Say goodbye to aches and pains with the best massage guns

<ul></ul><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>The benefits of massage guns for runners</strong></h2><p>It’s the closest you’re going to get to having a massage therapist at your beck and call, so we are big fans. That said, massage guns work differently to human hands, using a series of rapid percussive motions to pound your muscles and get blood pumping to them sharpish. This increase in blood flow can help calm inflammation and soreness by removing lactic acid and waste products, aiding your recovery between and after workouts.</p><p>Massage guns can also be incorporated into your <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/a40265356/running-warm-up/” target=”_blank”>running warm-up</a> routine to help loosen up your muscles, as well as during exercise to help clear your limbs of lactic acid and toxins.<br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How much do massage guns cost?</strong></h2><p>We’ll level with you, massage guns are pricey. The <a href=”https://www.boots.com/boots-deep-tissue-percussion-massage-gun-10320554″ target=”_blank”>cheapest model</a> on our list costs £49.99 while the mighty Theragun Pro 5th Gen will set you back over £500! However, it does boast a lot of features – six massage heads, five speed settings and an app – that not everyone will want, let alone need, so don’t assume the most expensive gun will be the best match for you. <br></p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How to choose the best massage gun for you<br></h2><p class=”body-text”>If you’ve never bought a massage gun before, it can be tricky to know where to start. But, here’s a quick breakdown. </p><p class=”body-text”>Serious athletes should look for a high <strong>amplitude</strong>. Measured in millimetres, this metric shows you how deeply the gun can hit and how powerful it will feel on your body. The punchiest models listed below have an amplitude of 16mm.</p><p class=”body-text”>You’ll also want a range of <strong>speed settings</strong> – at least three, but ideally more for tackling both delicate and robust muscle groups. Opt for a gun that comes with a choice of <strong>massage heads</strong>, from the standard ball attachment to thumb, wedge and cones for trickier and more sensitive areas.</p><p class=”body-text”>If you plan to take your massage gun to the gym or track, check whether it comes with a carry case for <strong>portability</strong>. And consider its <strong>size, weight and battery life</strong>, so you’re not caught short without a charger. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How we test</h2><p class=”body-text”>In the <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/a40597767/runners-world-lab/” target=”_blank”><em>RW</em> Lab</a>, our expert tester trialled a range of guns over a three-week period, using them after a variety of workouts, from running and HIIT to <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/cross-training/a33573783/a-runners-guide-to-strength-training/” target=”_blank”>strength training</a> and <a href=”https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/cross-training/a40401814/yoga-for-runners/” target=”_blank”>yoga</a>.</p><p class=”body-text”>They judged each machine on how easy it was to control and how smoothly it moved over skin without snagging. Each massage gun’s strength and effectiveness was also considered, as well as their design and how ergonomic their handles were, before final scores were awarded. </p><p class=”body-text”>So, without further ado, welcome to the gun show…</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>17 best massage guns for runners in 2024</h2>”/>