pulseroll Pro Athlete. Otherwise, you may be disappointed by a softer gun that feels more like a tickle than a massage.

In contrast, sensitive and older users may benefit from a softer machine that is also lightweight to hold — for example, the Jane Choi Massage Gun or Hypervolt Go. Or, the ball-shaped Theragun Therawave Solo, which can get used hands-free for foot massages.

For massage novices with no injuries, pain, or sports-recovery needs, a versatile and easy-to-use massage gun will fit best. The Tech Bar Zikko Dr Rock and Bodi-Tek Sports are prime examples of discreet, user-friendly machines to choose from for everyday massages and couples massages.

Prices updated on 11/03/22. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

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