I knew I needed to write this when I saw massage guns selling at Costco. You know something has completely caught fire when you see it at Costco. I mean, not actually caught fire. So, what’s the deal?
What are they?
They look like a hand-held, typically black, squirt or nerf gun. Sometimes they have a round head, sometimes they have single prongs, or double prongs. The guns themselves are almost always black.
Why do people use these guns??
Typically, people will pick a sore spot, a tight spot, or a muscle sore spot and then apply the gun to it. You want to avoid bones, joints, and major blood vessels. It will beat the daylights out of the spot of your choosing, like comedians will make fun of massage therapists percussing your back with their ninja hands.
Is there any research?
A study done in 2023 (1) was a systematic review, and determined that they could be applied to improve short-term range of motion, flexibility, and recovery-related outcomes. Don’t expect them to improve your strength, balance, acceleration, agility, or explosive performance. If anything, your performance may get worse. And, you will be shocked to know, that more research is warranted.
Would you recommend them?
Yeah, probably. I mean if you are the type that likes to work out sore spots or tight spots yourself, yeah probably. Are they pretty low risk? Yeah, more than likely if you have an iota of understanding what your anatomy is. And, you don’t percuss your femoral artery. But, one would think that if you listen to your body that you will no do things that hurt you. But, I have met many crazy people in my life treating patients. So, use good judgment, and buy that Costco Massage gun (if you want)!!
Or, Here is one from Amazon for reference: https://amzn.to/44YXstG
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*
Heal today, transform tomorrow. Unlock your potential to heal, learn and grow. – Dr. Barb Wally, LLC
References:
- Ferreira, R.M. et al. (2023) The effects of massage guns on performance and recovery: A systematic review, Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10532323/ (Accessed: 10 July 2025).
Note: These blog articles are not in exchange for a one on one Physical Therapy visit. Please contact me if you are interested in receiving a Physical Therapy visit!
*This content is original and copyright Dr Barb Wally, LLC*
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