Unlock the power of your massage gun: Expert tips from Therabody founder Dr Jason Wersland

The device uses rapid, repetitive pulses to massage muscles, and it’s not just for rest days. For best results, incorporate recovery massages into your daily routine.

There’s also a knack to using the massage gun. Here’s how to maximise recovery and boost your performance - straight from the Therabody founder, Dr Jason Wersland.

Sponsored by Therabody 

Don't press the Theragun into your body and then turn it on; the first impact won’t feel good. Instead, turn it on and hold it in your hand first to get accustomed to the motion, then adjust it to your preferred power setting.

Once you feel comfortable, rest the Theragun on your body. You shouldn’t be adding pressure and driving the massage gun into the muscle. If you look in a mirror, it should look like the device is barely touching your skin.

Move the Theragun slowly around your body; you should cover about an inch a second. You're getting to know your anatomy and investigating how it feels. If you do this daily, you’ll start to better understand your body and how it reacts to the massage.

For example, your hips and lower back might feel sore and that could be because your hamstrings are tight. If you download the Therabody app and follow the hamstring massage guidance it could help reduce the pain in your hips and lower back.

The app is designed to be used alongside Therabody devices, including the Theragun, and gives you guided routines and personalised recommendations.

If you find a sore area, don't add extra pressure. Let the Theragun sit there for 10 seconds, and within five seconds the pain should be gone. If it hasn’t, move away and come back. 

If it does hurt, you're either pushing too hard or your body's sore, so come back to that spot. If it continues to hurt, then that could be a sign you need to see a physiotherapist.

Be conscious of your breathing and try to relax. Dr. J says he’s watched people hold their breath while using the Theragun because they're thinking, 'What is happening to my body right now?'. Breathing deeply ensures oxygen reaches the muscles and will help you to relax.

Using a Theragun for two minutes or more also activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates your body’s digestion and how it rests and recovers. At the same time, you're encouraging blood flow and flushing the muscles. It's the marrying of the nervous system and the physical parts of the body. This will help reduce the risk of injury and improve your performance.