Massage gun

Sigma83#
Sigma83# Member Posts: 2
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:07 in Living with arthritis

I have just received from my grandson a Tamda massage gun. I have osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. Is this something people would recommend using and are there any YouTube videos which you could recommend? Many thanks

Comments

  • Shell_H
    Shell_H Member Posts: 548
    edited 18. Jan 2022, 14:46

    Hi @Sigma83# - welcome to the online community!

    I see you've received a massage gun as a present and you're wondering if it is recommended for people with Osteoarthritis and Spinal Stenosis.

    I've had a quick google and from what I can see massage guns are recommended to try if you have arthritis - especially if you find deep tissue massage to help you anyway. Versus Arthritis has a page on massage here and it is a treatment which may be offered by physiotherapists as well as available through massage therapists privately.

    From my googling there are a couple of safety notes on the use of massage guns I've copied below:

    Although massage guns can be used to massage any area of the body, there are a few areas to steer clear of. Avoid using the massage gun on the neck, head, or any injured muscles. For further safety, hold the massage gun about an inch away from where it will be applied. For maximum effectiveness and safety, it’s best to use for at least 15 seconds and no more than 2 minutes on each muscle group. Every massage gun will come with a manual that includes complete safety and operating instructions.


    Despite the positive impact massage guns have had on those suffering from arthritis, certain people may be more sensitive to deep tissue massage than others. If any pain is experienced, consult with a doctor for other treatment options.

    Hopefully some of our other community members may have used a massage gun themselves and may have some help for you there.

    Please do have a look around the rest of the community and share anything, ask questions or just vent if you want. We are a very welcoming place and we've all got experience of arthritis and understand what you're experiencing.

    Lovely to meet you!

    Shell

  • Shaphron
    Shaphron Member Posts: 74
    edited 12. Jan 2022, 16:39

    I've found a video which may help with how to use - is that what you're looking for?

    https://youtu.be/Cj7i4NCZtp0

    It seems to be a fairly legitimate channel run by two physiotherapists. They are American, but I don't think any of the advice given in this video would be affected by differing countries.

    Hope this helps!

    If in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout

  • crinkly
    crinkly Member Posts: 158

    I've been using a massage gun for about three years and find it really helpful when muscles become tight and threaten to spasm/cramp. I've always found a good hand massage to be really beneficial and the gun is a lot quicker and doesn't require a physio or massage specialist.

    In a former existence I was a sports person who competed at regional and national levels for many years so have a legacy of greater than average muscle bulk - which brings both advantages and disadvantages where OA is concerned. I can't prove it but feel the massage gun may have played a big part in keeping my previously frequent and long-lasting attacks of sciatica at bay for the past two years. As soon as I am aware of building tension and soreness in the main leg muscles out comes the gun.

    I just follow the instructions that came with the gun along with those I've found on YouTube and will continue to use it for as long as it appears to be of benefit. Provided the advice on use, safety and timing is followed I cannot see how a massage gun could be harmful.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,048

    I accidentally bought the most viscous gun just before Christmas and can't use it at all it hurts even on the lowest setting and rattles my teeth too😁.

    Crinkly if you could PM me the make of yours I really would be very interested.

    I am after something to ease the muscles which knot and wouldn't try one on my actual joints anyway.

    Thanks

    Toni xx

  • Lcc86
    Lcc86 Member Posts: 31

    I was given one last year and find it really helpful for my back. I'm a bit unusual in that I like really hard massages so have no issue with even the top setting on the massage gun. Mine has an app with it which guides you through. If it has different attachments just experiment a bit to see which one you like and maybe watch some videos on specific areas you'd like to target. Avoid using on joints or bony areas.

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