My experience with the Renpho R3 massage gun met my expectations spot on. Read on for my analysis of this affordable handheld massager.

Despite its compact size, it has everything its bulkier counterparts offer, including five different massage heads, with each one designed to target a different muscle group. It also scored top marks for ease of use – there’s just one button for speed control and a handy manual that explains what each head is for and how to use it. Professional massage: A massage from a licensed therapist is one of the best ways to relieve muscle tension. For affordable options, search for community clinics, massage schools, and businesses offering a sliding scale. This massage gun doesn’t have smart features like an integrated force meter that tells you how much pressure you’re applying to the device or an adjustable ergonomic arm. It also doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, and thus none of the in-app controls that are becoming mainstays in higher-end percussive devices. The Theragun Elite is a favorite among chiropractors, athletes, and casual exercisers, as it features a powerful motor and five attachable heads for targeted muscle relief. The best budget massage gun is the Vybe V2 Percussion Massager. The user-friendly design is powerful enough to provide deep tissue massage, offering plenty of value for the price.While it can also be used to warm up your muscles pre-workout, many reviewers mention that it’s been very helpful for soothing sore muscles after intense workouts. Using a massage gun during pregnancy may provide similar benefits to prenatal massage. A 2021 research review suggests that relaxing massage during pregnancy may help alleviate pain, boost mood, and improve sleep.

While it’s easy to get carried away with the speed setting, I recommend starting with the lowest speed and then working your way up, as you find what speed setting works best for you. This can also vary depending on what massage head you’re using.

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Several alternatives to massage guns provide comparable benefits. You can use these methods individually, in combination, and with massage gun therapy. The battery life is solid. It can go on for hours and hours. Plus, it has an LED display that shows you how much battery life is left. I used the Renpho massage gun as an additional means of recovery after workouts – in addition to stretching – and experienced significantly less muscle ache the next day compared with when I didn’t use the massage gun.

It sports the same type of brushless motor found in the average massage gun—it’s alright, but doesn’t come close to Theragun-level treatment. The brand doesn’t disclose the wattage of the motor nor the stall force, so it’s hard for me to speak to power. The Hypervolt 2 offers speeds of up to 2,700 percussions per minute and three levels of pressure to help alleviate post-workout aches, soreness, and stiffness. Plus, it’s lighter than the original Hypervolt, has a longer battery life, and features a more streamlined design. Electrical stimulation: A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device can stimulate muscles and promote relaxation. Dedicated athletes, look no further. Though a considerable investment, the new iteration of the Theragun PRO comes with a host of clever upgrades, including a brushless motor for reduced noise, two new attachments, USB-C charging and a high-resolution OLED screen for following pre-set routines – a feature that earned high praise from our tester. There are four routines to choose from on the device, but they recommend connecting to the user-friendly Therabody app for myriad personalised options that target specific aches and pains.So even if you’re not the sporty type, a massage gun can do wonders for your physical and mental health, and even help you wind down for a good night’s sleep. That’s where I come in: In my Renpho massage gun review, I’ll let you in on who should buy this massage gun and who should look elsewhere. Why You Should Trust Us They’re designed to combat muscle soreness and aid recovery. It’s a deep tissue massage of sorts, achieved through rapid percussive movements that stimulate muscles, enhance blood flow and soften knots. You can use them while warming up or post-work out, and they feel good too, hitting all the right pressure points that can enhance the production of endorphins. At the very least, massage guns can provide some short-term relief for problem areas. Mueller SM, et al. (2021). Effects, side effects and contraindications of relaxation massage during pregnancy: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The FYLINA Handheld Muscle Massage Gun is so good at its intended use that even pro athletes use it.