Massage is a great way to alleviate pain and soreness, and, for many athletes, a daily professional massage is an integral part of their workout and practice. However, many of us can’t afford a professional massage as often as we would like, so a portable massage gun may be the best alternative. Here are our best percussion massagers for athletes.
Quick Answer:
For a powerful, penetrating percussion massage, our top pick is the Massage Gun, Hand Held Deep Tissue Muscle Massager by Kaiyu. This massager is lightweight and easy to use, with a gun-shaped design that makes it easy to target the exact areas that need a massage. It has four different head attachments, and adjustable speed, so you can choose the massage that is perfect for you. Low-noise technology makes this massager a great choice for people who are sensitive to sounds.
Editor’s Pick: Best Percussion Massagers for Athletes
![Massage Gun, Hand Held Deep Tissue Muscle Massager, Cordless Percussion Massager, Professional Personal Massage Device, Percussion Massage Device Featuring Quiet Glide Technology, [Upgrade]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nCcgG+p2L.jpg)
Percussion Massagers for Athletes Buying Guide
If you are looking for a good way to relax or ease soreness after a workout, a percussion massager may be a great way to relieve pain and stress. When looking for a percussion massager, here are some things to consider.
Will You Be Massaging Your Own Back or Neck?
This may seem like a small thing, but if you plan to use a percussion massager on your own back or neck, you need to consider the overall shape and design of the massager and determine if it will work for that purpose. If the design involves you holding it up over your own shoulder for long periods to massage your back or neck, you may want to consider how heavy it is as well.
Do You Want Heat?
Heat can be a great feature in a massager, as heat can help muscles relax and increase your comfort. Many massagers have a heat option, if you want it. Look for a heated massager with an automatic heat shutoff feature, though, for improved safety.
4 Best Percussion Massager for Athletes Reviews
1. Kaiyu Massage Gun, Hand Held Deep Tissue Muscle Massager
The Phoenix massage gun has a handheld deep tissue massager with a comfortable ergonomic grip. It comes with four different massage heads: a fork shape to use on the muscles along the spine, a bullet shape to use to massage joints, a round head for large muscle groups, and a flat heat for use all over the body. Not only do you have four different massage heads, but it has three adjustable speeds, so you can get the exact right amount of speed for a great massage.
The Phoenix massage gun has a powerful brushless motor, and is designed to minimize vibration, which makes it operate more quietly. It charges in 30 minutes, and runs for 4-6 hours per charge, with an LED battery indicator so you can check your battery levels.
The massager weighs just over 2 pounds, and it all comes packaged in a convenient, sturdy case.
PROS:
- Compact and powerful massager
- Long battery life
- Four attachment heads for different massage types
- Three speed adjustments
- Convenient carrying case
CONS:
- Gun design may make it difficult to comfortably use on your own back or neck
Best For:
The Massage Gun, Hand Held Deep Tissue Muscle Massager has a design that minimizes noise, to give you a great massage while still enjoying your favorite music or shows.
2. Electric Back Massager of Ohuhu
The Ohuhu Electric back massager has two massage heads, to double the massage sensation and create the feeling of receiving a two-handed massage. It comes with three interchangeable massage head sets, for a gentler surface massage, or a deeper, more penetrating massage. It has an adjustable speed options, and a powerful, percussive massage.
It has a strong, soft grip for comfort in the hand, and weighs 2.4 pounds. It is made of ABS and rubber, and is powered by a cord.
PROS:
- Powerful massage
- Dual massage heads for more massage surface
- Three massage head sets for different body areas and sensations
- Adjustable speed
- Non-slip, comfortable grip
CONS:
- Somewhat large and bulky
Best For:
The two massage heads and large design of the Electric Back Massager of Ohuhu are great for covering large areas of the body with a deep, penetrating, percussive massage. Great for people who need strong relief in big muscle groups.
3. Mellion Back Massager Handheld with Heat Deep Tissue Electric Percussion Massager
The Mellion Back Massager has a long, ergonomic handle and comfortable grip, so you can easily reach any part of your body. It has three massage heads with a smooth, curved shape to conform to the body. It has a wide coverage massage head for big muscle groups, a pinpoint head for targeting sore spots, and an infrared light head for deep penetrating warmth.
The Mellion Back Massager has a variable strength adjustment dial, and a switch to choose a massage with heat, or massage only. The combination of infrared light and heat, along with variable strength massage, allows you to massage your whole body in comfort.
The massager weighs 1.75 pounds, and has a long cord for ease of use. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS:
- Offers massage, heat, and infrared light
- Ergonomic handle shape and massage heads for improved comfort
- Variable strength dial for fine adjustments
- Long cord and long handle for easy reach of hard-to-reach areas
- Overheat protection
CONS:
- A bit heavy for regular uses
Best For:
The long wand and light weight of the Mellion Back Massager Handheld with Heat Deep Tissue Electric Percussion Massager make it easy to reach any part of the body and enjoy a long massage or infrared heat without stress or strain. It's great for people with limited mobility, or even simple post-workout soreness.
4. SNAILAX Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat
The SNAILAX Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat is a flexible massager that can be wrapped around any part of the body. It combines shiatsu and percussive massage, and has a heat function as well. It has eight rotating nodes for a kneading massage, and two percussive nodes that provide a tapping sensation for deeper relaxation. You can also choose to activate the heat function, and then between two levels of intensity.
The soft PU and fabric design can be wrapped around your body and is easy to clean. It comes with a car power adapter, so you can use it on the road, and is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS:
- Combines shiatsu and percussive massage
- Two intensity levels
- Optional heat function
- Auto shutoff after 15 minutes for safety
- Soft cloth conforms to the body
- Comes with a car adapter
CONS:
- Intensity is adjusted with a fabric cover, not with different massage settings
Best For:
The hands-free operation of the SNAILAX Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat makes it a great option for people who want to enjoy a massage at their desk, reading a book, or while doing chores around the house. It even comes with a car adapter, so you can use it during a commute.
FAQ:
Q: Are percussion massagers safe?
Percussion massagers should not be used at injury sites, or by those with cardiovascular disease or those taking cardiovascular medication. They should also not be used by pregnant women, or people with advanced diabetes. If you have concerns about the safety of a percussion massager, consult your physician. However, for those with sore muscles after a workout or for those who are tense due to stress, a percussion massager can be a great way to ease soreness and promote relaxation.
Conclusion
The Kaiyu Massage Gun, Hand Held Deep Tissue Muscle Massager is a lightweight, powerful massage gun. The adjustable speed, four massage head shapes, and quiet operation make this an excellent choice. If you are looking for a more affordable percussion massager, consider the excellent Mellion Back Massager Handheld with Heat Deep Tissue Electric Percussion Massager as a great alternative.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
