Can A Massage Gun Replace Stretching (Answered)
Stretches help our body look good and younger. Furthermore, it also reduces aging effects.
So what’s stretching?
Stretching refers to activities that help to release tension from the joints, muscles, and ligaments.
So Can A Massage Gun Replace Stretching
No, you can’t use a massage gun to replace stretching. This is because both activities benefit the body in different ways. However, using a massage gun on the muscles you want to stretch will make stretching much more effective.
Also Read: Are Massage Guns Good For Achilles Tendonitis (Answered)
9 Benefits Of Stretching
Mentioned below are 9 benefits of stretching:
#1. Improve your range of motion
Moving your joints through their full range of motion enhances your freedom of movement. The point is that regular stretching can improve your range of motion.
#2. Enhance your flexibility
Stretching regularly can help improve your flexibility, essential to your overall well-being. Furthermore, improved flexibility allows you to perform everyday activities without stress. Also, it can help delay the reduced mobility that comes as one gets older.
#3. Boost blood flow to your muscles
Incorporating stretching exercises into your workout routine can improve your circulation. Improved circulation promotes blood flow to your muscles. This helps to reduce muscle soreness and shorten your recovery time.
#4. Improves your performance in physical activities
Doing dynamic stretches before sports or workouts has been shown to help prepare your muscles. Additionally, stretches can also help improve your performance during exercises or athletic events.
#5. It helps to heal and prevent back pain.
Tight muscles can reduce your range of motion. When this occurs, the likelihood is that you are straining the muscles in your back. Performing stretches regularly can help heal an existing back injury by stretching the muscles. Stretching can strengthen your back muscles, and as a result, it reduces the risk of muscle strain and prevents future back pains.
#6. Improves your posture
One major cause of poor posture is muscle imbalances. One study showed that stretching and strengthening specific muscle groups can promote proper alignment and alleviate musculoskeletal pain. Consequently, this can help improve your posture.
#7. Help ease stress
When you’re feeling stressed or tired, it’s most likely that your muscles are tense. This is because your muscles tend to tighten up to emotional and physical stress. Focus on your body region that holds stress, such as your shoulders, upper back, and neck.
#8. It helps reduce tension headaches.
Tension headaches and migraines can disrupt your quality of life. However, stretches, plenty of rest, a proper diet, and adequate hydration can help decrease the tension and stress headaches.
#9. Can calm your mind
Engaging in a regular stretching routine helps calm your mind and relieve you of daily stress. We recommend you combine stretches with mindful meditation to improve your focus and increase your presence of mind.
Also Read: Can Massage Guns Help With Cellulite? (Explained)
Examples Of Stretches To Do
Here are examples of stretching exercises you can perform to enjoy all the benefits mentioned above:
- Seated Shoulder Squeeze
- Lying Pectoral Stretch
- Lunging Hip Flexor Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Side-Bend Stretch
- Neck Stretch
- Chest Stretch
- Standing Triceps Stretch
- Shoulder Stretch
- Wrist and Biceps Stretch
- Wrist and Forearm Stretch
- Torso Stretch
- Pigeon pose
- Seated Neck Release
- Knee to Chest Stretch
- Cobra stretch
- Frog stretch
- Piriformis Stretch
- Lunge With Spinal Twist
- Figure Four Stretch
- 90/90 Stretch
- Butterfly Stretch
Read The 21 Best Stretching Exercises for Better Flexibility. This article teaches you how to perform these stretches.
5 Common Types Of Stretching
Here are the five types of stretching:
- Dynamic Stretching
- Static Stretching
- Ballistic Stretching
- Passive Stretching
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular
Massage Gun To Use Before Stretching (My Recommendation)
We have different massage guns and theragun brands available in the market today. But, unfortunately, some are very expensive to purchase.
Furthermore, others are cheap but may not have specific features that make a massage gun much more effective and user-friendly.
I recommend the Opove M3 Pro Massage Gun to help boost blood flow. The Opove M3 Pro is budget-friendly, easy to use, and effectively reduces pains associated with issues like Achilles tendonitis and arthritis.
This device also has a good battery life, sleek design, and features that you will usually find on other high-end and expensive recovery tools like the theragun.
Click here to read the Opove M3 Pro Massage Gun review to get further information about the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a massage gun instead of stretching?
A massage gun can’t replace stretching because it offers different body benefits. But it’s highly recommended to combine massage guns and stretches to maximize their benefits.
Can I use a Theragun instead of stretching?
Like the massage gun, the theragun offers different benefits from stretching exercises. Hence the theragun can’t be used instead of stretching.
Can massage gun loosen tight muscles?
Yes, massage guns can help to loosen tight muscles. However, I recommend using it alongside stretches to relax the muscles effectively.
How do you stretch with a massage gun?
You can’t stretch with a massage gun or a theragun. But you can use a massage gun before performing your stretching activities.
Also Read: Can Massage Guns Be Harmful? (Answered)
Final Words
Stretching is a crucial part of sports medicine. And it helps improve blood circulation, improve range of motion and prevent injuries. However, using a massage gun will not adequately take the place of stretching exercises. Hence you should use the massage gun and perform stretches to improve your general well-being.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is a result of in-depth research on the subject matter. This article is only for informational and educational purposes, and it’s not intended as medical or health advice. Hence, I suggest you always ensure to seek the opinion of your doctor or other qualified health personnel regarding any questions that relate to health objectives or medical conditions.
