A lot of people make massage appointments to destress. But this form of therapy not only helps one relax and clear the mind. It also relieves sore muscles and tissues.
Thanks to technology, you can now enjoy the benefits of myotherapy massage at home using a massage gun.
And if you often experience upper body soreness, a massage gun for shoulder pain may be the device you need. Here’s why.
Benefits of Using a Massage Gun on Shoulders
Many people consider the massage gun a practical device as it allows them to enjoy massage benefits at home.
Its portable size also makes it easy to pack and use anywhere. Moreover, using a massage gun on your shoulders gives you the following rewards.
1. Convenient, Targeted Treatment
One of the foremost benefits of a massage gun is its capability for targeted pain relief. Turning on the massage gun produces vibrations that boost circulation and relax stiff joints to fight inflammation and tightness.
Less tension remains on nerve endings around the shoulder area once inflammation subsides. That means pain signals and feelings of discomfort become lower, too.
2. Better Muscle Recovery
Targeted treatment also means a faster healing process. This advantage is one of the reasons why people into body-building and muscle strengthening frequently use the device.
Using a massage gun helps distribute oxygenated blood and more nutrients in targeted areas, which increases recovery speed.
Vibration therapy through massage guns can also prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
So, if you are prone to muscle tenderness during workout recovery, a massage gun might be a welcome addition to your routine.
3. Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
Muscles can be vulnerable to inflammation and stiffness, especially if you undergo intense physical routines or long hours in the office.
Massage guns can effectively reduce stiffness and inflammation, resulting in improved flexibility and range of motion. Better flexibility and range of motion also mean fewer injury risks.
The Right Time to Use Massage Gun on Shoulders
Shoulder joints are flexible and involved in several daily activities, making them vulnerable to pain, discomfort and injury.
The most common injuries that shoulders experience are sprains, strains and tears. These injuries can happen when shoulder muscles, ligaments and tendons are put under extreme stress.
Some common causes of shoulder injuries are:
- setting the shoulder in a single position for an extended time
- repetitive strain injuries caused by heavy tasks and intense sports
- vehicular accidents
- falling and landing on a spread-out arm
Treatment for shoulder pain can include massage gun sessions as these reduce inflammation. But remember not to use the device on broken or fractured bones and dislocated joints.
You can also use a massage gun before a sports activity or a physical routine. This habit should improve blood circulation, flexibility and range of motion.
As mentioned earlier, improved flexibility and range of motion make one less vulnerable to injury.
Is It Okay to Use Massage Gun on Shoulders Every Day?
There is nothing wrong with using a massage gun on your shoulders daily. But make sure not to overdo it. Too much percussive therapy can lead to more pain and tender, sore muscles.
Just limit the use of the device on a targeted part for 2 minutes. If you feel sore after using the massage gun, stop using it for a while and give your muscles enough time to recover.
On the other hand, using it sparingly might not give you the results you need. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure, then follow the recommended massage time for optimal results.
How to Use a Massage Gun on Shoulders the Right Way
Have you decided to try the massage gun before and after workouts? Here are some of the essentials you need to know before using the device.
1. Pick the Right Attachment
Proper use of a massage gun includes the selection of the appropriate accessory. For example, choose a rigid, denser attachment if you want more pressure on the targeted spots.
Softer attachments are best for painful, sore or sensitive areas. If you want to use a massage gun for shoulder pain, softer ones are better.
2. Test the Speed and Pressure First
Once you have put on the proper attachment, set the device to the speed and pressure you want. Test it first on your hand to ensure the settings you’ve selected match the treatment needed.
Turn the speed level and pressure up or down as necessary.
3. Use the Massage Gun Carefully on Every Muscle
Tackle the spots you want to treat by working the massage gun meticulously throughout every muscle. Hold the device in every position for 15 seconds at the least.
After the treatment, do some stretches. Loosen the joints by extending your shoulders upwards and outwards. You can also perform shoulder rolls to slacken your joints further.
Using a Massage Gun for Shoulder Knots
Shoulder knots are different from other sources of body aches. Shoulder knots are spasms that make small muscle areas taut and rigid.
Massage guns are good for treating such conditions since shoulder knots require firm, intense massage for relief.
Applying sufficient pressure manually to ease shoulder knots is a challenge, though. But with the help of a massage gun’s mechanism, you can treat the condition efficiently.
To start, choose a firm attachment for the device. Then set it to a higher speed setting to loosen knots and ease the tension in the affected muscle.
Other Massage Gun Benefits
The massage gun is the next best thing to traditional massage therapy. Aside from treating muscle pain and soreness, massage guns also help tackle several conditions. Here are its other advantages.
1. Reduced Stress Levels
Massage therapy can help the body relax and calm down. Specifically, it facilitates the release of hormones, like dopamine and serotonin, that make us feel good.
And if you don’t have time for traditional massage appointments, you can have one at home using a massage gun. Even a brief session can drive everyday stress away.
2. Improved Immune System
Regular use of massage guns helps stimulate lymphatic circulation. Better lymphatic circulation, in turn, gets rid of the body’s waste products.
And getting rid of body waste give the immune system a much-needed boost.
3. Improved Sleep
Massages reduce stress and help us get a good night’s sleep. Massages relax the body by releasing feel-good hormones and minimising cortisol, a stress hormone cortisol.
Giving our bodies enough rest helps us avoid weight gain, high blood pressure, bad moods and memory issues.
4. Treats Certain Health Conditions and Diseases
People with cerebral palsy and peripheral artery disease may benefit from vibration therapy, too. Massage guns can also help with other health conditions like sciatica, fibromyalgia and inflammation of soft tissues.
Did you know that massage guns can make cellulite less visible, too?
5. Breaks Down Scar Tissues
Scar tissue has collagen fibres that aid in repairing the body’s damaged fibres. Scar tissue, however, cannot compare with natural muscle tissues.
Breaking down scar tissue can be done by using a massage gun. The device delivers deep tissue massages that can help break up these tissues while relieving pain and restriction.
Conclusion
A massage gun for shoulder pain is safe and effective. You can use the device every day. However, you have to use it correctly to avoid inflicting further damage.
Remember not to use a massage gun too long on a muscle or muscle group since this can result in pain or sensitivity.
Apply the tips described in this article and follow the manufacturer’s advice for successful shoulder pain relief. Also, make sure to get the best massage gun that suits your preference and needs.
Informative Q&A
1. Is it okay to use a massage gun every day?
It is okay to use a massage gun every day. But you have to be careful when using it. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for advice regarding the correct use of the device.
You must also limit its use to 2 minutes per muscle group. More importantly, stop using the device if you feel tenderness or pain.
2. Why does pressing on sore muscles feel good?
A massage feels good as it releases “happy” hormones like dopamine and serotonin. It also releases oxytocin, which is a chemical that minimises pain.
She enjoys assessing and reviewing home office furniture such as standing desks, ergonomic chairs and lighting accessories. As such, she created Healthy Land to share her thoughts and insights. Danielle only recommends items she deems beneficial to the users as she understands how important ergonomics is, especially to remote workers.
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