Are you an athlete looking to improve recovery? Are you someone recovering from injuries? Or maybe you just need relief from muscle pain? If you fall into any of these categories, you may have just found an answer in Theragun and percussive therapy.
In a world saturated with get-better-quick schemes and promises of quick recovery, Theragun is a stand-out for long-lasting recovery. It’s the device professionals use to get relief from chronic pain and muscle stiffness.
The question is: How does this device relieve soreness, and does Theragun really work?
We have compiled the answers right here in our complete Theragun review. Let’s jump into percussive massage therapy, how it works, and if it is right for you.
What Is Percussive Therapy, and Does It Work?
Percussion therapy, also known as vibration therapy, relies on soft tissue manipulation – similar to what a traditional massage accomplishes. The goal is to increase range of motion and reduce muscle stiffness and soreness as a result of physical injury or exercise.
Therapeutic needs vary by person, and this type of therapy cannot totally eliminate soreness. However, percussive therapy can alleviate sore muscles and aid in the recovery process.
Percussion devices operate similarly to a foam roller. When applied to the source of pain, they help to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and break up knots.
They are also handy as a preventative measure, especially for athletes who use them post-exercise before pain sets in. This helps to soften the muscles before they can get tense and sore.
Handheld percussive therapy devices have shown to be as effective as a traditional deep tissue massage. For some, an at-home device is preferable. It gets rid of the need to schedule appointments, removes hand-to-body contact, and gives the flexibility to use it at home or even on the road.
What Does the Theragun Do?
Theragun is a handheld massage gun that puts pressure and vibrations onto your muscles. A percussive therapy device can reach deep layers of tissue – even deeper than traditional foam rollers or sports massages. And yes, there’s research supporting the effectiveness of massage guns. Many of these devices are also portable – perfect for the athlete on the go.
Theragun uses a combination of thumping and hammering with vibrations when applied to the body. Some models also offer circular motions, as well as pressure and speed options. With scientifically calibrated depth, force, and speed, Theragun provides a deep muscle treatment unlike any other. Different attachments help target different muscle groups and areas of the body safely and effectively.
Theragun – Products and Top Features
Therabody (the makers of Theragun) are pioneers in the world of massage guns and recovery devices.
These devices are great options for:
- Athletes/trainees seeking post-workout repair and recovery
- People seeking natural solution muscle recovery
- Athletes/trainees in need of a flexible recovery option
Currently, Therabody offers four different models of their top-notch massage gun: Theragun PRO, Theragun Elite, Theragun Prime, and Theragun mini. We’re breaking down the differences and benefits of each model below.
Theragun mini (Ultra-portable)
Theragun mini Specs
- 150-Minute battery life
- 3 Speed settings available (1750, 2100, 2400 percussions per minute)
- 12 mm amplitude (percussion depth)
- Weight: 1.43 lbs / 650g
- Comes with standard ball attachment
Who is Theragun mini for?
Theragun mini is the perfect choice for athletes on the go. It is lightweight, pocket-sized, and ultra-portable, yet still powerful. It is also the most affordable Theragun model, making for a great entry-level device. Read our full breakdown on this device here.
Pros
- Ultra-portable and light-weight
- Comes with a soft case
- Most affordable Theragun model
- Very quiet
- Great battery life
- Compatible with other attachments
Cons
- Only comes with one ball attachment (other compatible attachments can be purchased at additional cost)
- Does not connect to Therabody App
Theragun Prime (Simplified)
Theragun Prime Specs
- 120-Minute battery life
- 5 Built-in speed settings (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 percussions per minute)
- Connection to Therabody app allows speed customization
- 16 mm amplitude (Percussion Depth)
- Weight: 2.2 lbs / 1 kg
- Comes with 4 attachments (dampener, standard ball, thumb, and cone)
- 30 lbs of force
Who is Theragun Prime for?
Theragun Prime is Theragun’s entry-level yet full-size percussion device. It offers a vast array of recovery insights, connects to Therabody App and its pricing is affordable. This is a great device for those looking to use a massage gun a few times per week and who do not quite need the full array of attachments and the highest level of power available.
Pros
- Comes with 4 attachments (compatible with others)
- Very quiet
- Offers 5 built-in speeds (PRO-level speeds)
- Connects to Therabody App
- App allows customization of speeds
- Comes with a protective pouch
Cons
- Not as powerful as other models in terms of force applied
Theragun Elite (Premium)
Theragun Elite Specs
- 120-Minute battery life
- Fully customizable speed range (5 built-in speeds; 1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 percussions per minute)
- Integration with Therabody App
- 16 mm amplitude (Percussion Depth)
- Weight: 2.2 lbs / 1 kg
- Comes with 5 attachments (dampener, standard ball, wedge, thumb, cone)
- 40 lbs force
- OLED screen displays speed and force
Who is Theragun Elite for?
Theragun Elite is the perfect model for those who are looking for a lot of the premium features without going the full mile and who might not need the PRO features of Theragun Pro. It is a fantastic upper middle ground device that comes with significant abilities and accessories without costing the premium price.
Pros
- Quietest model (quieter than an electric toothbrush)
- Fully customizable speed range, up to 2400 percussions per minute
- Connects to Therabody App
- Includes with 5 attachments
- Comes with a protective carrying case
Cons
Theragun PRO (Professional-grade)
Theragun PRO Specs
- 300-Minute / 5-Hour Battery Life (2 Interchangeable Batteries)
- Fully customizable speed range (comes with 5 built-in speeds (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 percussions per minute)
- Advanced ergonimics offer 4 arm positions to create angles that can access even those hard to reach muscles
- Connects to Therabody App
- Comes with 6 attachments (Supersoft, dampener, standard ball, thumb, wedge, cone)
- 16mm Amplitude (Percussion Depth)
- 60lbs Of Force
- Weight: 2.9 lbs / 1.3 kg
- OLED screen displays speed
Who is Theragun PRO for?
This is the most powerful option from Theragun. With its extensive battery life, advanced ergonomics, and powerful motor, Theragun PRO is designed to meet the needs of any professional athlete or trainer, and it comes with the most attachments, protective equipment, and the highest-level specs.
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- High-quality materials
- Long battery life (5 hours)
- Highly adjustable
- Powerful with a high RPM
- Personalizable with an engravement
- Advanced ergonomic design
- Comes with a protective carrying case
- Includes 6 attachments + travel pouch
- Longest warranty (2 years vs. 1 year on other models)
Cons
- Premium price
- Heaviest model
All Theragun attachments are made of closed-cell PU foam, which means they do not absorb sweat and are antimicrobial. While models include two to six additional attachments, attachments are available for separate purchase if needed.
Does Theragun Really Work?
As a rule, massage typically works to reduce muscle soreness, relieve tension and increase range of motion. Percussive technology as seen in Theragun essentially completes the same thing as a traditional massage – but in some cases even goes deeper than a therapist.
The extensive reviews on Amazon show that the Theragun does work and is as effective as getting a massage. It can help a wide range of people from pro and recreational athletes to those in need of physical therapy after an accident.
Is Theragun Worth the Money?
We think Theragun is worth the money. Most of the models run between $299 to $599, which can seem a daunting amount at first, but if you frequently invest in an hour-long massage to aid recovery, this will quickly replace that cost.
Massages run anywhere from $60 to $100 – so just think how many massages you can replace with Theragun sessions! As a long-term investment, Theragun is worth the money.
Do Massage Guns Really Help?
If you are questioning whether you should try this device, just consider the benefits! Massages are linked to mental benefits like improvements in handling depression, stress, and anxiety. It can also improve your mood and help with sleep. This alone might be enough to shake up your massage regimen with something new.
If you frequently invest in traditional massages, the cost for a year of massages can quickly outpace the cost of a Theragun. In the sense of economic investment, the massage gun certainly helps alleviate a monthly expense. Plus, the device is flexible to your schedule – so no structured time slots for a massage and less time consumption than frequent appointments.
What to Consider in a Massage Gun
Before buying a device, you need to know what features to look for and consider. Some important performance metrics will make all the difference in an effective device and a waste of money. Top features of a massage gun include noise, percussion, ease of use, battery life, and accessories.
- Noise: It is convenient to multi-task and use the device while watching or listening to something else. This would be complicated to achieve if the massage gun is loud. View the Amazon reviews on the quietness of the device you are considering.
- Percussions: Percussion covers the depth of strokes, strokes per minute, and the ability to adjust the speed. Different body parts respond better to different speeds as you break up muscle tightness. Stroke depth goes a long way in setting the intensity of the massage.
- Ease of Use: A massage gun should be easy to use – which includes all factors like portability, weight, handles, comfort, and ease of controls. You want an intuitive device that is simple to use.
- Battery: These devices are often rechargeable, but you don’t want to waste time constantly charging it. Choose a device with a long battery life so it’s ready to go when you need it.
- Accessories: Many guns come with a range of accessories like head attachments for various body parts. Some also include a traveling case for easy portability.
The Verdict
Overall, there are many benefits to percussive therapy and using a massage gun. This therapy has both physical and mental benefits for addressing muscle pain and stiffness. The Theragun is a great tool to help facilitate athletic recovery and with tens of thousands of 5-star reviews, you simply can’t go wrong with a percussive therapy device by Therabody.
Therabody is paving the way for at-home solutions for athletes and those with muscle aches. Help alleviate stress and pain with some self-care and the Theragun.
