I begin warming up for a workout and grimace, a lunge stretch kindly reminding me that my final gymnasium session annihilated my legs. So I pause my warmup and begin walloping my leg muscle tissue with 40 kilos of power. Not with my very own fingers, although — I let a Theragun do the work. Nearly immediately, I really feel nice.
Thought of the gold normal in percussive remedy — a massage technique to assuage sore muscle tissue — the Theragun model has enthralled thousands and thousands on social media with movies of toned muscle tissue rippling beneath the power of this gadget, a la CrossFit Video games champion Mathew Fraser.
That’s the reason on this article we’re gonna be specializing in the Theragun evaluate. Theragun’s portfolio of therapeutic massage weapons consists of 4 completely different fashions, all of that are fairly dear, particularly now that a substantial amount of different sports activities gear firms have launched cheaper variations, on this article, we are going to do a Theragun evaluate on all 4 fashions.
Preserve studying to know the complete Theragun evaluate.
About Theragun
Theragun was as soon as the title of each a model and a set of merchandise. In 2020, Theragun rebranded as Therabody to embody a bigger suite of merchandise and place itself as a holistic health restoration model.
Therabody sells Theragun therapeutic massage weapons, in fact, but additionally CBD merchandise, foam rollers, compression programs, and electrical muscle stimulators.
All these issues are cool, however I’m right here to speak in regards to the varied Theraguns out there at present and allow you to resolve whether or not or not they’re well worth the price ticket.
This Theragun evaluate takes a tough have a look at all 4 Theragun fashions at the moment out there.
My Ideas:
- Do your analysis: Theragun therapeutic massage weapons are good merchandise, however you may discover one thing that meets your wants for much less cash.
- Ask individuals in your circle in the event that they’ve tried a Theragun therapeutic massage gun: Individuals normally both love them or don’t like them; attempt to perceive what camp you may fall into earlier than shopping for.
Nice For:
- Athletes and avid exercisers who want deep-tissue therapeutic massage therapy
- Anybody who desires highly effective therapeutic massage remedy on the go
- Individuals who have the cash to pay for family model names, no matter whether or not it’s one of the best product for them or not
Not Advisable For:
- Individuals on a decent finances
- Individuals who favor gentler massages
Why You Ought to Belief Us
We’ve been reviewing well being gears and fitness-associated merchandise for a protracted whereas now ever since know-how first turned common. From therapeutic massage weapons to health gear, and all the way down to health trackers, we’ve had our fingers on many of the big-name merchandise on the market, and within the case of this Theragun evaluate article, dozens of massagers from lesser-known manufacturers.
Whereas the therapeutic massage expertise is 100% subjective, we all know what specs to search for in a percussive therapeutic massage gadget that’ll swimsuit most individuals.
What are the Advantages of Utilizing a Theragun Therapeutic massage Gun?
The Theragun fashions provide the identical advantages as many of the different therapeutic massage weapons available on the market at present. Listed below are just a few explanation why you may think about one:
- Improved Blood Stream: When a muscle feels the percussion of a therapeutic massage gun, it sends a sign to your mind to extend the quantity of blood, oxygen, and very important vitamins to that muscle.
- Alleviate Muscle Ache: After all, one of many many causes you join a therapeutic massage is that it takes away the ache and a Theragun is not any completely different. Therapeutic massage weapons, when used correctly, have been linked with decreased muscle fatigue.
- Elevated Vary of Movement: Though researchers haven’t but reached a consensus, some research have proven therapeutic massage weapons may help an elevated vary of movement, although the results are usually not long-lasting.
Theragun Overview
What’s Nice about Theragun Therapeutic massage Weapons?
The Theragun delivers on its guarantees. The primary promoting factors are that it helps with exercise restoration by releasing muscle pressure and relieving soreness, accelerates warmup and cool-down durations for train, and soothes ache with none type of treatment or complement.
Theragun does all of these issues: In my few months of expertise with the Liv and G3, I’ve observed enhancements in areas that athletes and leisure exercisers alike are eager on bettering. These issues embody:
- Quickened restoration time after strenuous exercises, particularly lengthy runs
- Improved vary of movement when used earlier than exercises, particularly within the higher again and shoulders
- Usually, higher muscle flexibility
- Instant notion of pain relief when used on sore muscle tissue
Along with all of that, the Theragun has helped me sleep higher on a couple of event. I am horrible at sleeping: It takes me ages to go to sleep and as soon as I lastly do, my sleep tends to be mild and fragmented (my Fitbit tells me I solely get about 45 minutes of deep sleep every evening — yikes).
I am undecided what the mechanism is behind this, however I am assuming that it has one thing to do with the connection between strenuous train, muscle aches, and sleep. On most nights that I used a Theragun after a really intense exercise or when my muscle tissue have been notably sore, I fell asleep quicker and skilled fewer night-time wake-ups. I additionally felt extra rested all through the next day and had much less of a necessity for a nap.
This might be as a result of the Theragun soothed aches that stored me from falling asleep or as a result of it calmed my nervous system after intense train. This is not only a coincidence: Theragun recommends utilizing the gadget for 2 minutes on every main muscle group to down-regulate your nervous system earlier than mattress.
When it comes to the gadget itself, the Theragun is extremely smooth and handsome for a therapeutic massage gun. Its distinctive triangular form differentiates the Theragun from its opponents, which largely all appear like the velocity radar weapons that cops level at automobiles on the interstate.
The gadget feels sturdy in hand and options an ergonomic, adjustable head that means that you can therapeutic massage your personal again. It is nonetheless extra handy to enlist assist from another person, however in case you’re ever in a pinch, know which you can hit hard-to-reach spots by yourself.
What’s not so Nice about Theragun Therapeutic massage Weapons?
In comparison with different therapeutic massage weapons available on the market, each the Theragun G3 and Liv lack in options for his or her value level. Yow will discover high quality percussive therapeutic massage units with only one or two speeds for much much less cash.
You possibly can even discover good therapeutic massage weapons with extra options for much less cash. After all, you will not get pleasure from “oohs” and “ahhs” from your mates if you buy a non-Theragun, however in case you aren’t in search of model reward, who cares?
I additionally discover that Theraguns do not provide any settings low sufficient to accommodate for terribly sore muscle tissue, accidents, or circumstances like arthritis. I do not personally have any accidents or musculoskeletal problems, however I do get sore typically, and I’ve discovered the Theragun exhausting to make use of at instances.
If I expertise extreme muscle soreness, I am hesitant to make use of the Theragun on these areas. If I do, I normally discover myself having to carry the gadget barely away from my pores and skin so it does not punch to full depth. And if I’ve extraordinarily tight muscle knots? Overlook about it. I am going to come again to the Theragun in a day or two when the knot has subsided a bit.
I want there was at the least one softer setting on all the Theragun fashions to accommodate for notably delicate days.
My solely different grievance: These items are loud. I am fairly sure my neighbors assume I am drilling holes within the wall after I use the Theragun. Once I apply it to my neck, traps, or shoulders, I swear I can really feel my mind rattling round inside my head.
It additionally generally makes my ears really feel like I am cleansing them with Q-tips, which is bizarre, however no matter.
The newer fashions of the G3 are purportedly quieter than ever earlier than, however I have not heard such information in regards to the G3 Professional or the Liv.
Reviewing the 4 fashions of Theragun Therapeutic massage Weapons
Theragun Comparability
| Mini | Prime | Elite | Professional | |
| Worth | $199 | $299 | $399 | $599 |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs | 2.2 lbs | 2.2 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Amplitude | 12mm | 16mm | 16mm | 16mm |
| Stall Drive | 20 lbs | 30 lbs | 40 lbs | 60 lbs |
| Speeds | 1750, 2100, 2400 PPMs | 1750-2400 PPMs | 1750-2400 PPMs | 1750-2400 PPMs |
| Motor | QX35 | QX65 | QX65 | QX150 |
| Attachments | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Battery Life | 150 min | 120 min | 120 min | 300 min |
Editor’s observe: The costs within the above desk are for essentially the most present era of Thereabody therapeutic massage weapons, so that you may discover some fashions cheaper in the event that they’re nonetheless promoting earlier generations.
Therabody’s latest therapeutic massage gun is the mini, which comes at an ideal value level for a strong product.
Product Highlights
| Compact and really moveable| Nearly a two-hour battery life (150 min) | Is available in 4 colours and there are “skins” out there in additional colours | Distinctive grip | 12-mm amplitude | Least highly effective Theragun mannequin |
Professionals
- Has a deeper amplitude than most mini therapeutic massage weapons (12mm)
- Small and moveable
- Nearly a two-hour battery life (150 min)
- Is available in 4 colours and there are “skins” out there in additional colours
- Distinctive grip
Cons
- Solely comes with one therapeutic massage head attachment
- One-year guarantee
- Much less highly effective than different Theragun fashions
Backside Line: The Theragun Mini is Therabody’s most entry-level percussive therapeutic massage gun possibility.
The Theragun Mini is the least costly therapeutic massage gun that Therabody gives, however it’s nonetheless one of many dearer mini therapeutic massage weapons I’ve examined.
Yow will discover a lot of full-sized therapeutic massage weapons at its value level of about $200, together with some fairly first rate ones. Nevertheless, if you have a look at specs, the Theragun Mini is definitely one of the crucial highly effective therapeutic massage weapons for its dimension.
Most, if not all, mini therapeutic massage weapons have amplitudes that cease wanting 10 millimeters, that means they don’t dig deep into the muscle tissue. The Theragun Mini has an amplitude of 12 millimeters, which tops all the different mini percussion massagers I’ve tried. Even some full-sized therapeutic massage weapons don’t attain 12 millimeters into muscle tissue.
The Theragun Mini additionally has a singular grip in comparison with different moveable massagers. It’s a play on Theragun’s patented triangular grip, though I’m not satisfied that the grip on this factor is inherently higher than an everyday cylindrical therapeutic massage gun deal with.
Weighing a hair over 1 pound, the Mini is ultra-portable and may slot in something from a small purse to a backpack. It has a two-hour battery life, which is fairly good for a mini therapeutic massage gun.
What I don’t love in regards to the Mini is that it solely comes with one therapeutic massage attachment. It’s appropriate with all fourth-generation Theragun therapeutic massage head attachments, however they have to all be bought individually for $20 to $30 per attachment.
Or, you should purchase the Mini Booster Bundle, which incorporates the Theragun Mini plus all six attachments for $329… at which level, it’s best to in all probability simply purchase the $300 Theragun Prime.
That is Theragun’s full-sized entry-level percussive therapeutic massage gun, and possibly one of the best Theragun possibility for most individuals.
Product Highlights
| Customizable velocity ranges | Ergonomic multi-grip deal with makes it simple to therapeutic massage your again | Excessive-end product with an inexpensive value |
Professionals
- Offers deep tissue therapy reaching 16 millimeters into gentle tissue
- Customizable velocity ranges
- The ergonomic multi-grip deal with makes it simple to therapeutic massage your again
Cons
- Not essentially the most moveable therapeutic massage gun
- Quieter than earlier Theraguns, however nonetheless not the quietest possibility
- Heavy in hand in comparison with others
Backside Line: We suggest Theragun Prime as one of the best total therapeutic massage gun for individuals who need highly effective percussion with out an exorbitant price ticket.
The Theragun Prime topped my listing of one of the best therapeutic massage weapons as one of the best total therapeutic massage gun in 2023. I really assume that the Theragun Prime is essentially the most feature-packed, highly effective possibility at its value level of $299.
The Prime is just too good to beat, in my view: It has an amplitude of 16 millimeters similar to the dearer Theragun Prime and Professional, and it has a 30-pound stall power, and programmable speeds between 1750 and 2400 percussions per minute.
All this, plus the long-lasting triangular ergonomic grip, 4 interchangeable heads, the QX65 motor, and QuietForce know-how, make the Prime properly price its price ticket. I haven’t come throughout a therapeutic massage gun that works in addition to the Prime (and is as feature-rich) for a greater value.
At 2.2 kilos, it’s simple to move. It is available in a gentle drawstring bag moderately than a zippered case, which makes it simple to toss right into a backpack or carry-on.
Its two-hour battery life isn’t essentially the most spectacular. Many different full-sized therapeutic massage weapons have an extended battery life, however two hours is lots to get the common particular person by means of per week of percussive remedy therapy if no more.
The underside line: The Prime is easy but elegant and efficient, prioritizing important percussive remedy options with out being slowed down by extreme tech specs or clunky extras.
The Elite straddles the road between professional-grade and entry-level percussive remedy.
Product Highlights
| 16-millimeter deep tissue percussion therapeutic massage | 40 pound stall power | Drive meter exhibits how a lot stress you’re making use of |
Professionals
- 16-millimeter amplitude for deep-tissue therapy
- Customizable velocity ranges
- Triangular ergonomic deal with
Cons
- Does not have many extra options than the $299 Theragun Prime
- Heavy and ponderous
- Not the quietest possibility on the market
Backside Line: The Elite straddles the road between professional-grade and entry-level percussive remedy.
My first impression of the Theragun Elite was that it’s a really “meh” in between the Prime and the Professional. It’s virtually like Therabody wished to supply a mid-level therapeutic massage gun only for the value level, however I don’t see an excessive amount of worth on this center tier.
For me, there’s nothing noticeably spectacular in regards to the Elite in comparison with the Prime, which is why I like to recommend the Prime to everybody who desires a high-quality therapeutic massage gun for an inexpensive value. The Elite prices $100 greater than the Prime, and for that additional hundred, you’re basically getting:
- An extra 10 kilos of stall power (most individuals received’t ever exceed the Prime’s 30)
- The identical 120-minute battery life
- The identical velocity vary, gadget velocity presets, and customization choices
- Equivalent 16-millimeter amplitude
- One additional therapeutic massage attachment
- The identical QX65 motor
- Wi-fi charging
None of that feels price an additional Benjamin to me. Should you’re in search of extra energy or further options, I like to recommend you skip this mannequin and go on forward to the Professional. In any case, in case you can afford to spend $400 on a therapeutic massage gun, I’m prepared to guess you’ll be able to afford to spend $600 on one.
The Theragun Professional is Therabody’s top-of-the-line mannequin utilized by elite athletes all around the globe.
Product Highlights
| Deep tissue therapy | 5 hours of battery life | Stall power of 60 kilos | Comes with 5 attachments | Drive meter exhibits how a lot stress you’re making use of |
Professionals
- Deep tissue therapy
- 5 hours of battery life
- Stall power of 60 kilos
Cons
- Probably the most costly therapeutic massage weapons available on the market
- Not obligatory for the common health fanatic
- Giant and exhausting to journey with
Backside Line: If you’d like essentially the most highly effective percussive therapeutic massage gun, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with the Theragun Professional.
Theragun Professional: The crème de la crème of therapeutic massage weapons. It’s highly effective and full of options. Nearly nobody (and it may be argued that actually nobody) wants this therapeutic massage gun, however dang, it certain is enjoyable to make use of.
I normally name the Theragun Professional the “greatest therapeutic massage gun for individuals with disposable revenue” or “greatest for skilled athletes,” which mainly means the identical factor.
Actually, in case you’re strictly in search of one of the best percussive remedy expertise out there to any ol’ shopper, I can’t lead you astray from the Theragun Professional. When you’ve got the funds, that is the way in which to go.
With a 60-pound stall power and five-hour battery life, the Professional boasts a few of the most spectacular specs you will discover in therapeutic massage weapons. After all, the Professional retains the identical 16-millimeter amplitude because the Prime and Elite.
Unique to the Professional is a QX150 motor, essentially the most highly effective of all of the Theragun fashions. The detachable lithium ion battery (and further battery together with your buy) can also be a Professional-only characteristic. Maybe the best unshared characteristic is the rotating arm, which lets you comfortably entry extra muscle tissue than you’ll be able to with the Prime or Elite.
The Professional additionally has an OLED display screen with a responsive power meter, so you’ll be able to visualize how a lot stress you’re making use of to your muscle tissue. It’s sort of enjoyable to see how exhausting you’ll be able to press into your muscle tissue to inch the quantity up.
Just like the Prime and Elite, the Professional has Bluetooth and connects to the Therabody app so you’ll be able to management your velocity ranges and automate restoration protocols. The Professional comes with six therapeutic massage attachments, essentially the most of any Theragun mannequin.
Buyer Expertise
I’ve by no means had a nasty expertise with Theragun buyer help. You possibly can contact them in one among 3 ways: by means of e mail, cellphone, or 24/7 on-line chat.
You too can browse the sturdy help part on the web site, the place Therabody gives details about product order standing, cancellations, returns, exchanges, guarantee, and extra.
Talking of guarantee, I’m not a fan of the restricted warranties on Theraguns. They’re moderately lukewarm, in my view, for merchandise that value a lot and are marketed as luxurious objects.
The Theragun Professional has a two-year restricted guarantee, whereas the Elite, Prime, and Mini solely profit from a one-year restricted guarantee. To be truthful, you’re fortunate in case you get a one-year guarantee on quite a lot of different therapeutic massage weapons, however I might assume Therabody would stand by its merchandise for greater than a yr or two.
Buyer Evaluations
Theragun evaluations are likely to swing wildly. They’re simply a type of “love ‘em or hate ‘em” merchandise (kinda like NOBULL footwear). A lot of buyer evaluations, in addition to in-depth Theragun evaluations, say the units aren’t price it.
However simply as many say Theraguns are properly price the fee and are by far one of the best therapeutic massage weapons out there. It actually does come all the way down to your private desire and finances.
Theragun Vs. Hypervolt
Apart from evaluating Theraguns to Theraguns, individuals additionally typically examine Theraguns to Hypervolts. Rightfully so: Hypervolt is the opposite big-name model within the exercise restoration house. The 2 manufacturers make therapeutic massage weapons which can be by some means very related however very completely different on the similar time.
Should you look strictly at specs, Theraguns and Hypervolts don’t appear too completely different: They’ve related value factors, noise ranges, velocity ranges, and amplitudes. Theragun therapeutic massage weapons do attain barely deeper into muscle tissue with a 16-millimeter amplitude in comparison with Hypervolt’s 13 to 14 millimeters.
But by some means, the expertise of utilizing every gun feels very completely different, at the least to me. It could solely be the distinction in amplitude that creates the distinction, or maybe the deal with design.
I feel I’ll at all times be a Theragun particular person, however I do assume it’s price exploring the completely different choices and figuring out which model makes the higher product on your wants.
Theragun G3 Vs. Theragun Liv
Talking of the three Theragun fashions, it is price discussing whether or not the dearer fashions — the G3 and the G3 Professional — are price shopping for.
I might be sincere with you on this Theragun evaluate article as I do not assume both is price the additional cash. For just a few hundred {dollars} extra, you get one further velocity setting and some additional head attachments.
Labeled “important” (Liv), “premium” (G3), and “pro-level” (G3 Professional), the Liv gives every thing the common exerciser wants in a therapeutic massage gun. Even individuals who train fairly often and really intensely do not want far more than what Liv can provide.
Here is why I say the higher-end choices aren’t price it: The lighter velocity (29 repetitions per second) feels simply as highly effective as the usual velocity (40 repetitions per second) that comes with all three massagers.
Bear in mind how I discussed wishing that there was an extra gentle setting? That is as a result of even the gentle setting on the Theragun G3 does not really feel gentle, at the least to me. The battery life additionally will increase as the value will increase, however that also does not really feel price dropping extra cash on.
Who Wants a Theragun Therapeutic massage Gun?
This query is a bit moot as a result of nobody actually wants a Theragun. It is an adjunct to a wholesome way of life, not an important. Nonetheless, many individuals can profit from and luxuriate in a Theragun therapeutic massage gun
Anybody who experiences muscle soreness or normal achiness can profit from a Theragun, however those that train typically or lead very lively life stand to achieve essentially the most from any percussive massager.
Much more so, athletes and those that are severe about health and restoration will in all probability discover {that a} Theragun makes a welcome addition to their routine.
Why I really like Theragun, however Would Purchase One thing Else
Regardless of the shortcomings described above, I nonetheless assume {that a} Theragun therapeutic massage gun is a good funding for athletes and individuals who dwell very lively life. However observe: It does what it says, however it won’t be what you want.
There’s quite a lot of good in a Theragun therapeutic massage gun: It’d enable you scale back stress and sleep higher; it might most undoubtedly relieve muscle soreness; and it’d even enhance your exercises by the use of rushing up your warmup and growing your mobility (tremendous useful for issues like squats and overhead urgent).
However to me, Theragun feels just like the model title of percussive massagers. The Hydroflask to Contigo. The Normal Mills Cocoa Puffs to Kroger cocoa puffed cereal. Catch the drift? With Theragun, you are paying for a reputation and reliability — you recognize that what you are going to get is nice. However in case you’re prepared to perform a little research, you may discover that the store-brand cocoa puffed cereal is definitely fairly nice.
If I have been to shell out this a lot money for a therapeutic massage gun, I might personally select the Hyperice Hypervolt, which gives five-speed and energy settings, 5 head attachments, a three-hour cost, and a near-silent expertise that does not make ears rattle. That or the gadget from Achedaway, which gives about the identical options for the same value.
If I have been in search of a top-of-the-line percussive therapeutic massage gun for a fraction of these costs, I might go for the newly launched Sportneer therapeutic massage gun, which has five-speed settings, six head attachments, and as much as 5.5 hours of battery life. It really works amazingly properly and solely prices $120.
So, to wrap all of this up, the gist is that Theragun makes high-quality, reliable merchandise — however they is perhaps overpriced on your wants and so they aren’t the one possibility on the market.
Closing Verdict of the Theragun Overview
Theragun therapeutic massage weapons are high-quality, highly effective, efficient therapeutic massage weapons. However they’re additionally very costly. Whereas I personally like Theraguns one of the best out of all the therapeutic massage weapons I’ve tried, I’m conscious that they’re out of finances for most individuals.
I encourage individuals who desire a therapeutic massage gun to analysis different choices and see if one thing cheaper would swimsuit their wants.
Therabody gives 4 Theraguns: the Professional, Elite, Prime, and Mini. The previous three are very related, whereas the mini is a extra entry-level possibility.
When utilizing a Theragun, you’ll know you’re utilizing a luxurious product. It feels good in hand and it does what Therabody claims it does: relieves ache from soreness and tightness, and helps the physique put together for train in addition to quiet down from train.
Steadily Requested Questions Associated to Theragun Overview
You should use a Theragun in your neck, however take warning. Theragun makes a particular attachment to be used on the neck (the fork attachment). This attachment can deal with the muscle tissue on each side of your backbone with out affecting the vertebrae.
