The massage guns They are massage devices that They provide quick bursts of pressure on muscle tissue. They are based on percussion or vibration therapy.
Many physiotherapists use massage guns to apply percussive therapy to their patients, and they have become popular because some football stars celebrate the muscle-shaking effect on Instagram. Additionally, some people use it massage gun against cellulitesince the manufacturers promise that it manages to fragment adipose cells and reduce blood flow to the affected areas, promote blood circulation, tone muscles and increase the elimination of fluids through the lymphatic system.
It seems as if massage guns are the solution to any muscle problem or cellulite. However, this is not the case. In this article we tell you the Dangers and contraindications of massage guns.
How the massage gun works
What the manufacturers of massage guns claim is that they are a simple remedy to eliminate pain anywhere in a simple way. If you have ever used one of them you will not forget it. The part of the body where you apply it suffers powerful impacts. The Best-selling massage guns hit the treated area 40 times per second. A woodpecker, in that time, makes half as many hits on a tree.
The impressive rattle of the massage guns, along with various cone-shaped and ball-shaped attachments, results in «unparalleled deep muscle relaxation,» the manufacturers claim. They claim that tensions are reduced, recovery is accelerated and well-being increases throughout the body by stimulating blood and lymph flow.
That’s not all, they would also relieve pain and improve sports performance. They could eliminate tension in the neck and even tendonitis and bursitis. If you believe the advertising, there is hardly a problem of the musculoskeletal system that cannot be eliminated with shots from the massage gun.
Why not use a massage gun on your own
There are several reasons why it is not a good idea to use the massage gun on your own:
Using massage guns carries dangers
Experts who work with professional athletes and dancers not only They doubt the effectiveness of massage guns, but consider them dangerous in the hands of laymen.
Professionals report problems with the use of guns, such as the case of a patient who treated her painful elbow bursitis with a gun. In her case, the problem worsened to such an extent that the woman had to undergo surgery.
After use, the immediate sensation may be good, but the jackhammer-like shocks represent too high an energy input into the body. In response, muscle fibers can contract, instead of relaxing. You think the shocks help because you feel good and after two weeks you notice that the symptoms have returned.
You may not achieve results against cellulite
Scientific studies have shown that the most effective way to apply vibration against cellulite is by using a gun that applies vibrations directly to the tissues. It has also been shown that the best frequency to increase circulation is around 50 Hz (cycles per second). Therefore, you will need a professional-standard vibration massager capable of providing 50 Hz vibrations. This vibration is not typically achieved with commercial massage guns.
You may not achieve results against muscle problems
Problems in the musculoskeletal system cannot be eliminated by shooting with a massage gun. Every body reacts differently to pressure and pain points, and Only the expert hand of a physiotherapist or a body therapist knows how to recognize where to apply the techniques and with what intensity.
When the professional puts his hands on the patient, he feels with his hand and fingers. How could a massage gun achieve the same effect? The physical therapist, if deemed appropriate, may use the gun, but will do so knowingly and based on the patient’s needs. For example, at the right dose, the gun could be indicated to relax an athlete’s tense muscles.