Massage guns are a popular tool among runners because they can help to alleviate muscle soreness and improve recovery time. The best massage gun for runners uses rapid percussion to massage the muscles, which can help to increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension. Massage guns can also be used to target specific muscle groups, allowing runners to focus on areas that may be particularly sore or tight. They are convenient and portable, making them easy to use before or after a run, so let's take a look at the 5 best massage guns for runners.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Ekrin B37 Massage Gun.
The Ekrin B37 is one of the finest options for anyone looking for a massage tool with an ergonomic focus, a very long battery life, and an especially robust guarantee. It's an excellent massage tool for runners, for anyone searching for a reliable massager at a reasonable cost.
Top 5 Best Massage Guns for Runners Reviewed
- Ekrin B37 — Top Pick
- HYPERICE HYPERVOLT 2 PRO — Runner-Up
- THERAGUN PRIME — Premium Pick
- Sportneer Massage Gun — Budget Pick
- Bob and Brad Deep Tissue Percussion Massager Gun — Best Portable/Mini
In this article, I will show you some popular plain protein powder on the market. I have compared all options by the most important characteristics: package, taste, ingredients, blending, and price-quality ratio. Find a brief summary in the table below and scroll down for the most interesting part!
1. Ekrin B37 — Top Pick
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Item Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Power Source: Battery
- Color: Dark Green (emerald)
- Size: 5.91 x 3.15 x 2.36 inches
- Performance: 1400 RPM to 3200 RPM
- Product Benefits/Use for: Large and medium muscle groups, neck and spine, deep massage
- Items included: 4 attachments, travel case
- Special features: 5 speeds, Ultra quiet technology, ergonomic design
The Ekrin B37 is one of the finest options for anyone looking for a massage tool with an ergonomic focus, a very long battery life, and an especially robust guarantee. It's an excellent massage tool for runners, for anyone searching for a reliable massager at a reasonable cost.
The Ekrin B37 provides comfort and force with a slightly slanted grip and a good amount of power. Reaching for your upper back or calves is made slightly simpler by the grip handle's 15-degree tilt. It contains four attachments that you may use for various body parts and five speeds with different amplitudes of force.
It isn't nearly as practical as a button within a thumb's reach since the power button, which also controls the speed, is positioned on top of the device. The massager seems a little top-heavy, but it is pleasant to grip.
Positives:
Nice 15 degrees tilt to reach your back much easier
Lengthy battery life
Carrying case included
Could be better:
Placement of power button slightly inconvenient
2. HYPERICE HYPERVOLT 2 PRO — Runner-Up
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Power Source: Battery
- Color: Black
- Size: 8 x 2.5 x 10.4 inches
- Performance: 1700 to 2700 percussions per minute
- Product Benefits/Use for: Self Myofascial Release, Mobility, Recovery
- Items included: 5 head attachments
- Special features: Pressure Sensor Technology™, Lightweight, ergonomic design, pouch for Attachment Heads
Undoubtedly, one of the brands most associated with massagers is Hyperice. The Hypervolt 2 Pro provides deep-penetrating comfort for tense muscles that can help you exercise harder and recover quicker.
Using the handy digital speed dial, you may cycle through the five various settings to find the one you like the best.
photo by lukacoaching
The Hypervolt 2 Pro has a three-hour battery life and five different head attachments.
The pressure sensor, which displays how much pressure is being applied while in use and is a nice function when you're just getting the hang of the gadget, is another fantastic feature of this massager.
Positives:
Very convenient digital dial for selecting different speeds
Deep-penetrating comfort for tense muscles
Pressure sensor, which is excellent for beginners
Could be better:
No carrying case included
3. THERAGUN PRIME — Premium Pick
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Power Source: Battery
- Color: Black
- Size: 9 x 6.3 x 2.8 inches
- Performance: 1750 to 2400 percussions per minute
- Product Benefits/Use for: Recover faster, relieve pain, release tension
- Items included: 4 attachments
- Special features: 5 speeds, Ergonomic Comfort, Industry Leader
The triangular handle of the little Theragun Prime from Therabody offers a variety of grip configurations to reduce ergonomic stress.
The Theragun Prime has five speeds, and the battery level and speed are both shown by LED lights on the display. The battery can run up to 120 minutes on a full charge which is quite enough for any athlete but it’s lower than our top pick.
photo by jessiechuah_
If you wish to cycle through the speeds, the control button is conveniently situated on the handle and reachable with a thumb.
There are four attachments included with this massager for running, and unlike plastic attachments, they fit snugly and have some give.
The Theragun Prime has Bluetooth capabilities, so you can link it with a phone and manage its speed using the Therabody app. This software lets you fine-tune the Theragun Prime's preprogrammed rates.
Positives:
Convenient display of the speed and battery life
- Bluetooth’s capability and an app for changing the pre programmed speeds
- Triangular handle for variety of grips
Could be better:
Pricier than our other picks
Shorter battery life than our other picks
4. Sportneer Massage Gun — Budget Pick
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 1.7lbs
- Power Source: Battery
- Color: Gray
- Size: 8.5 x 7 x 2 inches
- Performance: 1200 to 3200 percussions per minute
- Product Benefits/Use for: Warming up for a workout, Muscle recovery, Pain relief and relaxation
- Items included: 6 attachments
- Special features: 5 speeds, Excellent Heat Dissipation, Precision Massage
If you're on a tight budget, the Sportneer is one of the finest massagers for runners.
You may effortlessly adjust the 5 speed levels, which can provide you with varying levels of massage intensity, by pressing the button.
It also includes a remarkable low noise technology that only produces between 35 and 45 dB of noise, making it quiet enough to be used in the workplace, at home, or in the gym.
Six different attachments are included with the Sportneer, which may be used to help you relax your entire body. If you need to use a massage gun on Achilles, this one has an attachment that will fit your needs.
The Sportneer also has the unique attribute of being incredibly lightweight and portable thanks to the carrying case, which makes storing and traveling much easier.
Positives:
Excellent noise reduction technology
- More attachments than our previous picks
- Very lightweight and easily portable
Could be better:
Non-ergonomic handle design
5. Bob and Brad Deep Tissue Percussion Massager Gun — Best Portable/Mini
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 1.5lbs
- Power Source: Battery
- Color: Gray
- Size: 6.8 x 2.4 x 5.1 inches
- Performance: up to 3200 percussions per minute
- Product Benefits/Use for: Warm-up, recovery, pain-relief
- Items included: 5 attachments
- Special features: 5 speeds, Built-in intelligent chip, Ergonomic silicone grip for easy handle
The Bob and Brad massager weighs only 1.5 pounds, making it lightweight and portable for using it everywhere.
It has a brushless motor, twin shaft drive configuration for steady operation, and super blocking torque energy production without interruption.
It has 5 massage heads that may be used on various muscle regions and offer focused therapy for quicker recovery.
In order to prevent damage from misuse to the human body, it contains an integrated intelligent chip that enables the gadget to function for 10 minutes before shutting down automatically.
In order to make usage at home or in the gym more convenient, it also has the newest noise-canceling technology.
Positives:
Very soft non-slip grip
Integrated intelligent chip to prevent damage
Very light and easily portable
Could be better:
A bit louder than other picks on our list
Subscribe!
Get more reviews about training equipment, special offers and discounts from different stores.
What are the Benefits of Using Massage Guns for Runners?
Less DOMS
A runner's worst enemy is delayed onset muscle discomfort. For those who are unaware, DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness) is the painful, tight sensation that appears somewhere between 24 and 28 hours after a strenuous workout or race. Microscopic tears that normally take place in muscle fibers during exercise are the cause of it.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research found that using vibration treatment before exercise can prevent DOMS. In essence, vibration treatment aids in preventing mechanical overload of the muscle fibers, leading to a reduction in the minute rips of the muscle that were previously discussed.
Better Performance
According to the same study mentioned above, using percussion and/or vibration therapy prior to exercise can help reduce tissue adhesion, thereby increasing range of motion, reduce the buildup of lactic acid in the blood, thereby shortening the time it takes to become fatigued, and possibly even provide an early pain relief.
Massage guns can help reduce the risk of injury by increasing blood flow and breaking up knots in the muscles. This can help prevent overuse injuries and improve overall muscle health.
Increases Blood Flow and Improves Recovery
Percussion massagers might momentarily improve blood flow to the muscle when used after exercise. Increased blood flow aids in the removal of waste from injured tissue, hastening the healing process. Additionally, the blood supplies the muscle tissue with nutrients and oxygen, aiding in the tissue's recuperation and renewal.
Provides Pain Relief
The capacity of massage guns to accelerate recovery following injury or strenuous exercise by enhancing blood flow to the region is one of their most significant advantages. Other recovery-related advantages, such as pain alleviation, come from precisely targeting tiny and big muscles with deep percussive pressure.
What to Look for in Massage Guns for Runners?
Power
Battery Life
Speed Options
Durability
Noise Level
Price/Quality
How to Use Massage Guns?
Using A Massage Gun Before Running
A pre-workout massage gun session can help you warm up by improving blood flow to the muscles you want to use the most during the run. Using a massage gun to warm up before your run may help enhance your range of motion too.
Spend one to two minutes massaging each muscle area you want to train directly, plus 30 seconds on supporting muscle groups, before your workout.
Using a Massage Gun After Running
You may use your massage gun as part of your cool-down after your workout. Percussive treatment after an exercise might assist bring your body down from a heightened condition to a resting one. Massage guns can calm your nervous system by blocking pain signals given to the brain after a strenuous workout.
Furthermore, percussion treatment improves circulation after an exercise, bringing oxygen and nutrients to your tired muscles.
Finally, post-workout percussive treatment may assist reduce muscular inflammation, which may help lessen post-workout muscle discomfort.
Using A Massage Gun On Already Sore Muscles
A massage gun will not eradicate DOMS altogether, but it will give temporary relief. To start using the massage gun, adjust the speed and depth settings of a massage gun to avoid causing discomfort in strained muscles. Because aching muscles are more sensitive, you should generally keep your device on the lower settings. Once you've found a comfortable setting, use the massage gun for one to two minutes on each painful spot.
How Often Can You Use A Massage Gun?
You may use a massage gun safely every day if you utilize suitable methods and do not exceed the company's recommended usage duration.
Using a massage gun on a single muscle or muscle group for an extended period of time may cause discomfort or pain. If you use a massage gun insufficiently, you may not gain the benefits. If you're unsure if you're using your massage gun for the correct period of time, see your device's instructions.
FAQs
Should an athlete use a massage gun before or after a run?
Using a massage gun for warm ups can help minimize soreness or stiffness after exercises the day or days before and stimulate muscles before a session but it is also great to use within 48 hours of a workout to assist reduce discomfort and promote recovery so it’s a great tool to use in both cases.
Are electric massagers good for runners?
Yes, they are great for runners. You can use them both before and after a workout. Before running, you can use a setting that will slightly warm up your muscles and prepare you for the run, while after the run you can use a setting that will provide pain relief and eliminate discomfort.
What type of massage gun should a runner get?
As a runner, you want to get a deep tissue massage, and the greater the amplitude of the device, the better it will serve you.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why runners may benefit from receiving a massage after a long run, but one of the main reason is that it can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue which is very common after running long distances. Massage can also help to improve circulation, which can speed up the recovery process by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. All of this contributes to you being able to get back to your running routine much faster, even after a strenuous run. Having the best massage gun for runners will help you with the issues we just mentioned, and we recommend the Ekrin B37 because it is most versatile while being affordable at the same time.
Let us know what you think about our top picks and if you agree with what we recommend by using the comment section below!
References:
- Advances in Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Part I: Pathogenesis and Diagnostics // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30537791/
- The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7675623/
- Mechanical Percussion Devices: A Survey of Practice Patterns Among Healthcare Professionals // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35382115/
- To Compare the Effect of Vibration Therapy and Massage in Prevention of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) // National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3939523/
- The Pros And Cons Of Massage Guns For Runners // Literally, Darling:
https://literallydarling.com/blog/2021/10/28/the-pros-and-cons-of-massage-guns-for-runners/
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships –105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.