Gym-goers and fitness fans looking to improve their recovery can snag a rechargeable massage gun for under £15. Home Bargains is selling an X-Tone Rechargeable Massage Gun for just £14.99.
It includes four head attachments and six settings. As such, users can change the attachments to target different muscle groups and switch up the intensity and pressure during their pre-workout or post-workout massage.
According to Jeffrey Petersen, PT, MOMT, the expert behind Petersen Physical Therapy, massage guns can help provide pain relief, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation. The popular devices can also facilitate lactic acid release, stimulate the lymphatic system, and decrease soreness after workouts — news sure to delight people who have signed up to a gym or committed to a workout programme as part of their New Year resolutions.
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Explaining one of the key benefits, Petersen says: “Anyone who works out or lifts weights knows that if you want to increase muscle strength and mass you must focus on increasing the stress systematically over time. The most common way to achieve this is to lift heavier weights or add volume over time.
“As we get more advanced, pushing the envelope means increased recovery needs over time. This sometimes can mean painful aches within the muscles known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS. DOMS can last up to three days after a heavy workout. Massage gun therapy can greatly reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).”
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The massage gun is available from Home Bargains (stock photo)
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Massage guns can be used on soft tissue, and they’re most effective when used to target specific trigger points, according to the physical therapist. However, you should also take care not to aggravate any injuries through incorrect use, says Petersen.
Massage guns should not be used on sprains, broken bones, or large areas of bruising, for instance, and the gadgets could worsen chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension, the expert warns. Petersen recommends talking to your doctor about any conditions you have before using a massage gun and always reading the instruction manual when you purchase a new device.