Disadvantages of Massage Gun

Massage guns have come a long way since their invention in 2008.  Newer models have become popular with leading athletes and fitness enthusiasts. However, every recovery tool has some disadvantages or cons, and percussion massage guns are no exception.

If you use a massage gun properly, you can get rid of muscle soreness, treat muscle pain quickly and effectively. But, before buying a massage gun, you need to be aware of its downsides, as well.

I have been using massage guns for the past three years and I have tried 20+ different types of massage guns. So, in my opinion here are 5 Disadvantages or cons of Massage Gun that some may face.

5 Disadvantages of Massage Guns

1. Error of the User

A massage therapist is a licensed professional with specialized training, including the study of human anatomy. On the other hand, you only need a credit card and an Internet connection to own a massage gun.

Many massage guns on the market come with detailed instructions and exercises, but these are generic lessons that do not address any specific needs. 

 Do you have training in the science and practice of sport-specific massage? Well, the majority of the customers do not. 

Thus even though massage guns are widely used, many people are not aware of the basics. So, there is always a probability of misuse which may lead to harm.

Read More: Can Massage Guns Be Harmful?

If you don’t know where you are massaging when using it, you could massage the wrong spot.

In addition, many of us make the mistake of using our massage guns for hours on end, thinking that it will alleviate their pain more efficiently; this is not true.

According to experts, massaging an equivalent spot will probably become redundant after a certain point.

Michele Zeberlein, a licensed massage therapist, said that the massage gun is only as good as the person using it. When they know what to do and how to do it, it’s a good tool. However, if used in the wrong way, it can cause more problems. 

2.Injure Yourself

The whole purpose of using a massage gun is to reduce your pain.

Regardless of what happens, the massage gun shouldn’t cause pain. A painful message won’t relax your muscles at best. Massage guns are designed to be used on muscles, not nerves, bones, joints, or tendons.

According to, director at Addaday, Venezia, you should tense your muscles to resist the massage, often referred to as muscle guarding.

When you cause pain, you may be inflicting real harm. Any time you feel a pins-and-needles sensation or an electrical pain, you’ve touched a nerve, so you should put the gun away.

3. Exacerbating Injury and Medical Conditions

Not all injuries are the same. Massage guns are typically used to treat injuries such as strains, but using them on sprains, broken bones, or even extreme swelling can lead to further injury.

Furthermore, they can cause further tissue damage or even make the swelling worse. The healing process will only be delayed, and also pain will be increased.

Sprains

If you have a sprain, stay away from muscle percussion guns, which might worsen it. When a ligament isn’t moved, it heals; therefore, this area may feel painful if pressure or vibrations are applied to it.

 Blood Thinners

For those who are taking blood thinners, such as aspirin, we recommend you avoid massage guns before consulting the doctor.

Chronic Conditions

Under certain conditions, massage guns shouldn’t be used, either because of the nature of the disease or because it causes an impaired sensation.

• Hypertension
• Osteoporosis
• Muscle disorders and dystrophy
• Varicose veins
• Osteoporosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Muscle disorders
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus or scleroderma
• Conditions that affect blood vessels, like thrombosis, peripheral artery disease.

The use of a massage gun may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and severe muscle disorders. Consult a physician if you find yourself in such a situation.

4.  Heavy

Not all percussion massage guns are bulky and/or heavy, but SOME of them are.

When I first used one, I was surprised at how heavy it was, as I hadn’t anticipated the weight.

Some brands are made from composite plastic. It makes them stronger, but they are also heavier.

When you’ve worked out for an hour and lifted weights, using a bulky, vibrating massage gun can be uncomfortable.

As part of your self-care regimen, it creates problems. 

5.Noise Level

Massage guns used to be infamous for their obnoxiousness and loudness.  Additionally, most people found them inconvenient when they often traveled.

Nowadays the more advanced massage guns are quiet enough to be used in both private and public places. 

6. Pricey

A massage gun can cost anywhere from $40 to $700 on the market.  Most of them seem to fall between $100 and $400.

These are not cheap tools like foam rollers and will require some investment. So before purchase, it knows more about it.

Conclusion

If you know how to use them properly and follow the instructions, massage guns are pretty safe. There are no major disadvantages or risks associated with their use.

Barring a few situations, anyone can safely use a massage gun with minimal effort.

However, like all good things, massage guns too are not perfect but the Pros outweigh the cons by a huge margin.

We do have a dedicated article on the benefits of using a massage gun so feel free to check it out!