The Massage Gun Dilemma: Before Or After A Workout

With massage guns getting more and more popular, chances are, you’ve been gifted one by a friend or family member. You like the idea of owning one but you are not sure when to use a massage gun. The truth is, some people use it before, others use it after, and some use it both before and after. I’m sure you’ve heard it all on the before or after a workout question. Both before or after a workout can be beneficial, but the truth is, it comes down to you and your specific needs.

Why use a massage gun before a workout?

Let’s take a look at the case for “before”. One of the benefits of a percussion massager is that it helps increase blood flow to the area. That translates to warming up the muscle. Some may argue that it would be time-consuming to massage every individual muscle and that it may be easier to do a whole-body warm-up. It is true, a whole-body warm-up is more efficient; however, a massage gun can be integrated into a warm-up to target specific muscles right before a performance, such as the calf muscle right before a jump.

Another benefit of using it before a performance is to increase the range of motion. Different research studies have shown that electric massagers help increase the range of motion in the ankle, knee, and hip. This results from reducing muscle stiffness of muscles around these joints.

A popular use for massage guns is to help improve performance. A track coach recently told me that he sees many track athletes use it right before they start their event. However, to date, there are no studies that confirm that idea. This puts into question whether you should use it right before an event or not. Although it is possible that massage guns do not improve performance, improving range of motion can be crucial, especially for individuals with stiff joints. Improving range of motion is very important to prevent injuries.

Why use a massage gun after a workout?

Now, let’s take a look at the case for “after”. Right after a workout, you feel that lactic acid build-up in your muscles. A massage gun can be an excellent solution to that problem. Applying a massage gun to fatigued muscles will improve circulation, clear lactic acid, and give a sense of relief and relaxation. Best of all, you can use it while in transit. Apply it to your muscles while in the car or waiting for the subway. No other recovery method can give you that benefit.

Another benefit of post-workout usage would be the reduction of muscle soreness. Delayed muscle soreness occurs about a day or two after a workout due to microdamage to the muscle. A percussion massager helps increase blood supply carrying oxygen and nutrients to the muscle. This results in reducing or even eliminating delayed muscle soreness.

Hopefully this has helped you make up your mind on when to use a massage gun.

So, massage gun before or after workout? Why not both. Use this little device to get rid of problems that can make a big difference in your well-being!