If you’ve experienced a muscle strain, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with the pain and discomfort. One of the effective ways to treat a strained muscle is to massage it manually or use a massage tool as it helps to increase blood flow to the muscle. 

One of the most common and trending massage tools in the market is the massage gun. While massage guns have become increasingly popular in recent years, it’s important to know when and how to use them properly to avoid worsening your injury.

Understanding Strained Muscles

Strained muscles often occur due to overuse, improper use of the muscle, fatigue, or when a muscle is overstretched or torn. This can lead to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.

Muscle strains are classified into three grades based on their severity:

Grade	Severity	Symptoms
1	Mild	Slight muscle tear, minimal loss of strength, and some discomfort
2	Moderate	Partial muscle tear, noticeable loss of strength, and moderate pain
3	Severe	Complete muscle tear, significant loss of strength, and severe pain

Not all muscle strains are the same, and the severity of the injury will determine your appropriate course of treatment.

If you suspect that you have a strained muscle, rest the affected area and avoid any physical activities that may aggravate the injury. If the pain persists, apply ice to the area for 20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling and pain. Moreover, if the pain is too severe to ignore, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage your discomfort.

While these remedies work well in certain cases, it’s always crucial to seek medical attention when you experience severe pain, swelling, or loss of function in your muscles. Depending on the severity of your strained muscle, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms.

What is a Massage Gun

If you’re looking for a way to relieve muscle tension and pain, you may have heard of massage guns. A massage gun is a handheld massage device that uses percussive therapy to provide deep tissue massage to your muscles. It delivers rapid, repetitive pressure to your muscles, which can help to increase blood flow, reduce muscle soreness, and improve your range of motion.

Massage guns are portable and are easy to use on various parts of the body, including the back, shoulders, legs, and arms. Most massage guns in the market also come with different attachments, such as balls, cones, and forks, which can be interchanged depending on the area of the body that you want to target.

While massage guns are famous for providing effective and quick relief to muscle pain, it’s important to use them correctly and safely. Overuse or improper use of this device can cause further damage to your muscles and tissues. 

Hence, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using a massage gun. 

Benefits of Using a Massage Gun

Experts recommend taking a rest and allowing your body to heal naturally instead of using a massage gun, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. Other healthcare professionals also recommend using other methods such as ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and pain. 
However, there are situations where using a massage gun may be beneficial, such as after the initial acute phase of the injury has passed.
Here are some benefits of using a massage gun:

Increased Blood Flow

One of the main benefits of using a massage gun is that it can increase blood flow to the affected area. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the affected muscle area. By increasing blood flow, a massage gun can also help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscle, which can further aid in the healing process.

Improved Range of Motion

Using a massage gun can also help to improve your range of motion. When you have a strained muscle, it can be difficult to move the affected area without experiencing pain or discomfort. When you use a massage gun, you can help to loosen up the muscles and increase your range of motion.

Convenient and Easy to Use

A massage gun is handheld, so it’s very convenient and easy to use. Simply turn it on, set it to your preferred intensity, and then gently glide the massage gun head over the affected muscle area.

It’s also portable, so you can use it at home, at the gym, or anywhere else you need to. Lastly, most massage guns come with different attachments that you can use to target specific areas of the body.

Massage Guns We Suggest

Here are some massage guns available in the market that are also well-loved by others:

Risks of Using a Massage Gun on a Strained Muscle

According to experts, it’s generally not safe to use a massage gun on a muscle strain or sprain, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or injury. Even when massage guns give quick pain relief, there are still some risks that you need to consider. 

Applying direct and repetitive force to an injured area can further damage your already torn muscle fibers, making it more difficult for your muscle to heal.

Moreover, using a massage gun on a strained muscle can also cause temporary inflammation. While an increased blood flow to the affected area can be beneficial in most cases, the worst-case scenario is that it can result in temporary inflammation in some cases.

Alternative Treatments for Strained Muscles

While massage guns have gained popularity in recent years, there are alternative treatments for strained muscles that you may want to consider.

Rest and Ice

One of the most simple and effective treatments for a strained muscle is rest and ice. This technique helps to reduce inflammation and swelling of the muscle, which can speed up the healing process. To do this, simply rest the affected muscle and apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day or as recommended by your doctor.

Compression

Another effective treatment for a strained muscle is compression, which helps to reduce swelling and support the affected muscle. To do this, wrap the affected area with an elastic bandage, making sure not to wrap it too tightly.

Elevation

Elevating the affected muscle can also help to reduce swelling. Simply prop up the affected area with a pillow or cushion.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be a great way to help recover from a strained muscle. A physical therapist can guide you in doing exercises that will help to strengthen the affected muscle.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with a strained muscle. Before you take these medications, make sure to follow the recommended dosage so as not to overdose, and do not treat these medications as long-term solutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using a massage gun on a strained muscle can have both positive and negative effects. It is important to consider the severity of the injury, the location of the strain, and your personal pain tolerance before deciding to use a massage gun. You should also consider any preexisting conditions if there are any.

On the positive side, a massage gun can help to break up muscle knots and adhesions, increase blood flow to the area, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve range of motion. 

Moreover, if you choose to use a massage gun on a strained muscle, make sure to start with a low intensity, and then gradually increase it as you feel comfortable. Be sure to avoid direct, repetitive force on the injured area and focus on the surrounding muscles to avoid worsening your pain.

It is also important to note that a massage gun should not replace professional medical advice or treatment. If you are experiencing severe pain or have a serious injury, or if your pain persists even after using the massage gun, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Massage gun 

Were you recently involved in a vehicular accident and are now dealing with a strained muscle from your injury? A massage gun can truly help alleviate your symptoms and speed up the healing process. 

While you’re focused on your healing, don’t forget to address the legal aspects of your accident. If you’re not sure where to begin in the legal process, allow The Personal Injury Center to assist you.

Connect with a skilled attorney through The Personal Injury Center, and receive the necessary support to secure the medical care and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Don’t let your injuries deter you from pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to. Visit The Personal Injury Center to get a free consultation today.

Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.

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