The BEST Massage Guns [DO THEY EVEN WORK?]

Massage guns are the new HOT item! It seems like everyone is promoting their own brand across social media...but what do they really do? Today Dr. Aaron Horschig shows a few different models, explains WHAT they do and IF you should really spend your $ on them!
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TAKEAWAY: massage guns work to decrease stiffness/pain in our muscles through percussion. This tool for soft tissue mobilization can be a helpful recovery tool to effective at helping some people move better and get back to training.
My own issue with many of the massage guns is the price. If you don't have an extra 2-3 hundred dollars to drop, don't spend your money. Focus on the basics of recovery as these tools will not make or break you. On the other hand, if you have the $ and are serious about your recovery - this can be a good "tool in the toolbox."
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Opening & closing track by JookTheFirst: / jookthefirst
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Special thank you to Evan Pierson Productions for his help in making this video!

[@SquatUniversity]

The #SquatUclub is now on KZbin! As soon as I upload a new video, "like" it and comment with the hashtag #SquatUclub ASAP. I'll pick amongst those who do so within 1 hour of the video going live and pick one winner to start working on whatever you need help with (squat technique, an achy hip, help with back pain during deadlifts, etc). You must be SUBSCRIBED to my KZbin channel for a chance to win. Turning on notifications by clicking the little bell next to the SUBSCRIBE button on my channel will make sure you can be first in line to win every time! I’ll reply under the winners comment - so make sure you keep up on your notifications!

[@markmahood2019]

Could you do a video on how to use these for maximum effect? There are so many different heads and speeds it's difficult to know what's best.

[@SquatUniversity]

The winner for this video was @@UCc6z9aD0rd6kFhP8C12JIAA

[@addsfit5722]

Hi, I have a massage gun which performs also great!

[@صافن]

ترجمه

[@sintiendomevivo]

Answer here 5:12 You're welcome ;)

[@RonaldinhoPopper]

Thanks, the rest of the video just sounds like an infomercial.

[@sintiendomevivo]

@@RonaldinhoPopper no problem, thanks for commenting :)

[@dennisnordlund902]

Thanks man!

[@Asdfghjkl-w3j]

People like you make this world a better place. :)

[@sintiendomevivo]

@@Asdfghjkl-w3j thank you :) u2

[@notahuman3899]

I have seen this couch before....

[@unitor699industries]

wtf

[@deans7200]

🤣🤣🤣😈

[@grb2487]

And that ball vibrating thing too. Usually in white color 🤣🤣🤣🤫

[@simonlloyd7557]

Max Hardcore?

[@harrynelson9203]

If you could sit in the middle please 😉

[@PopPunkPoser]

One of the best reviews of a product I've seen. Well spoken, very knowledgeable and non bias. Great job!

[@Alesini100]

Perfect timing for this review! Great content as always. Thanks so much!

[@chrish3030]

I’ll agree with those that have bought cheap guns that do the job, no need to pay heaps for a brand, the cheap one I bought on eBay is still working and it definitely helps my recovery

[@Bobafetblue]

What’s it called

[@HenryWidell]

@@Bobafetblue I bought booster m2. 67 euros with shipping to finland. So far so good. Very powerful and battery lasts quite good. Little over 1 week of daily use and about 70% battery left.

[@rampager1990]

Just ordered one with a 50% voucher on amazon. Only £37. Good reviews, we'll see.

[@Numl0k]

@Luis Alberto Pinto Sanchez With most things, I agree with you. Though, there is plenty of stuff out there where you don't get more by paying more. Or at the very least, the difference is pretty minimal, compared to the increased cost. In plenty of cases, the expensive one might be 100% while the cheap is 95%. Is that extra 5% worth paying 6x as much? For most people, probably not. I have a cheap massage gun that I paid $50 for. I've used a nice $300 one. Is the $300 "better"? Well, it feels like it might be a little better, but that could be my perception rather than objectivity. Maybe it has a slightly longer stroke, and maybe it'll last longer, but those are both "maybe". But I do know that the $50 feels great and helps recovery after a workout. So, do I wish I had spent 6x as much? Hell no, it wouldn't be worth it for this particular product. It's hard to compare a precision engineered piece of equipment like a bike to something like this, which is just a motor and a reciprocating arm. It's basically an underpowered Sawzall with a short stroke. Not a lot of engineering needs to go into it, not a lot of precision parts, and material science and metallurgy aren't a factor like they are on a bike.

[@Numl0k]

@Luis Alberto Pinto Sanchez I did do my research. Like I said, I've literally used the higher priced massage guns. Sounds like you're just trying to internally justify spending a lot of money when you might have not needed to.

[@rebeccacervantes4392]

I appreciate your honesty , I was looking at this after a car accident . I did physical therapy and two injections. I got discharged but was looking into these

[@ShowemRight]

Heck Yeah they work, I have the NAIPO BRAND ...this machine took away my usual after work back pain in minutes. Truly amazing, I'm glad I ordered this because I'm feeling good.

[@GoldieHoffmanComedian]

Good vid, thanks. Informative, honest, and realistic. Thx!

[@dunyadanhaberinolsun7198]

Cookies and YT recommended actually working right for a change. Thanks for the review, was just checking these out yesterday. Narrow it down and pick the Bob and Brad C2 massage gun because of the weight, noise, and price.

[@Rufiowascool]

Thanks - this was really useful. Much appreciated for putting this together.

[@timb8095]

I’ve had more relief and progress sorting out chronic issues with my glutes, hips, quads and calves in 2 days with a Theragun than I have in 18 months of stretching, massage, physio, dry needling, podiatrist, chiropractic and youtube experts put together.

[@mattgroves2414]

Same

[@velveetaslingshot]

Same

[@linzipage859]

Which gun did you get please?

[@timb8095]

@@linzipage859 I got the Theragun Elite

[@gabe4149]

I don’t think mine works at all

[@MitchellBourisk]

Thanks for the unbiased review!

[@SteveChambersXP]

Awesome content just grabbed your book today!

[@Tokyolaser777]

Just bought a massage gun, thanks for the video, it's been extremely helpful :)

[@ibrahimgokdenizb1261]

i had to go thru 10 trash reviews to find this gem, your time and effort is appreciated, thank you. I pulled the trigger on this Bob and Brad because in comparison of 18 others. Thanks!

[@jimdavis081]

I’m literally browsing online for this. You just earned one more subscriber!

[@belalabdurahman1428]

i just got mine from fitnessmotive.ca and love it

[@keesverhagen7877]

@@belalabdurahman1428 Had a fall from 4.5 meters directly on concrete.I felt on my side. a big crack in my skull. but the side of impact! o my god, the pain !! can't walk. how is your experience with it. can it help. They are damn costly. My body hurts so much that the fabrik from clothes is to painfull.

[@everythingstakenman]

Its definitely worth the spend.. how much time and money you save on going to a masseuse! They're awesome for recovery, lifting mood and great for circulation.

[@47nightman]

There are several good quality guns available now for right at $100. I routinely use the Medocursor on my clients as part of my Massage Therapy practice. They are extremely helpful for the larger muscle groups.

[@cata2539]

Wow... that's great video. Massage Gun look strong, I feel relax

[@badsmilesorrisocattivo]

Nice video, very informative on recovery

[@SquatUniversity]

Thank you

[@PatRiot-]

Solid video I plan to get one of these asap. Had to get a spinal fusion at 18 for a horribly herniated disc due to weightlifting. I wasn't being dumb etc. The gym had brought in bars from the squat racks to do clean and jerk on.....go figure I'm the first guy in line to try and throw it above my head with a bar that was a similar shape to a windshield wiper..... Slight curve but not particularly noticeable. When the bar rotated at my chest- the entire bar flexed/popped in the direction of the curve (the left side moved to the rear of me and the right side moved in front of me) ending in a rotated back with 200 lbs on it. Push the bar away as i fell backwards but the damage was done on the awkward down squat.......Both legs useless 3 days later.... totally numb and in serious agony (that word isn't used lightly) 7 Years later I am rebuilt and running pretty strong though I don't lift the same way anymore. Be weary of your bars. Don't trust any bar you haven't checked that day. I walked into a room that was setup with 20 stations to do the lifts in a "speed dating" kind of way with all the guys on the team quickly doing their max to use to compete. The biggest mistake I made was not checking the bar. The main issue is the gym was fairly low budget so unsafe equipment was used for a lot longer if the problem wasn't affecting that lift station- until you try to use it for something else....then life altering injury. I'm leaving this comment on a massager video- but I ended up here from mad tension that can't be relieved by humans hands x D Maybe one or two people check their bars and don't get broke. Would be awesome to see less people end up like me- seriously injured while doing not doing the lift incorrectly(form/execution was not the issue as anyone around could see). Shit happens but maybe not to you after you read this :)

[@Ben.N]

Wow, that sucks. Thanks for the advice.

[@dylonjgrzenda6117]

Finally a good video about these

[@SquatUniversity]

Thank you!

[@user-je3fx2ev1u]

thanks for the info!

[@tj9382]

Good honest advice.

[@pr0n035]

I really love your content. Could you make a video about proximal hamstring tendinopathy? And is it possible to squat during the rehab ? not too deep I guess but low intensity high reps to strengthen the tendon ? thanks for what you do

[@atomictuna5784]

I spent $50 on an orbital buffer from Wal-Mart. Works pretty well for me.

[@SquatUniversity]

Glad to hear you found something that works well!

[@benjaminbaumgardner7620]

I did this for 35 bucks. Got tired of it quickly, but it was fun. I’m addicted to my massage gun though

[@dr4382]

Thank you so much! Looks quite funny those guns tough

[@kerimuzun1921]

Bob and Brad massage gun seems very well made. Initial impressions are great. Good attention to detail and works well. Great size, not too large, with a soft matte exterior. Very quiet compared to other massage guns as well.

[@WantOxide]

Thanks! It really helped

[@fuccckckkkkckkck]

I don’t even workout. Its just from working at the warehouse that my body aches are ridiculous. These kind of work for a while but it won’t get rid of the pain.

[@plazmamasta193]

These help with muscle recovery and circulation but you must workout your core and legs along with your back to better your posture and health also stretching

[@RenatoBalbuena]

Desde Argentina seguimos esperando (mientras mejoramos un poco nuestro inglés je) la versión en español del canal ! Saludos !!!

[@Slithy]

I got one from Ali for like $60, it has like 7 attachments including the cardboard ball and the one that looks like a thumb (i call it the lady pleaser). Speed goes up from 1 to 30, it has a digital display for speed and charge, and it's really quite powerful and with decent battery life. No brands name, experience may wary, and things may be different for the US as opposed to here in Europe, but overall i'm very pleased with this purchase. Oh, and it also came in a nice hard case with a handle.

[@exovitae]

Hey, im from eastern Europe, i was looking on Alliexpress too. I can get a massage gun with 42 euros shipping included, do you enjoy the massage of this guns, is it enjoyable? Thanks!

[@Slithy]

@@exovitae it is a tool for specific purpose. It is enjoyable certainly, but i don't use it very often. As always, your experience may vary, but if 42 euros is not a critical expense for you and/or if you have another person to use this massage gun on hard to reach places, then i'd say it's money well spent.

[@exovitae]

@@Slithy i see, thanks for the reply!

[@4Bang9Gang]

Just bought one and its amazing

[@jtuds]

I got one from Costco for $84.99 CDN. That’s cheaper than a 1 hour massage and if it breaks I can but like 9 of them for the cost of a Theragun pro. Only downside to these is that ti get certain spots, like your back, you need another person to use it on you.

[@vyotechnutritionals]

Great video, thanks

[@newnormalneedstv7632]

Thanks for a great review. New subscriber here.

[@yourfavoriteamputee6605]

Thanks bro!

[@kennynakawaki]

I personally like to use a theragun right before workouts just to kinda stimulate the muscle of the day and prime them up beforehand.

[@Sidore]

I have Bob and Brad C2. I use everyday after my workout called the Befit got it off Amazon for a little over a hundred dollar's its super quite powerful and comes with a case attachments and I have only charge once every week so no I don't think you need to drop hundreds of dollars on massage gun.

[@an-sontran8672]

Your videos have helped a ton with my training. How do you feel about TENS units or EMS for recovery and pain relief?

[@smartechforyou7739]

It is a very sought after product and I think it works well. I also made a list of such products on my channel.

[@RationalMinded]

Did the DYI version with a jigsaw, adapter and lacrosse ball. Much louder than theragun but just as effective IMO. These things are criminally overpriced if you're not a chiropractor or something of that nature.

[@adwebwiz]

you can buy one on ebay for 60$

[@RationalMinded]

@@adwebwiz I actually did. Much lighter than the DIY version, quieter too, but not as powerful. That's to be expected though.

[@preston2636]

You can get them at tj maxx now for 30 bucks

[@keyworkmonstar]

Got mine from Costco for 25 dollars (on sale from 100) and it's comparable to my hypervolt

[@RationalMinded]

@@keyworkmonstar I'm glad they're affordable now. Got a few of them around the house at this point.

[@slavsterbater]

Video starts 5:12

[@stemirreviews]

Useful!

[@tommasomoncini]

Which model do you think is today the best? I understand that the stall force (the force that you need to stop the movement) and the amplitude of movement are the 2 most important factors... For example the theragun has 16mm of excursion amplitude and a very hight stall force...

[@ozgundenizkucuk6464]

I bought the Bob and Brad massage gun as it provides a powerful force for a deep massage. The weight of the gun is perfect and the build is very solid. The battery life is also very good on this gun compare to others.

[@alptekin4671]

Ne kadara aldın

[@videoman552]

If you’re a serious athlete and aren’t super sensitive (and you have over 100$) then get the B&B massage gun. It’s better than the hypervolt and it works very well and packs more power.

[@MickyMs]

Do you work there, or are they paying you to say that?

[@khalidaalayoub8804]

Thank you 🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@shaunjadrin]

The LEGIRAL works great. You can find it on Amazon for $145.

[@alanandersonAU]

Can you do something like this with stem devices i.e. the Powerdot? Thanks!

[@SquatUniversity]

You bet!

[@vyuniverse9490]

@@SquatUniversity Love your work! I'd be totally keen to hear what you have to say about TENS devices (like Compex, etc.). Also, is their effectiveness scientifically backed?

[@MduNhlebela]

great review! tell me. do you think this devices would be any beneficial to someone who is paralysed (sci)?

[@charlesmichael4070]

Are there any good massage guns that have plug in electric cord rather than a battery?

[@florentfaignart2776]

Can you do a video on how to use massage gun? Staying on one painful location in the muscle or on all the muscle?

[@florentfaignart2776]

And maybe the use of the different head?

[@SquatUniversity]

Sure!

[@MERVILLE3]

Love that you appreciate €100 is a lot of money to a lot of people, something a lot of people on KZbin should learn. Thanks

[@zanarkand505]

I just got one for 50 on Amazon. It's amazing!

[@thomashawton5443]

zanarkand505 which one ?

[@bladddddd]

Thanks bro

[@thomasr1051]

I feel like I'd use it more than my other tools for sure. I don't stretch often enough either

[@RBender111]

Hey Aaron, can you do a breakdown between the ones you have there and the cheaper ones that are all over the chinese import pages and popup shops? Are they worth getting as a much cheaper option? Or are they essentually just a heavy loud massage stick?

[@SquatUniversity]

I'll see what I can do!

[@austinhickerson7311]

Squat University Will these help with tightness? Maybe by helping loosen those muscles up for a more beneficial stretch? I’ve been in and out of therapy for years, and have I have a lot of tightness and muscle imbalances that I’m trying to work on. Thanks 😊

[@BJLS19]

I needed a massage gun because I’m doing all that other recovery stuff walking 10,000 steps a day really takes a toll on my legs and that massage gun really helps out alot

[@alessandrosarcia]

Hello very informative as usual, I bought one on aliexpress (China) and I sent about $40 with 6 tools and 30 speeds. It works very well.

[@Knud451]

What about recovery boots? Then you don't have the problem of reaching all over the body (and in general easier to use) and I would think they're more effective too.

[@zdorris93]

You can make one of these for under 20 bucks. I made one 4 years ago and it still works perfectly. Never had any problems

[@justinbarry2893]

instructions?

[@sebastianwallin3726]

@@justinbarry2893 1. go on video 2. write bs 3. instruct others

[@NotoriousBBB]

Doing serious rolling is a workout in itself if you're tight

[@Petethefeet79]

Nothing beats the theragun. Period.

[@wjolly1824]

I desperately need this for the constant pain in my left shoulder

[@vishalchauhan7748]

Sir please make a video on knee valgus (knock knees)

[@SquatUniversity]

I'll see what I can do!

[@sharonhubb3460]

I spent way too much time researching massage guns just to realize that Bob and Brad C2 is prob best. This is my third massage gun. The last 2 tend to be more of a vibrator than a massage device. Not really helpful. The price + performance of C2 looked just like an absolute steal. It is nothing short of amazing! Over the years i’ve gone to their channel when ive had the odd niggle and i've always found their advice to be right "on the money".

[@matenorth]

Hi, What were the previous massagers you tried? Ive read vibration is better than percussive massager.

[@ashwithpc1834]

You are the best

[@julief634]

Which brand would you recommend for a massage therapist who wants to try percussion therapy for their clients?

[@pythonicinertia7881]

Could you did a video on safety while using a massage gun?

[@patlayankek9414]

I would recommend Bob and Brad massage gun to anyone looking for an affordable and easy solution to muscle aches and pain. My wife and I are athletic people and have been wanting a massage gun for a long time. I have been watching Bob and Brad yt channel for quite some time and I love their videos. When the massage gun arrived it came in a nice zipper carry case and it has five different attachments heads for whatever kind of massage I want and a USB-C charging cable.

[@kettlebellmusclegain]

Of course they work. Question is do they work for a persons goals and with their expertise level.

[@knightrdrx]

i was told to buy a rumble roller by my doctors.i would think they would have suggested this instead.

[@jonascooper759]

I have always suffered from very sore pressure points in my calves (only painful when manipulated). Would this type of treatment be of benefit?

[@SquatUniversity]

It could very likely be a helpful tool.

[@Heliosvector]

This is how my plantar fasciitis started. Please go to a massage therapist and have them examine your lower half to make sure your calves don’t tighten more and make it worse.

[@johnpascoe6391]

Is it worth spending more on the likes of the Theragun models or the cheaper ones do the same job and are reliable?

[@SquatUniversity]

I wouldn't waste your money personally...

[@istman75]

Got mine for 33 Euros from AliExpress, doing the same job. No need for expensive gadgets. Btw, thanks for this video. All your informative videos rock! Cheers.

[@francescocecco6264]

is it just me who doesn't want to and can't multitask during the treatment? I wouldn't definitely be with friends or watch a movie while operating a percussing device, I have a theragun with is very powerful and when I use it I concentrate in following the guidance and timer provided by the app.

[@jordontuttle7403]

So i have a gun and lacrosse balls and rollers. I am trying to reduce my inventory. Will i loose out on much of i toss it all and just keep the message gun? Thanks!

[@Cubrick2]

Should you press it as hard as you can tolerate or does a gentle pressure making the muscles move is enough?

[@BodyFixExercises]

You don´t need to press with these. Just the weight of the gun is plenty. Stick to 2 minutes max per area. (I use them daily in my work as a chiro)

[@oxygen-oksijen6411]

I just ordered the Bob and Brad Massage Gun for my fiance... She wants clues for christmas, but I'm not telling her that it's basically for both of us.

[@Vestergaard11]

...and imagine your face finding out that she is using it in a very odd way when she is home alone...

[@iexecutionzi8400]

Ordered one from a different company. About to put this on my taint.

[@magicmarie8403]

Nice.

[@5amdrive283]

Make a video How to use them for every muscle in a proper way

[@nolly485]

A lot of Weight lifters use these pre workout is this not recommended then and use it after workouts more so as you stated here?

[@7331warrior]

The only person I can trust for the honest review.

[@duece_prod]

Frfr

[@Hisoka107]

so this is a passive recovery tool and not going to make that big of an effect on the muscle tissue itself? My understanding from the video and looking at the device is that it's similar to a TENS unit and is not making any mechanical changes to the muscle tissue length or removing trigger points

[@Condition_ONE]

I use the Wasagun model (@300.00) for both myself and clients-priceless for my folks that aren’t able to do floor gymnastics with a conventional roller, lol.

[@SquatUniversity]

That's a good why behind their use for sure!

[@reylicruz1328]

My mom is going to think this is something else 😂

[@hata3058]

Aye Stop that!!

[@Universal_Craftsman]

After you tell her that's for curing your muscle pain, she probably wants to borrow it for her "muscle pain".

[@jeff_lamp5471]

Great video, follow-up question, will massagers like these help with breaking up scar tissue?

[@maikubraxton]

Not on the level you would likely want. Percussion massage is used to increase circulation. And to prepare muscles for physica activities or aid in the bodies restorative cycle. If you want to "break up" scar tissue. Try cross fiber friction and deep petrissage techniques together AFTER percussive techniques.

[@kevinorsini8267]

Are the benefits of using one of these percussion types greater than the vibration/massage types?

[@enrique2395]

Kevin Orsini its the same thing

[@donniegrande9186]

I'LL JUST USE MY GIRL'S LOVE MASSAGER!

[@kishankevin10]

lol, nice one

[@SLee-jq8qu]

r/madlads

[@hayden3202]

Something a virgin would say trying to sound cool

[@Renaldo015]

@@hayden3202 Not really

[@jamiejohncox6821]

😝😂

[@Koshac4]

You can get almost the exact same ones starting 70$ for aliexpress and I have one and it is AMAZING!

[@SquatUniversity]

Thats great to hear.

[@momosport2052]

My question is does it work ? Why do I have three guns if one gun enough ?

[@dre4759]

The $60.00 shipped from china ebay massage gun I bought almost 2 years ago is still doing strong. Gets used bi weekly for at least 2 battery cycles. Great gadget well worth the $

[@talion7268]

Hey man what brand is it ?

[@dre4759]

@@talion7268 no brand as far as I know.

[@AutoMotivate]

Hey Aaron! You touched on some fantastic topics, but I have a quick question: Could you use these guns as a warmup/rehab before workout on overactive muscles? What is your thoughts on that??

[@YashSharma-dy1si]

Yess, you can ADD this to your warm-up...

[@BodyFixExercises]

These are great for overactive muscles. You can use them as a warm-up but it'd take a long time to cover all the muscles, so I'd only use it on problematic muscles as a warm up.

[@julianmcculloch3235]

I was expecting the negative side as well. I guess its implied

[@jackmarshall757]

That 2nd one sounded like a lightsaber.

[@SquatUniversity]

Haha

[@TheSignkitty]

Can I get your opinion on "Rolf massage" Many of the Rolf Massage therapist use these type of guns. One Therapist told me his client gained an inch in height. Its an expensive massage so before I jump in I want to know if it will help me. I have Scoliosis I'm wondering if multiple ROLF massages will help me with pain long term?

[@cemtokgoz]

I have some sort of edema coming from last years injury on my shoulder,Do you think it would work?

[@Bez180sx]

Will they help with mobility at all ?