Best Percussion Massage Gun For Tight Muscles And Back Pain
Tight muscles and back pain are common physical ailments. Studies show that 8% of American adults deal with chronic back pain. 60% to 85% of the population will experience muscle pain at some point in their lives.
A percussion gun may help provide some relief to your back pain, specifically muscle pain.
Also known as a massage gun, these devices provide vibrations that can ease the tension in your back that develop into knots and eventually pain.
But not all percussion guns are created equal. It’s important to find one that really works to relieve your pain and that’s manufactured by a company you can trust. There are three brands that stand out for their effective products. They include:
#1 Percussion Gun For Tight Muscles And Back Pain - Urikar
Urikar: Formed in 2019, the Urikar brand produces products that optimize relaxation. Here are some of the company’s standout qualities:
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- Makes a wide variety of fitness and health related products including massage guns and health devices.
- Has a product and development team dedicated to making innovative products.
- Has a fitness app.
- Free shipping to destinations in the U.S. and Europe.
- Provides a 12-month warranty.
- 30-day money back guarantee.
#2 Percussion Gun - Opove
Opove: Opove is a percussion gun manufacturer dedicated to helping people overcome muscle soreness more effectively. Here are some company highlights:
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- High power percussion guns that stimulate blood flow
- Dedicated to building trusting relationships with customers
- Constantly innovating
- Socially responsible in their hiring and environmental practices
- Ensures online privacy and security to users
- 30-day money back guarantee
#3 Percussion Massage Gun - Addsfit
Addsfit: Established in 2019, Addsfit produces massage devices optimized for relaxation and recovery. Here’s what the brand has to offer:
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- Claims to provide a deeper massage than most devices
- Targets 95% of muscle groups
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3-year warranty
- Worldwide shipping
How Does A Percussion Guns Work?
Percussion guns relieve tension and speed up the healing of sore and tight muscles. The gun rapidly strikes muscle tissue to improve blood flow which reduces soreness, increases range of motion and provides pain relief.
While specific instructions on how to use the gun may vary, it is recommended that you hold the gun gently against the muscle and move the massager up and down the muscle for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Massage guns are often used after a workout, but they can also be used before exercise to warm up muscles. They are similar to vibrating plates and foam rollers but they offer more pressure and deeper vibrations for more effective results.
In addition to improving circulation to improve range of motion to relieve sore muscle, percussion guns also relieve DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). So even if you don’t feel achy after a workout, you can use the gun to ensure you won’t start feeling those aches and pains a few days later.
One 2014 study showed women who used the massager recovered muscle strength more quickly and experienced less pain in the days after working out as compared to those that did not.
Muscle guns are effective due to their high power. However, they may be too powerful for certain conditions. They should not be used to treat injuries or conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or blood clotting issues.
#1 Best Percussion Guns for Muscle and Back Pain - Urikar
Urikar is a relatively new company. Although officially established in 2019, they have been developing massage guns and wellness products since 2015. In addition to percussion guns, they also offer indoor and outdoor fitness equipment and accessories.
The company prides itself on innovation. They are constantly developing and redeveloping products to ensure they provide optimal effectiveness to their clients. They are on top of technology and even have their own company app.
Customers who shop with Urikar can take advantage of benefits like free shipping in the United States and Europe, a 30-day money back guarantee and a 12 month warranty.
Urikar offers a variety of percussion guns as follows:
Urikar AT1 Professional AI Powered Tissue Massage Gun
This gun offers a 16mm reach into the muscle tissue and delivers up to 50 pounds of force. Its brushless motor has Quiet Force Tech and can achieve a speed of up to 3600 RPM. It has an auto mode that turns on when in contact with skin, and adjusts speeds accordingly. It also has a manual mode that allows users to adjust speeds via touch screen.
Its AI features allow the gun to deliver the perfect massage. Its dashboard can analyze your personal characteristics and guide you through every massage cycle telling you where to massage and how long for the ultimate relaxation.
The massager has a D-shaped anti-slip handle that allows you to easily massage any area of your body. When fully charged, it can run for 3-hours or 10 hours on standby. It comes with a one-year warranty and after-sale service. It is perfect for athletes that require intense muscle stimulation.
Urikar Pro 1 Heated Massage Gun with Touch Activated Handle
This massage gun comes with 8 massage heads for different parts of the body and 6 speeds. Its four modes include constant speed, fluctuation, stairway and heating. It works to reduce lactic acid buildup helping revitalize muscles.
The device offers a high vibration power with 12mm of reach, 45 lbs. of force and 3000 RPM rotating speed. Its brushless motor works quietly.
Users will enjoy the massager’s ergonomic design which features a 180 degree rotatable handle. It allows you to massage your entire body without straining your wrist, and turns on automatically when the handle is touched.
The gun can continue working for 8 hours after it’s fully charged. It will also detect when it’s getting near its performance capacity and shut off automatically to protect its motor. It will heat to a hot compress temperature of 42 degrees to aid in relaxation.
Urikar Pro 2 Heated Deep Tissue Muscle Massage Gun with Rotating Handle
This massage gun has an upgraded heated massage head that can heat up in just 3 minutes. It reaches 45 degrees which is optimal in relieving muscle tension.
Its 2 smart modes include constant, intermittent and stepping mode. Each mode has 6 speeds that can deliver up to 3600 percussions per minute.
After being charged, it can last for 10 hours. It weighs just 2.6 lbs. and it works quietly. It is helpful in relieving muscle pain caused by poor posture, stress and physical activities.
Urikar Pro 3 High Powered Quiet Massage Gun with 30 Speed Levels
This deep tissue massage gun offers a 12mm reach and 30 adjustable speeds that range from 1200 to 3600RPM. It creates 45 lbs. of force and comes with 6 massage heads for a variety of muscle groups.
The gun weighs just 2.6 pounds so it’s highly portable and it runs quietly making it ideal for home and office use. When charged for 3 hours, it can provide 10 hours of service. It also treats muscle soreness related to poor posture and physical activity.
GI
Love The Urikar!
“I love the Urikar! It is life changing for my husband who works manual labor, it saves us so much for chiropractic and massage appointments. We use it 3 times a week and it makes a huge difference.”
Gabriela S.
Portable and Long Lasting Battery
“I’m absolutely loving my Urikar AT1! As an avid CrossFitter and extremely active mom, it’s been perfect for me to get my recovery in. It comes with a wide variety of attachments for all the different muscle groups and they’re extremely easy to change out. It’s lightweight and extremely portable with a very long lasting battery life, which has made getting my recovery done on the go easier than ever! By far, the best massage gun I’ve tried!”
Rachel
Love This Product
“Yes it is pricy, yes it is worth the investment. I had long admired the percussion that I got at the chiro office, now I can get the experience at home, on demand. Has saved me from many uncomfortable muscle spams, pulls, knots (how every you describe yours). I still love my chiro yet nice to get relief when they are closed! :)”
Artie T.
The Best Massage Tool
“The Urikar AT1 is the awesome tool If you are looking to improve your recovery after workouts or just relaxing your muscles before bed. My husband and I use it to help with our sore muscles and nerve pain. This is the best massage device because it works as deep tissue massage. My muscles feel so much more relaxed and it helps with the nerve pain that my husband has time from time. Now I can sleep better through the night. Highly recommend!”
#2 Best Percussion Massage Gun - Opove
Opove is a brand dedicated to helping people boost muscle recovery. They specialize in designing massage guns that are efficient and updated. Their devices use high power, repetitive strokes that boost circulation to reduce pain.
The company advertises itself as being customer focused and innovative. They strive to create high quality products and strong relationships with the people they serve. They are constantly updating their designs to provide advanced health solutions.
They are also socially responsible, providing jobs and protecting the rights of their employees while looking out for the environment.
The company offers two massage guns as follows:
Opove Apex Massage Gun
This massage gun has a 14.5mm reach targeting more muscle tissue than other massagers. It has a stall force of 46 lbs and a 2400 RPM. At 49dB, it is whisper quiet.
The gun has an ergonomic design and weighs just 2.27 lbs. so you can target various body parts without straining your hands and fingers. It offers 3 speeds. Its high precision structure ensures it will not move from a pressure point during a massage. It comes with 6 detachable heads ensuring you will find one that’s suited to all your needs.
It comes with a protective case for easy carrying and offers 3.5 hours of service after being fully charged.
Opove M3 Pro Max Massage Gun
This massager offers 15mm amplitude of reach, 55 lbs. of stall force power and 3300 RPM. Its precise percussion offers targeted relief. Its quiet, brushless motor means it is convenient to use anywhere.
Once charged, the massager offers 4-6 hours of battery life. It weighs just 2.3 lbs. and features an ergonomic design that will not put pressure on your hands during a massage. It has four modes ensuring you will find one suited to your needs.
It comes with a carrying case and 5 massager heads so you can get the customized relief you are looking for.
Tom F.
Opove M3 Pro Max
“My back and neck has been tight for years. I never used a massage device before until I was at a neighbor’s house who told me about his. I tried it and knew I needed to purchase one. I can turn my head further and it really gets the knots out of my back. I feel so much looser and relaxed after using it. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from tightness.”
Megan
Best Recovery Tool and Great Company
“I received my Opove M3 Pro right before having hip surgery. As a long distance runner, I am familiar with massage guns used as recovery tools in training. I have tried multiple brands and a Opove is as good as any on the market! BUT they go the extra mile with their customer service, carrying case, and multiple attachment heads for the gun. Surgery left my muscles tight and sore, but all of this was SOO manageable thanks to my new M3 Pro. There is no better feeling than using the gun on tight, worn out muscles. And the results are great! The relief you feel sticks. I’m loving my new gun and can not recommend the product and company enough! Keep up the good work!”
Jason K.
Great massager at a great price!
“Received my order fairly quick. For the price compared to other more expensive massagers, this is very study and well built. It’s hearty but not too heavy to hold for self massages. It’s a good weight for testing on your muscles and just using your hands to move it around. The five accessories are more than sufficient for any parts of the body and are also of good built quality. This being my first opove puchase, I’ll not hesitate to support and buy their products as they seems to be well built and relatively inexpensive.”
Kyrie M.
Greatest gift
“This massager is very study and well built. It’s hearty but not too heavy to hold for self massages. The five accessories are more than sufficient for any parts of the body and are also of good built quality. This being my first opove gift, I’ll recommend/support and buy their products as they seems to be well built and relatively inexpensive. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, I would recommend it if your undecided on a gift for someone.”
#3 Best Percussion Massage Gun - Addsfit
Addsfit is a company that specifically focuses on massage guns. They claim their guns offer a deeper massage than a foam roller or spikey ball. They target 95% of muscle groups and come with anti-bacterial silicone attachments that offer the perfect amount of pressure.
The company was founded in 2019. They are devoted to helping people achieve optimal health and comfort with their devices. They offer the touch of a professional therapist in office and home settings.
In addition to specializing in the niche, the company also stands out for their 30 day cash back guarantees, 3 year warranties and worldwide shipping.
Addsfit offers two massage guns as follows:
Addsfit Max
This quiet yet powerful massager strikes targeted areas to provide relief. It offers speeds up to 3300RPM and 5 different heads made of a skin friendly silicone material that provides customized hardness at specific areas of the body. It features 12mm of reach and 35 lbs. of force.
Once charged, the device can run for up to 6 hours. It’s easy to use and has a display that shows battery level and speed. It comes in a carrying case for optimal portability.
If you are not satisfied with the product, you can return it within 30 days, no questions asked.
Addsfit Mini
The Addsfit Mini weighs just 360g and is small enough to fit in your pocket. It is extremely quiet so you can use it anywhere. It provides 3000RPM and 27 lbs of force offering optimal pain relief.
The massager features an ergonomic design and an aluminum shell that makes it lightweight and easy to clean. If you are not happy with the product, you can return it within 30 days for 100% of your money back.
Ander
Good Price On Offer
“The massage gun is made of good materials and has different heads to massage the whole body without any problem. I recommend the use to experienced people or a professional, as you can get hurt with the product. Still, I am super happy. I recommend it.”
John R.
GREAT MASSAGER AND FAB VALUE FOR MONEY!
“Absolutely love this – so much do that we bought one for my tennis playing daughter at uni too. Gives a great deep massage & helps to remove those aches & pains!”
FAQ's
Massage guns provide the following benefits:
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- Improves range of motion
- Boosts athletic performance
- Increases blood circulation
- Relieves muscle soreness and tension
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Provides a more restful sleep
- Speeds up muscle recovery after workouts
- Improves pain
- Boosts immunity
- Improves focus
There are no hard and fast rules concerning how long you should use a massage gun. However, it is important to be aware that the gun introduces micro-traumas to the body. If you use them too often, they can make pain worse.
Here are some general guidelines regarding how long a massage gun should be applied:
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- For 30 seconds before a workout to warm up muscles
- For 15 seconds in the middle of the workout if your muscles feel fatigued
- For 2 minutes after a workout to reduce the risk of DOMS. You can repeat 2 minute sessions every 1 to 2 hours throughout the day.
If you are new to massage guns, use them no more than once a day to assess your tolerance before attempting longer sessions.
The neck is highly sensitive and a massage gun can make pain in the area worse. It is best to start on the lowest setting to determine your tolerance before increasing power. Be especially careful when targeting the base of the skull which has a high concentration of nerve endings. A cushioned attachment might be your best bet for targeting neck pain.
Pregnant women should always consult with a doctor before using a massage gun. However, they are generally safe for pregnant women to use. It’s best to start with gentle settings and work your way up in accordance with your comfort level. You should also avoid using the gun on your stomach area.
Many adults suffer with back pain which is often caused by tired, overworked muscles. If sore muscles are the cause of your back pain, a massage gun could be helpful. However, it’s always best to consult a doctor before using one as it could exacerbate other conditions.
Many massage guns come with a carrying case that makes them great for travel. However, if your gun comes with lithium-ion batteries, they must be removed from your luggage and stored in your carry-on bags before getting on a plane.
Massage guns use a percussive power that goes deeper than most handheld massagers. This makes them more effective in relieving pain and tension and improving range of motion. They increase blood flow to flush out lactic acid, calcium and other metabolites that contribute to pain and muscle contractions after exercise.
Tapping is a technique that focuses on meridian points in the body. It involves the therapist tapping over the muscle and surrounding areas to assist with healing. It helps lymph nodes get rid of harmful bacteria in muscles and tissues and prevents muscle contractions.
Massage guns provide an effect that’s similar to tapping but it is not limited to human strength. Therefore, tapping can continue indefinitely (although it is wise to keep within the recommended time restraints) to provide relief.
There are certain features you should look for when massage gun shopping. These include:
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- Speed Settings: It’s best to use low speed settings in sensitive spots and higher settings in areas that need it. A gun with a variety of speed settings will allow you to adjust speeds as needed.
- Ergonomics: The gun should have an ergonomic, lightweight design so it does not strain your hand during use.
- Stroke Depth: The amplitude or stroke depth of the massager controls how deeply it can get into muscle tissue. In general, the deeper the gun will go, the better.
- Ease of Use: The massage gun may come with a variety of features. These should make the device easy to use, not difficult. If the massager is too confusing, you may want to go with another model.
- Customization: The massager may come with a variety of heads and attachments so you can customize it in accordance with your needs.
- Portability: The gun should be light enough to carry around. A carrying case is a bonus.
Summary
A massage gun can be just what you need for relieving muscle and back pain, but it’s important to purchase yours from a brand you can trust. The brands mentioned in this article are known for manufacturing reputable products that will increase your wellness levels. Which will you be adding to your collection?