Theragun and Percussive Pain Therapies: What You Should Know

by Melinda Burris Willms

      The Theragun is a well-known brand of handheld percussive massage devices that allow athletes and chronic pain sufferers to self-treat aches and pains of the muscles. Athletes find these percussive tools to be particularly effective in reducing post-workout recovery times and aiding in eliminating pain after a strenuous workout.

This article delves into the different types of Theraguns, their price points, how Theragun compares to the competition, and percussive therapies in general so you can evaluate and decide for yourself if it might be worth the investment of time and money to try adding one of these treatments to your own workout routine.

[am4show not_have=’g5;’]

[/am4show][am4guest]

[/am4guest][am4show have=’g5;’]

Percussive Therapy Explained

This type of therapy is known by many names, alternatively referred to as percussion or vibration therapy, percussive therapy is used to manipulate the soft tissue surrounding injuries to decrease muscle soreness and improve range of motion. While the terms percussive therapy and vibration therapy are often used interchangeably, percussive therapy tools combine a hammering or pulsating movement with vibrations.¹

Handheld automated percussive therapy devices are gaining in popularity because it is believed the power these electronic tools provide allows for a deeper, more targeted massage, reaching layers of muscle that traditional methods like manual massage or foam rolling cannot. It is thought this ability to reach deep into the muscle layers speeds recovery times and provides increased alleviation of pain caused by muscle stiffness and soreness.¹

Manipulating the soft tissue around the affected muscle or muscle groups with an automated percussion device has a desensitizing effect and works “by shocking the muscle fiber gradually until the target area is penetrated.”² The ability to get right at the affected area allows for targeted therapy without the pain that is often associated with traditional forms of massage. Tissue around a damaged muscle is often sore to the touch, limiting the ability to really reach deep muscle injuries and adequately address the root cause of the problem merely using human hands. Percussion therapy offers an alternative that provides targeted therapy and relief without pain.²

Both elite and amateur athletes are naturally drawn to percussive devices as they are always seeking out ways to speed recovery time and return to optimum performance level as quickly as possible.¹

Theragun Options and Price Points

      Theragun is arguably the most well-known brand of percussive therapy devices on the market. The company claims the Theragun far exceeds the ability of vibration massagers with its capacity to reach “60% deeper.”³ The Theragun applies cyclical strokes that reach 16 mm deep into muscle at a rate of 40 times per second. Deep, rapid percussive therapy is believed to facilitate healing by promoting circulation, generating heat, and providing deep tension relief.³

Theragun offers three versions of its percussive device. A description and retail price of each is provided below:

Theragun Pro $600

The Theragun Pro is the premier version of the company line. The device is designed for ease of full-body access offering four arm positions and featuring the “Theragun Triangle”, an ergonomically designed handle that guards against arm fatigue or placing undue stress on the wrists during use.³

The Theragun G3 $399

The Theragun G3 is Theragun’s middle of the line product and supplies 40 pounds of power to alleviate the pain caused by sore, tight muscles. This model includes a lighter speed for use on areas that are particularly painful and sensitive to touch.³

The Theragun Liv $249

      The Theragun Liv is the most affordable of the three options and is touted as a “pill free approach to pain . . . and a breakthrough treatment used in over 40 countries around the world.”³

How Theragun Stacks Up Against the Competition

Last year, the Gear Patrol decided to compare the Theragun G3Pro to its competitor, the Hyperice Hypervolt in a one-month test. The two devices were compared in four categories: design, sound, charging, and the subjective “how it feels” test.⁴

Similarities between the two massage devices were noted at the outset. For instance, both the G3Pro and the Hypervolt are effective warmup and cool down tools. Both massagers have a similar shape and are comparable in weight. During warm up, it is suggested you use the massager on all major muscle groups for approximately 15 seconds. Following your workout, use the device on your hamstrings, quads, and calves again for as long as two minutes.⁴

Here is a breakdown of the test findings based on category:

1. Design

The Theragun was favored due to its ergonomically designed handle and the increased range offered by the multiple arm angles users can choose from. The Theragun also received high marks for being user-friendly and featuring an on and off switch that is easy to maneuver.⁴

In contrast, testers found the Hypervolt handle to be uncomfortable and awkward to use. The Hypervolt was also more difficult to power on and off than the Theragun. Powering up or shutting down the Hypervolt requires a dual action—you must flip the power switch located at the handle’s base and then push a circular power button positioned near the air vents. This mechanism forces you to use both hands and is cumbersome.⁴

~Not surprisingly, the Theragun G3Pro was declared the winner in this category for its ergonomic design and user-friendly interface.⁴

2. Sound

One of the drawbacks of automated percussion devices is they tend to be loud. Theragun responded to this common complaint by replacing the G2Pro with the G3Pro, complete with claims that it was 50% less noisy than the previous model. Tests showed that while the G3Pro is less obtrusive than older models, when used on high, it is still quite loud.⁴

In comparison, though the Hypervolt was also noisy, particularly when used on the high setting, it was noticeably quieter than the G3Pro. Testers remarked that when the Hypervolt was used on its lowest setting, they did not notice the noise.⁴

~ The Hyperice Hypervolt was declared the winner in this category for its lower sound levels.⁴

3. Charging

The charging mechanisms on both devices are unwieldy and require carrying a lot of equipment. The charging pack for the Theragun includes two battery packs, a power charger base, and two power cords—a wall unit and an AC cable.⁴

The Hypervolt includes just one battery which is stored in the handle. To recharge it, you must plug it into a power base like the one used with the Theragun. The Hypervolt requires multiple power cords as well.⁴

While testing battery life, testers were surprised and a bit disconcerted to find that the Theragun began losing battery power rather rapidly. After running on high speed for 25 minutes, the Theragun had lost 16% of its battery power. Both devices continued to be run on the high setting for more than 45 minutes. By the end of that time, the Theragun had lost 50% of its battery power. In contrast, the Hypervolt showed no loss of batter power.⁴

~Not surprisingly, the Hypervolt won this category for its battery power longevity.⁴

4. The “How it Feels” Test⁴

This category is undeniably subjective, and Gear Patrol acknowledges this stating, “Your body feels vibrations differently mostly depending on receptors from your brain, so both massagers take some getting used to.” The Theragun offers two power levels while the Hypervolt boasts three. Some participants were impressed by Hypervolt’s third power option; however, other testers observed no difference in how the two devices felt.⁴

~Predictably this final category ended in a tie as results were dependent on personal preference.⁴

Final Recommendation: The test panel ultimately commended Theragun for its ergonomic and user-friendly design. However, if cost savings and a low sound level are priorities for you, Hypervolt is your best option. Participants expressed appreciation for the extras that come with the Theragun model, including changeable heads. If you can afford to pay more (the Theragun model is approximately $250 more than the Hypervolt), it may be worth the investment.⁴

References

1. Capritto, A. (16 June 2019). What is a Theragun? Why You Should Try This Power Drill-like Self-massager.
2. Evolve MMA. (2020). Here’s How Percussion Therapy Boosts Muscle Recovery and Ignites Athletic Performance.
3. Theragun.
4. Lappe, M. (12 March 2019). Hypervolt vs. Theragun: Which Brand Makes the Best Recovery Tool?

[/am4show]