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Is a massage gun worth getting?
I can't tell if items like the Hypervolt or Theragun are actually worth the money or if I'm just seeing a lot of marketing hype. Anyone here have any experience/knowledge about them they want to share?
I'm interested in loosening up tight muscles, as well as soothing sore muscles from workouts.
I'm using a magic wand-styled vibrating device, originally intended for other purposes but it's very effective at dealing with muscle aches and tight spots. Not entirely the device you asked about, but just providing an alternate perspective (probably a lot cheaper, too!)
Was it not originally intended as a massage device? I'd be surprised if not.
It was, Hitachi also kept pretending that was why it was so popular for a long time and even stopped making it for a while when they couldn't deny it's actual use with a straight face.
"Clearly, the Magic Wand is a straightforward product. There are no implications of anything beyond standard health-care use."
—Hitachi public relations director (1999)
Anyway I have one for actual massage and it is really good at that.
I have a Theragun and it has been a huge help. I sprained my back a few years ago and have really had trouble getting into maintaining a strict and intense exercise regimen since. But being able to theragun out the tight spots in my shoulder and back (and IT band) has been a major boon to helping me get over stiffness and get back to training.
Of course, if it is a back problem specifically you mostly need a partner to put it in the right places. I'm actually extremely flexible in the shoulder joint and can reach most of my back without problem, but it's still nice to not have to. The Theragun itself is pretty well designed to be able to grip it securely at all sorts of angles and positions to you can reach weird places.
Secondhand info, but while I have not tried it, a guy in my office has a Theragun, and both he and several coworkers he has leant it to like it very much. They seem very satisfied with it. I haven't heard any complaints about it.
Yeah absolutely, I have one in my house and it’s great for post-workout soreness. Don’t remember the brand or how much it cost though.
Thanks to everybody who contributed to this thread! Based on the overall positive reports, I went ahead and ordered a Theragun for myself. I'll report back once it arrives with my thoughts on it.
I've tried a Theragun and a few others before. They seem to work great. I can't comment on how good they are to own. I feel like this is one of those products that is extremely easy to sell based on a brief interaction in the store, that has a short honeymoon phase.
I recall seeing a teardown of it being not much more than a weakened construction tool. I have considered making my own DIY option with a handheld-cordless reciprocating saw, but the loud noise is a bit of a turn off. I also don't have a handheld-cordless reciprocating saw laying around to do a conversion with, nor many of the other tools you might need to make one.
I'm hoping someone else here has more to say on Theraguns and their ilk.
We have this one, way cheaper than the name brand:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QTBVYJ1
The quality is surprisingly good, with a very nice case, and the battery lasts forever — I seemingly never need to charge it.
My wife is the primary recipient of its work, so I can’t comment on it other than the ergonomics of holding it are good, well balanced and easy controls. :)
They’re best for areas that have a bit of meat, not so good on bony areas like the shoulders. I find that holding it at an angle seems to work best for her, not directly impacting.