How to Use a Percussion Massager and Why You Should Try It

If you are looking for a natural and effective way to ease your muscle pain, improve your recovery, and enhance your performance, you might want to consider using a percussion massager. A percussion massager is a handheld device that delivers rapid, pulsating strokes to the muscles and soft tissues of the body. It can help with pain relief, relaxation, tissue repair, blood circulation, and lactic acid reduction. In this blog post, we will explain what a percussion massager is, how it works, and what benefits it can offer you.

A percussion massager is a special type of massage tool that uses a motorized head to deliver fast, soft, kneading pressure on the body. Unlike a regular massager that vibrates or rotates, a percussion massager creates a hammering or thumping motion that penetrates deep into the tissue. A percussion massager usually comes with different attachments that can target different muscle groups and areas of the body. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘massage gun’ based on the design and shape of some devices.

A percussion massager works by stimulating the mechanoreceptors in the skin and muscle, which are responsible for sensing touch, pressure, vibration, and movement. By activating these receptors, a percussion massager can trigger a series of physiological responses that can benefit the body. Some of these responses include:

· Improving blood flow: By increasing the blood flow to the area being massaged, a percussion massager can help deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues, which can speed up the healing and recovery process. Increased blood flow can also help flush out the metabolic waste and toxins that accumulate in the muscles after exercise, such as lactic acid, which can cause soreness and fatigue.

· Reducing inflammation: By reducing the swelling and inflammation in the muscles and tissues, a percussion massager can help relieve pain and stiffness. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or stress, but it can also impair the function and mobility of the affected area. A percussion massager can help reduce the inflammation by breaking up the fluid and cellular debris that cause it, and by stimulating the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing the excess fluid and waste from the body.

· Relaxing the muscles: By relaxing the muscles and soft tissues, a percussion massager can help improve the range of motion and flexibility of the joints. Tight and tense muscles can limit the movement and cause pain and discomfort. A percussion massager can help relax the muscles by releasing the tension and knots that form in them, and by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers.

Using a percussion massager can have many benefits for your health and wellness, such as:

· Pain relief: A percussion massager can help relieve pain from various conditions, such as muscle soreness, spasms, cramps, strains, sprains, injuries, arthritis, and more. By applying pressure and vibration to the painful area, a percussion massager can help block the pain signals from reaching the brain, and also stimulate the production of endorphins, which can reduce the perception of pain.

· Relaxation: A percussion massager can help you relax and unwind after a stressful day or a hard workout. By massaging the muscles and soft tissues, a percussion massager can help calm the nervous system, lower the heart rate and blood pressure, and promote a sense of well-being.

· Self-management of pain conditions: Using a percussion massager may help you work on some of those recurrent tight muscles and help you keep on top of pain in a better way.

Using a percussion massager is easy and convenient. You can use it by yourself or with the help of a partner. Here are some tips on how to use a percussion massager:

· Choose the right attachment: Depending on the area and the goal of the massage, you can choose from different attachments that can provide different levels of pressure and intensity. With the massager sold at Northside Therapies, most will chose to keep the small knob attachment for most applications.

· Choose the right speed: Depending on your preference and tolerance, you can choose from different speed settings that can vary the frequency and force of the strokes. For example, a lower speed can be more gentle and relaxing, while a higher speed can be more intense and stimulating.

· Apply the massager to the target area: Hold the massager firmly and apply it to the area you want to massage. You can move the massager in circular, linear, or cross-fiber motions, depending on the direction of the muscle fibers. You can also vary the pressure and angle of the massager, depending on the depth and sensitivity of the tissue. Avoid applying the massager to the bones, joints, or sensitive areas, such as the face, neck, or groin.

· Massage for the desired duration: Depending on your goal and condition, you can massage the area for as long as you want or need. Generally, you can massage each area for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until you feel a relief or a change in the tissue. You can also repeat the massage as often as you like, as long as you do not overdo it or cause any pain or discomfort. The Dr Graeme branded massagers we stock are designed to run up to 15 minutes.

A percussion massager is a great tool that can help you with pain relief, relaxation, tissue repair, blood circulation, and lactic acid reduction. It can also help you improve your performance and prevent injuries. A percussion massager is easy and convenient to use, and you can customize it to your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a natural and effective way to take care of your body and enhance your wellness, you might want to give a percussion massager a try. You can find a variety of percussion massagers online or in stores, but make sure you choose a high-quality and safe one that can deliver the best results. You can also consult your doctor or therapist before using a percussion massager, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

At Northside Therapies we stock Dr. Graeme Massagers. They are good quality and well-made massagers. They are corded, which means they need to be plugged in, but it also means they don’t have reduced power output to try and extend battery life. Talk to your therapist or out helpful receptionists if you want to know more.

Dr. Luke Richter
Registered Osteopath
Northside Therapies – North Brisbane Osteopathy