How to choose a massager: vibration? percussion? massage gun?

Part One: effective massage and ease of use

Effective therapeutic massage

When considering the therapeutic effects there are the following three types of massager, each having a variety of possible features.

Types of massager

1. vibration massagers
2. percussion massagers
3. ineffective “consumer” massagers

The therapeutic benefits of percussion massage

We were not aware of any research or other scientific information supporting the use of percussion massagers so we did an extensive search of websites claiming to show the benefits of percussion massage. In every case where they referenced a scientific study it was a study of vibrations, not percussion. For example: on Hydragun’s website their article 5-scientific reasons percussive therapy works references the following journal articles (1–6)⁠. They are all studies of vibration therapy, not percussion.

Please see our article on the “science” of percussion for more information on how scientific information is misrepresented, and how to get half decent results in trials researchers even modify percussion massagers so they act as vibration massagers.

Comparing the penetration of vibration and percussion massagers

False claims about the penetration of percussion massagers

In our research we found many unsubstantiated claims that percussion massagers penetrate 60% better than vibration massagers. We believe the source of this claim is the following statement on Theragun’s website, claiming that their professional grade percussion massagers penetrate 60% more than consumer grade vibration massagers. This is probably true, but consumer grade vibration massagers are generally poor quality, poorly designed and not very effective (7). A comparison with these is neither valid or flattering.

Vibration penetrates much better

It is a fundamental principle of physics that properly applied vibration penetrates much further than physical penetration. For example, according to a scientific journal article on the effects of vibrations in the construction industry (8)⁠ vibrations from a pile driver travel from 18- 247m, whereas vibrations from a quarry blast travels 1.6-6.4km. There is no question that a properly designed vibration massager can penetrate much further than a percussion massager.

Ineffective “consumer” massagers

Years ago manufacturers built massagers mainly concerned about how they looked rather than how they worked. They were primarily intended as mothers day presents that were used a couple of times then were put away in a cupboard. With massage guns becoming a fad a lot more manufacturers are building these machines to cash in. So how can a person who is not a professional pick these?

Which features do you need

Features such as power, vibration frequency and how far the heads go up and down are important because they directly affect the quality of massage you will receive. I've discussed these elsewhere. Other features relate little to the effectiveness. For each of these features we suggest you ask.

1. Does it increase the quality of the massage or ease of use?
2. Would you expect to see that on a quality power tool such as an electric drill?

Ease of use

The main things to look for with regard to easy of use are:

1. does it’s handle allow you to easily massage all parts of your body, and
2. are the controls easy to use

Does it’s handle allow you to easily massage all parts of your body

Part two: secondary considerations- build quality and value

If you are happy with the quality of massage delivered and the ease of use it’s time to look at:

1. the quality of build, and
2. the value for money

Quality of build

It’s best if you can pick the machine up yourself so you can check the following. It’s stating the obvious, but you will need to have it plugged in or charged up.

• Does it feel solidly built?
• Do the switches and controls appear to be sturdy and reliable?
• Does it run smoothly? If so test it under load.
• Does the motor perform strongly under load, or does it appear to labour or slow down?

If you buy on-line

If you buy on line see if you can access a sample to check. If not, you you will need to rely on a quality recommendation such as a trusted professional. Please also understand that nowadays celebrity endorsements are paid for and practically every website that "reviews" or recommends products is receiving an affiliate commission if you buy.

Value for money

Marketing and paying for celebrity endorsements add hugely to the cost of a massager, but add absolutely nothing to it’s effectiveness, ease of use or build quality. To help you understand this and be able to work out if a massager is value for money please allow me to share three examples. For consistency all values are from USA sources.

Appendix: how to tell the difference between a vibration massager and a percussion massager.

While there is some crossover between the two types of machine there are certain characteristics to look for.

References

1. Imtiyaz S, Veqar Z, Shareef MY. To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). J Clin Diagnostic Res. 2014;
2. Johnson PK, Feland JB, Johnson AW, Mack GW, Mitchell UH. Effect of whole body vibration on skin blood flow and nitric oxide production. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2014;8(4):889–94.
3. Herrero AJ, Menéndez H, Gil L, Martín J, Martín T, García-López D, et al. Effects of whole-body vibration on blood flow and neuromuscular activity in spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord. 2011;49(4):554–9.
4. Lau RWK, Liao LR, Yu F, Teo T, Chung RCK, Pang MYC. The effects of whole body vibration therapy on bone mineral density and leg muscle strength in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vol. 25, Clinical Rehabilitation. 2011. p. 975–88.
5. Thompson WR, Yen SS, Rubin J. Vibration therapy: Clinical applications in bone. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(6):447–53.
6. King LK, Almeida QJ, Ahonen H. Short-term effects of vibration therapy on motor impairments in Parkinson’s disease. Vol. 25, NeuroRehabilitation. 2009. p. 297–306.
7. McDonagh D, Wilson L, Haslam C, Weightman D. Good vibrations: Do electrical therapeutic massagers work? Ergonomics. 2005;
8. Svinkin MR. Minimizing Construction Vibration Effects. Pract Period Struct Des Constr. 2004;9(2):108–15.