A Little Heads-Up About Massage Guns: My Personal Experience

Suzan D. Walker LMT 104331
Oct 7
2 min read

Percussion massage guns are great for using after a workout or when you can't get to a massage therapist. Just use with care and caution.

I’ve been noticing more and more people using massage guns lately. These percussion massage gun or trigger point guns are easy to find just about anywhere now. They can actually be really helpful tools for taking care of your body between massage sessions, especially after a tough workout when you can’t make it in to see me.

I actually have one myself, and from personal experience, I use it with caution. When these first started becoming popular some years ago, I was curious and tried it out at the base of my skull. I’ll be honest, I used it incorrectly. It didn’t take long for me to realize that was not the right spot. Lesson learned. Since then, I’ve become much more mindful about how and where I use it.

Here are a few reasons why I still think they can be beneficial when used correctly:

• They’re great for post-workout recovery and can help ease muscle soreness.

• They help boost circulation, bringing fresh blood flow to tissues.

• They can help release tight spots and trigger points, making stretching or moving around feel easier.

• They can also be surprisingly relaxing. That gentle vibration has a way of calming the body by stimulating the vagus nerve.

With that said, I really want to stress the importance of using these devices with care. I’ve had clients come in with injuries from using them incorrectly, and I’ve also seen similar issues from overuse, especially when people don’t know which areas to avoid or how much pressure is too much. Too much of a good thing can cause tissue and nerve injury, swelling and bruising.

Use with caution:

• Stay away from danger zones like the carotid artery, endangerment sites near the clavicle and neck, inner upper thighs, the base of the skull, and anywhere on the head, especially at high speeds.

• Don’t use it over bony areas. These devices are meant for muscle tissue, not joints or bones.

• Keep it moving and don’t hold it in one spot too long.

• If something hurts, stop. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s not right.

• If you have any medical conditions, recent injuries, or you’re unsure, check in with a professional first.

The same goes for other vibration tools. I also use a Medi Rub and occasionally a vibration plate, and I approach those with the same level of caution and awareness. These tools can be incredibly supportive when used wisely, but they’re not substitutes for skilled, hands-on bodywork.

I’ve seen first-hand what happens when these devices are misused, both in my own experience and with clients who’ve come in after overdoing it. Please use them with care. Your body will thank you for it.

With care and support,

Suzan (Susan) Walker LMT

Massage therapy is not a substitution for medical treatment. The massage therapist cannot diagnose, treat or prevent disease. The therapist can only recommend products and services. Please consult a medical physician for further treatment.