“That gun did wonders for my ankle,” my friend texted me after complaining of a football-related niggle. A true cynic, it took a whole lot of convincing for him to use the Therabody percussive massage gun that has been a fixture in my recovery arsenal since 2019. “Usually I can hardly walk in the morning; today, no pain,” he added.
Vogue’s top massage guns at a glance:
I was first introduced to the wonderful world of massage guns when training for the London Marathon for the second time. During my first experience, I had severe knee pain that hindered my progress for months, and I was keen not to repeat that experience. While intimidating when you switch it on, the pulsating jackhammer-esque device has been a game-changer for me, whether encouraging blood circulation after a run, soothing stress in my lower back after strength training, or in less fitness-related scenarios like carrying heavy bags or sitting at a desk all day to ease back and shoulder pain. So how does it work?
“A massage gun uses rapid pulses, known as percussive therapy, to stimulate the muscles, which is slightly separate from a traditional massage,” explains Harrison Stevens, Third Space master trainer. “They can help reduce the feeling of tightness, temporarily improve range of motion, and make muscles feel less stiff. They also provide a sensory input that many people find relaxing, which can leave them feeling more ready to move or train.”
It is not just runners, weightlifters or endurance athletes that will find use for these devices, too; massage guns are on hand for relieving any tight muscles, knots, or trigger points. But the right one is crucial. For beginners looking for their first devices, factors like stall force, amplitude, speed settings and noise level can make the purchase confusing. Below, are the Vogue-tried and tested massage guns as well as expert advice on everything you need to know about recovery technology and whether, in fact, these guns could replace professional massage or physiotherapy.
- Jump to the product reviews
- How does percussive therapy differ from traditional massage?
- Can massage guns improve muscle recovery after exercise?
- Are the benefits short-term or long-term, or both?
- How long should you use a massage gun on each muscle group?
- How much pressure should be applied?
- When should they be used – before exercise, after exercise, or on rest days?
- How do massage guns compare with stretching, foam rolling, or manual massage?
- Meet the expert
Theragun
PRO Plus
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: This is the most advanced massage gun in the Theraboy collection with high-performance features for deep massage. The most intriguing of all is heat therapy, an addition that was not included in the original generations of the guns. The bonus of a warming element encourages muscles to ease faster. Near-infrared light also boosts circulation to double down on this, all while percussive therapy and vibration technology release tension. While previous generations could connect to an app for a customised routine, there is an LCD screen directly on this gadget to walk through routines tailored for different parts of the body. There are also five attachments, and it is charged through USB-C.
- Stall force: 60 lb
- Amplitude: 16 mm
- Speed settings: 5 speeds
- Noise level: x~65 dB
Therabody
Mini Plus
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: A travel essential, the compact size of the aptly named Mini Plus massage gun is why it’s a popular option to ease niggles on the go. But while it is small, it is mighty, boasting the heated functionality of the more advanced models as well as Bluetooth connectivity and guided routines. Slot this in your cabin or gym bag to ease tension no matter where you are. Ideal for warming up the muscles before a session.
- Stall force: ~20 lb
- Amplitude: 12 mm
- Speed settings: 3 speeds
- Noise level: ~53–65 dB
Hyperice
Hypervolt 3 Pro
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Dubbed by Hyperice as its most powerful massage gun, this is the one that you’ll find in the recovery section of Third Space’s gyms. It is more compact than the equivalent model in Therabody’s collection, yet it has impressive specs – from the six speeds to the long-lasting battery life (four hours!). Building on the previous iterations, the 3 Pro is quieter, more powerful and hard-wearing.
- Stall force: ~70 lb
- Amplitude: 14 mm
- Speed settings: 6 speeds
- Noise level: N/A
Lola Mint Green Massage Gun
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If you’re looking to dip your toe into the world of massage guns, Lola is a good starting point. It is an affordable option that comes in soft mint or pink colourways, and while the functions are minimal, it packs a punch considering the price point. There are four speed settings and four attachments, each of which is designed for a different muscle group.
- Stall force: N/A
- Amplitude: N/A
- Speed settings: 4 speeds
- Noise level: N/A
How does percussive therapy differ from traditional massage?
While not a replacement for a sports massage, percussive therapy will help ease muscle pain between appointments. Stevens confirms this, “The biggest difference is that a massage gun is a tool, whereas manual therapy is a treatment. A skilled massage therapist can identify what’s contributing to pain or restriction and adapt their techniques accordingly. A massage gun can’t do that – as you’re the one using it. It’s a useful self-management tool, but it shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for hands-on treatment when that’s appropriate.”
Can massage guns improve muscle recovery after exercise?
From personal experience, I have found that massage guns do improve recovery. After training for multiple marathons, one of which I didn’t have the gun and another when I did, I found the gun helped prevent DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Stevens has had a similar experience. “They can certainly help reduce the feeling of muscle soreness and stiffness after exercise, which may make it feel easier to return to training. However, it’s important to distinguish between feeling recovered and actually recovering; personally, they make my body and my clients feel better.”
That being said, he stresses, “It’s also important to note that the biggest drivers of recovery are still the fundamentals: getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, and managing training load appropriately. Massage guns can complement those habits, but they can’t replace them.”
Are the benefits short-term or long-term, or both?
According to the expert, “The evidence is strongest for short-term benefits. They can temporarily improve how muscles feel and move, which is why many people enjoy using them before or after exercise.” Yet, he flags “there’s limited evidence to suggest they create meaningful long-term improvements in recovery, performance, or injury prevention on their own.”
How long should you use a massage gun on each muscle group?
If you’re anything like me, you may want to just move on with your day after your workout. Using a massage gun is quicker than traditional stretching (although both is recommended). “Generally, 30 seconds to two minutes per muscle group is plenty,” says the expert. “There’s no real benefit to spending excessive amounts of time on one area. It’s usually better to keep the massage gun moving slowly over the muscle rather than holding it in one position.”
How much pressure should be applied?
“Light to moderate pressure is usually fine,” explains Stevens. “More pressure doesn’t necessarily mean better results. If it’s causing significant discomfort, bruising, or making the muscles tense up, it’s probably being used too aggressively. The aim is to help the muscle relax, not create more irritation.”
When should they be used – before exercise, after exercise, or on rest days?
Massage guns can be used at every stage of the exercise process (as well as for those with non-exercise-related aches and pains). Stevens breaks it down: “They can have a place at all three stages, depending on the goal; before exercise, they may help reduce feelings of stiffness and temporarily improve mobility, but they shouldn’t replace a structured warm-up that prepares the body for the demands of exercise. After exercise, they may help reduce the sensation of soreness and promote relaxation. They can also be used on rest days if muscles are feeling tight or stiff.”
How do massage guns compare with stretching, foam rolling, or manual massage?
Each recovery tool – be it stretching, foam rolling, manual massage or massage guns – serves a different purpose. The expert details the following:
- Stretching helps maintain or improve flexibility and movement.
- Foam rolling and massage guns are both self-management tools that can temporarily reduce feelings of stiffness and improve range of motion.
- Manual therapy offers something different again, as it allows a clinician or therapist to assess the individual and tailor treatment based on their specific needs. Plus, if you are getting a deep tissue massage, this can’t be replicated by a gun.
- Massage guns have a place within a recovery routine, but they sit towards the top of the recovery pyramid rather than at the bottom. The biggest improvements in recovery will always come from consistently getting the basics right: sleep, nutrition, hydration, stress management, and appropriate training load. Once those foundations are in place, massage guns can be a useful addition, but they shouldn’t be relied upon as the primary recovery strategy.
Meet the expert
- Harrison Stevens is a master trainer at Third Space