A percussive massage device, commonly known as a massage gun, is a handheld tool that delivers rapid, concentrated pulses deep into muscle tissue. This therapy is increasingly integrated into manual care and chiropractic practice. Chiropractors utilize these devices to stimulate the myofascial system, including muscles and surrounding fascia. By applying targeted pressure, the massage gun helps reduce muscle stiffness, improve local circulation, and prepare soft tissues for spinal adjustments. The tool enhances traditional hands-on techniques, aiding in pain management and promoting alignment.
The Professional Selection Criteria
Massage guns chosen for clinical use are distinguished from consumer models by specific technical specifications designed for professional application. The primary factor is the device’s amplitude, which refers to the stroke length. Professional-grade devices typically feature an amplitude between 12 to 16 millimeters, allowing for deeper penetration into muscle fibers than the 8 to 10 millimeters common in budget options. This deeper stroke is necessary to effectively target dense or deeply situated muscles.
Another differentiating specification is the stall force, which measures the amount of pressure that can be applied before the motor stops. Chiropractors require a high stall force, often 40 to 60 pounds or more, to sustain deep-tissue work under clinical pressure. For a busy practice, the motor’s durability and battery life are also significant considerations. A robust, quiet motor is preferred for continuous use, and models with swappable batteries ensure functionality without lengthy charging interruptions.
Common Brands and Models Found in Practice
Chiropractors typically use the highest-tier models from leading brands in percussive therapy. The two most frequently observed brands in clinical settings are Theragun and Hypervolt, known for power and durability. Specific professional-level models, such as the Theragun Pro, are highly favored due to their combination of high amplitude and superior stall force. The Theragun Pro offers a 16-millimeter amplitude, providing a deep percussive hit suitable for large muscle groups and dense tissue.
The Hypervolt series, including the Hypervolt 2 Pro, is also commonly used for its balanced combination of power and quieter operation. While Hypervolt models may offer a slightly shallower amplitude than the Theragun Pro, they provide sufficient force for clinical myofascial release. These professional devices often include multiple attachment heads, allowing the practitioner to select the precise tool needed to treat different body parts and tissue densities.
Application Techniques Used by Professionals
Chiropractors integrate percussive therapy as a strategic component within a broader treatment plan, not as a standalone massage. The device is often employed as a preliminary tool to warm up and relax hypertonic muscles before a spinal adjustment. By reducing muscle guarding, the percussive action makes the subsequent manipulation more comfortable and effective for the patient. This pre-adjustment application improves muscle pliability, which can lead to a longer-lasting adjustment.
During treatment, the practitioner focuses the device on specific areas of tightness, such as myofascial trigger points, rather than using broad, sweeping motions. The device is typically held at a slight angle and moved slowly, allowing impulses to penetrate the tissue and break up adhesions. Clinical applications are usually brief, targeting a specific muscle group for a short duration, often less than 60 seconds, to maximize therapeutic effect while avoiding tissue fatigue. The professional’s anatomical knowledge guides the precise angle and pressure applied, differentiating it from self-treatment.
Understanding Safety and Contraindications
A professional’s guidance is necessary because improper use of a high-power percussive device can cause harm, especially when replicating clinical techniques at home. Specific areas of the body must be strictly avoided due to the risk of injury to sensitive structures. These include bony prominences, joints, the front of the neck near the carotid arteries, and any area where a major nerve or blood vessel is close to the surface.
Percussive therapy is contraindicated for individuals with certain medical conditions, and consultation with a healthcare provider is prudent before use. The intense pressure can worsen existing injuries, such as severe sprains, strains, or open wounds, so the device should never be used directly on inflamed or recently injured connective tissue.
Contraindicated Conditions
People with the following conditions should not use these devices:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Advanced osteoporosis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Those taking blood-thinning medications