Theragun PRO Review 2022: Best percussive massage guns
Developed with chiropractic expertise and used by pro athletes the world over, we had to get our hands on the popular Theragun PRO.
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With a great many of us spending our days seated, neck slowly inching towards computer monitors or mobile screens – you’re doing it now, aren’t you? – it’s little wonder that we end most days with aches from head to toes.
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Enter: wellness brand, Therabody’s Theragun PRO. Developed with chiropractic expertise, and used by hundreds of professional sports teams and physical therapists the world over, this ergonomic massage gun promises innovative natural treatment for everyday aches and pains. Curious as to whether this investment purchase lived up to the hype, former news.com.au Checkout Shopping Writer Mariela, put it to the test.
THE BEST MASSAGE GUN
Theragun PRO, Amazon Australia, $735 (RRP$899)
Discontented to rest on their laurels, Therabody’s latest generation of Theraguns is a remarkable improvement on past models. There is not a facet that hasn’t been elevated in this professional-grade, percussive therapy massage gun: it is 55 per cent quieter than its predecessor; its commercial-grade brushless motor and Active Torque Control maintains 60lbs of no-stall force; and an industry-leading five hours of battery life – with two interchangeable external batteries – outlives previous generations by twice as long.
At a glance, the most obvious difference between the Theragun PRO and other massage guns on the market is, of course, its triangular, ergonomic handle design and rotating arm which makes treatment to every body part a cinch. Coupled with five built-in speeds between 1750-2450 PPM (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200 and 2400 percussions per minute) and reaching a remarkable 60 per cent deeper into muscles than competitors, it’s not difficult to conclude by stats alone, that this is the premier massage gun on the market.
All that was left to do was try it.
Mariela Summerhays, Commercial Content Writer
Mother-of-three. Has both scoliosis and anxiety.
“I am never without aches. Truly, I’ve been perpetually rubbing my lower back since childhood, courtesy of my misaligned spine – a chiropractor once described it to me as, “it looks like a car veered off the road, then overcorrected trying to get back on.” I also have forward head posture – where my neck doesn’t sit directly on top of my shoulders, but unnaturally forward – so there’s that, too.
Fortunately, the aches and pains associated with my ailments don’t really interfere with day-to-day activities, and I find pain management easy enough. I periodically engage in everything from remedial massage, acupuncture and cupping therapy, to chiropractic and podiatric treatment. However, as you can imagine, these treatments are a bit time-consuming – hard to co-ordinate when you have three children – and private health insurance can only cover so much.
Naturally, when the opportunity arose for me to use something other than a heat pack to get me through to my next treatment, I jumped at the opportunity.
The verdict? The Theragun PRO delivers on everything it promises and more. I have to admit, I was a sceptic upon first use – a diehard fan of deep and slow massage techniques, I first found the fast and repetitious movements irritating. A couple more tries though – and guidance from the user-friendly accompanying app – and I’ve come to find the ritual of running this powerful massage gun up and down my limbs and across my shoulders loosens my muscles up after hours of sitting in the same position daylong.
Another benefit of using the Theragun PRO that maybe isn’t as often spoken about in other Theragun reviews, but is equally as important, is the stress and tension relief it provides. I have generalised anxiety disorder – we’re really getting to know each other here, aren’t we? – and though I can’t promise others with this condition will feel the same, tending to my body in this way offers much welcome respite. The accompanying app doesn’t only offer wellness routines for post-workout recovery, though they do have them in spades; but also routines such as a 3-minute Wake routine, and my favourite, an 8-minute Daily Wellness routine I like to end the day on. Following the movements demonstrated on the app requires me to clear my mind of any other concerns, while relieving the physical tension from my muscles.”
Rating out of five: five stars
OTHER BRILLIANT MASSAGE GUNS TO CONSIDER
Still on the lookout for a massage gun to suit your needs? Here are some others on the market worth considering.
THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MASSAGE GUN
Hyperice Hypervolt (With Bluetooth), Myer, $599
Established in 2010, wellness brand, Hyperice is one of the foremost leaders in recovery and movement enhancement technology, and this here might just be their pièce de résistance. Designed by rocket engineers – that’s not just an expression – the Hypervolt features a 60 watt, brushless, high-torque motor with Quiet Glide technology for supreme performance. Its lightweight body makes treatment on-the-go possible; while a built-in pressure sensor gives visual feedback, enabling for accurate therapy. With bluetooth connectivity, you can also control it via the Hyperice App to perform targeted routines.
THE MOST QUIET MASSAGE GUN
Hydragun Handheld Massager, Hydragun, $399 (RRP$599)
Touting itself as “the quietest massage gun”, the Hydragun only emits 30 to 50 decibels of noise, which is less than the 60 decibels of noise created by talking. Beloved by the likes of Olympian Bronte Campbell, the Hydragun is strong yet light, and made from durable aerospace-grade aluminum. There are six speed settings to dig deep into your achey muscles, and six interchangeable massage heads that offer a premium quality feel.
Having trialled the device herself, former news.com.au Checkout Shopping Writer Dani can confirm that its luxurious finish feels impressive and delivers satisfying results. “I’ve used the Hydragun on my achey upper and lower back and found it to be a lifesaver when it comes to helping the pain caused by my poor WFH posture. The device is quiet as promised, and the attachments offer versatile treatment options,” she says. “I love it!”.
Flyby F1PRO, Amazon Australia, $206.05
We would be remiss to put together a list of massage guns without this entry from wellness brand, Flyby. Earning itself over 6,200 five-star customer reviews on Amazon, you’re sure to be satisfied with your purchase. The F1PRO features a silent brushless motor, no louder than an electric toothbrush (so you can tend to your aches while bingeing on your current favourite show) and air cooling to prevent overheating. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides at least four hours use; and with six different head attachments, there isn’t an ache on your body that can’t be tended to. One compelling five-star review stated, “My husband and I are both professional licensed massage therapists … we are both SUPER pleased with this purchase! It is pretty quiet while still delivering a powerful, percussive therapeutic application … I have already recommended this product to others I know!”
THE BEST AFFORDABLE MASSAGE GUN
Fit Smart Vibration Massage Therapy Device, Catch, $54.95
With six custom intensity settings and four massage head, that this massage gun comes in under $60 is quite remarkable. Use the included fork head for neck and spine; bullet head for joints, deep tissue massage and pressure points; spherical head for large muscle groups; and the flat head for overall treatment on any part of the body. Its portable size makes it suitable for use on the go, and means you won’t tire out your arm while holding it.
THE PORTABLE MASSAGE GUN
Theragun Mini, Amazon Australia, $349
If stealing time in the morning or evening to tend to your muscles is not possible – or your exercise regimen exists outside of your home, and you’re looking for a portable treatment option – the Theragun Mini is hard to beat. Fitted with the wellness brand’s signature powerful motor and QuietForce technology, it will silently provide relief from aches wherever you are; while its 150 minute battery life means going days without having to remember to charge it before dashing out the door in the morning. Choose from three scientifically calibrated speeds (1750, 2100 and 2400 percussions per minute).
HOW DO MASSAGE GUNS WORK?
Massage guns use percussive therapy – otherwise known as vibration therapy – to loosen knots and release tension that has built up in muscle tissue. Oscillating head attachments (spherical or flat for generalised treatment, or bullet-shaped or prong-shaped for more targeted relief) release rapid vibrating pulses, relieving soreness.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A MASSAGE GUN?
The rise in popularity of massage guns can be directly traced back to their reported benefits. These benefits include:
• Relief from muscle soreness, thereby increased mobility
• Stress relief
• Increased blood circulation
• Better drainage in the lymphatic system; which can be linked to improved metabolism and immune system
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