Massage Guns Are Great BUT There Are A Few Things You Should Know....

At TrainSmarter, we’re big believers in the efficacy of our Theragun for muscle recovery and relief. I can personally vouch for its effectiveness—mine was a lifesaver the last time I strained my back.

You may have seen sports teams using massage guns on the sidelines or golfers pulling them out of their bags. These tools have become a go-to for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

While massage guns are fantastic for recovery, it’s important to know where NOT to use them.

Where You Should Never Use a Massage Gun

Some areas of the body are simply too delicate for percussive therapy.

🚫 The Neck (Front & Sides) – The biggest risk comes from using a massage gun over the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Percussion in this area could alter blood flow and, in rare cases, increase the risk of a stroke.

One woman developed vertebral artery dissection—a condition that can cause strokes—after using a massage gun on her neck for three weeks. (She did recover, thank goodness!)

Repeated pressure on the lymph nodes of the neck can inflame them, causing swelling and discomfort.

🚫 Over the Eyes – Percussive therapy and delicate eye structures don’t mix!

🚫 Directly Over the Heart – Especially important for individuals with heart conditions or pacemakers.

🚫 Inner Groin Area – There are major blood vessels and lymph nodes here, so direct impact could be risky.

🚫 Behind the Knees – This area contains nerves and blood vessels that don’t respond well to deep vibration.

🚫 Bony Areas – There's no reason to massage a bone--and hitting bones with percussion is uncomfortable!

🚫 Numb Spots – If a body part is numb you won't be able to feel if you're overdoing it.

Used Correctly, Massage Guns Are Game-Changers!

When used on the right areas, massage guns are incredibly effective at reducing muscle soreness, improving blood circulation, and promoting recovery.

They’re especially useful after a hard workout and even more valuable during spring and summer yard work, when repetitive motions (lifting, bending, raking) leave muscles stiff and overworked.

The best muscle groups to treat include:
✅ Shoulders & Upper Traps (just avoid the front and sides of the neck)
✅ Quads & Hamstrings​
✅ Hips & Calves​
✅ Lower & Mid-Back

Best Practices for Safe & Effective Use

• Keep it moving – Avoid holding the device in one spot for too long; glide it over the muscle for 30–60 seconds per area.

• Listen to your body – If a spot feels tender, ease up on the pressure. Pain is a sign to stop, not push through.

• Use it at the right times – Massage guns work well before workouts (to increase blood flow) and after workouts (to aid recovery).

Massage guns are one of the best tools for muscle recovery. With a little knowledge and the right technique, they can help keep you feeling strong, mobile, and pain-free!