Do you recommend using a massage gun before or after working out?

Should you use a massage gun before or after working out? Well, I think it depends on your circumstance. Certainly a massage gun can break up adhesions. So if you're sore from the previous workout, it's a great way to do pre-workout. If you are trying to achieve maximum contraction, there is some studies that have looked at the idea that massage and stretching may actually stretch the tendon out so that it's not as tight and efficient for jumping, et cetera. But I think that is secondary to your question because you specifically were looking about working out. And I think as far as the aftermath-- breaking up those junctions, those muscle junctions that get really contracted after the workout-- I think that's a great time also to use the massage gun.

Hey Millie, this is dr. Fork. Mm. Great question about use massage gun before or after workout in general, research is all over the place in terms of the effectiveness of massage before competition. There are some studies that might suggest that it could be detrimental. I would tend to think that ideally you'd to use massage gun afterwards. However, often times research doesn't ask the important question, which is, you know, they use it as a blanket application. However, you might want to look at it as targeting, your massage on just those areas that are tight. There are a couple of studies that show some good positive outcomes and increasing tissue length. And so I'd probably lean on that. So typical areas that you'd want to use it on. Would be your hip. Flexors your to tensor fascia, Lata your calf and possibly your chest, especially as a cyclist or a swimmer. Those areas tend to get tightened down a little bit. I hope that's helpful. Thanks for asking any question.

Melanie. This is a great question. I think either would work probably depending on the type of workout. If you're referring to swimming or weights, probably more after would work. But preferably, I would prefer the athlete to understand how their system works and get used to feeling what the body needs and responds to so learning, how to use the tissue and use their own. On hand to loosen up or dynamic movements Etc, to be able to loosen up and perform more soft tissue, hygiene type of activities. So hopefully that helps

So massage guns are all the rage these days. Everybody seems to have one. I'm not sure how they work, but they seem to do something. They definitely feel good after you use them. The only theory that I have, not seeing any huge studies on these as of yet, is that they may desensitize an area essentially numbing it with that high frequency stimulation. So after something's been desensitized, you may move a little more fluidly, and may have a little better range of motion for out least a short term. So my recommendation to our athletes is that you use these as more of a part of our warm-up that also includes dynamic movement and maybe some activation exercises as well, and that may be helpful.