Dr. Monica Saliu, PT, DPT, physical therapist and Cofounder and clinical Director at Tribeca Physical Therapy

Stall Force: Massage guns with a good stall force will give you a deep, satisfying massage. To evaluate the stall force of each massage gun while using it, we note whether we can press hard enough for the desired deep-tissue massage without stalling the motor. We also note if the stall force remains consistent or weakens as the battery is drained. The high-quality 2000mAh lithium battery in this massager will provide 3 hours of use on one charge, and it’s easy to recharge with the provided cable. It also has some really cool features like superheat dissipation that keeps things running smoothly! Intended use: One of the most important considerations is which part(s) of your body you want to apply pressure to. Some tools, like foam rollers, are designed for larger muscle areas, whereas others, like massage guns and balls, help break up muscle knots — also known as myofascial trigger points. However, don’t be fooled by its small size; its lowest setting is still quite powerful. It features five speed settings and four head attachments, from flat to cylinder, and RENPHO promises a torque that’s 1.5 times higher than competitors—which means a lower likelihood of stalling. When testing, we liked the high quality of the device and its carrying case and that it includes a body map with suggestions for which attachments to use. It’s also worth looking for products that include detailed instructional materials, such as access to online training videos.

FAQ

Imtiyaz S, Veqar Z, Shareef MY. To compare the effect of vibration therapy and massage in prevention of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;8(1):133-136. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/7294.3971 Best for exercisers who prioritize battery life in a massage gun and favor one with an auto-shutoff feature for added safety.

Foam rolling is a popular self-myofascial release technique designed to improve blood flow and ease muscle soreness and tightness. How does it work? While more research is needed, it’s suggested that applying pressure to the fascia helps elongate the muscle tissue, making it less tight and painful ( 3, 4).

Although this massage gun has fewer speed options than others on our list, we felt the speed range offered enough tension for a satisfying massage without feeling too intense. The size makes it easy to maneuver: We never felt like the massage gun was going to slip out of our hands or get too unwieldy while testing. The brushless motor is surprisingly quiet, and the battery lasts an impressive five hours on a single charge. The USB charging port design helps you keep it powered up while on the go as well. Noise: 45 dB | Stall Force: 30 lbs | Weight: 1.1 lbs | Customizability: 4 head attachments, 4 speeds | Battery Life: 4-5 hours

Gua sha: This traditional Chinese healing technique uses a tool to apply pressure to acupressure points and scrape your skin. Tools come in different shapes to target specific areas of the body. They’re small enough to toss in your bag to use on the go. Professional sessions are available, often from acupuncturists.

FASCIQ® Massage Gun Mini product video

In need of a massage gun...for your face? Meet Therabody's TheraFace Pro. Whether you have irritating jaw pain or facial muscle tension, this innovative facial tool uses gentle percussive massage to ease discomfort. The VYBE V2 Percussion Massage Gun scored high marks for portability and stall force. Still, we found it too noisy and shaky to use effectively.