Thursday 13th July, 2023

How NOT to use a massage gun- bad advice given by YouTube gurus

There are several common mistakes people make when using a massage gun. However, by far the biggest mistake is using techniques appropriate for conventional massage rather than for vibration. This dramatically reduces the effectiveness of the treatment and increases the risk of injury.

Axe vs chainsaw

Why their techniques are inappropriate

The easiest way to show why these techniques are inappropriate is to use a simple analogy. When lumberjacks started using chainsaws rather than axes they needed to let the teeth of the saw do the cutting. It would not be very effective swinging a chainsaw like an axe.

Why even professionals make this mistake

Most of the "experts" involved have extensive training and experience with conventional massage, but no training in the effects and application of vibration. We are trying to remedy this by making available guides such as The scientifically proven effects of vibration massage- with clinical applications , but most still fall back on their conventional massage ideas.

In this guide

To help you use your machines safely and effectively, in this guide we have:

A VIDEO

  • Why massage guns can be dangerous and how to reduce those risks
  • The ineffective techniques you commonly get shown and what to do instead
  • Some uses for massage guns that are advocated that are completely wrong and could hurt you

Resources linked

  • Our detailed vibration massager usage guide
  • How to choose a massager
  • Massager uses for various muscles and conditions

Video: How NOT to use a massage gun

Professional at desk

Professionals

DrGraeme massagers were originally built by Dr Graeme for use in his clinic, and to prescribe to his patients for additional self use at home. Now these are used by colleagues and other professionals for similar purposes. If you are a professional and wish to know more about this therapy, or possibly get a sample massager to trial please check out our practitioner page .

We are continually adding more information on research and uses. Subscribe below to have us email them to you "hot off the press".

Dr Graeme

About Dr Graeme

Several years ago Dr Graeme, a Chiropractor practicing in Victoria, Australia was looking for a serious hand held massager his patients could use at home to get the extra quality massage they needed. The ones he found in the shops and on-line for home use looked nice but were not serious, and... read more



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