What Can A Massage Gun Cause? (Questions & Answers)

By Steven

On May 12, 2022

A massage gun is a recovery device that comes with numerous benefits. However, it can also cause harmful things when not used properly.

This post will answer all questions about what the percussion massage gun can cause.

Can A Massage Gun Cause Blood Clots

Yes, a massage gun can potentially result in blood clots, especially in areas around the lower legs during pregnancy. A massage gun is like a deep tissue massage, making it unsafe to use on specific areas during pregnancy.

So What’s A Blood Clot

A blood clot is a mass of blood that forms when cells, proteins, platelets, and blood stick together. A blood clot is usually created to stop bleeding when you get hurt.

Other Common Causes Of Blood Clots

Mentioned below are the causes of blood clots:

Pregnancy

Trauma (serious injury)
Certain types of cancer, e.g. lung cancer

Obesity
Smoking
Birth control pills

Hormone replacement therapy/breast cancer medicines
Some types of major surgery
A family history of blood clots

Prolonged sitting
Prolonged bed rest
Autoimmune disorders

Some diseases like HIV and hepatitis C

Also Read:Are Massage Guns Good For Achilles Tendonitis (Answered)

Symptoms Of Blood Clots

Here are some of the symptoms of a blood clot:

Feelings of sudden and gradual pain and swelling in your leg or arm
Feelings of abdominal pains

Feeling nauseous or like throwing up
Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing or shortness of breathing

Vision problems
Sudden severe headaches
Trouble speaking

Frequent seizures
Pains with deep breathing
Weakness on one side of your body

Can A Massage Gun Cause Pains

Yes, a massage gun could cause severe pain, mainly when it is incorrectly used on the wrong areas of your body. So ensure to read the device manual before using it. And also, ensure to stick to the necessary precautions stated in the manual guide.

Sometimes the pains could feel like the below:

A dull ache
Stinging
Throbbing

Soreness
Burning
Squeezing

Shooting
Stiffness

Can A Massage Gun Cause Swelling

Yes, a massage gun can cause swelling and other related issues when it’s not correctly used or used excessively.

What’s Swelling?

Swelling, also known as edema, is caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues.

Also Read:Can You Use A Massage Gun On Your Knee (Answered)

Other Common Causes Of Swelling:

Here are the common causes of swelling:

Pregnancy

Insect bites
a rash
Injury

hives
Fluid retention
Menstruation

Infection
hormonal changes
kidney failure

A severe allergic reaction
Heart failure

Symptoms Of Swelling

Here is a wide range of symptoms of swelling caused by injuries:

Vomiting

Itching
Flatulence
Pain in the affected area

However, mentioned below are the symptoms of the swelling if it is internal:

Vomiting
Nausea
Fever

dizziness
Pain
Fatigue

Flu-like symptoms
Insomnia

Can A Massage Gun Cause Dizziness

Massage guns have been reported to cause dizziness in some people after using the device. However, dizziness after getting a massage is a common occurrence, and it does not call for serious medical attention.

So What’s Dizziness

According to mayo clinic.org, Dizziness is a term used to describe a range of sensations, such as feeling faint, woozy, weak or unsteady.

Other Common Causes Of Dizziness

Below are some of the common causes of Dizziness:

Alcohol

Medications
Migraine
Heart muscle disease

A sudden drop in blood pressure
Anxiety disorders
Decrease in blood volume

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Dehydration
Ear infection

Anemia (low iron)
Excessive exercise
Heatstroke

Motion sickness

When To See A Doctor About Dizziness

Even if dizziness is not a life-threatening condition, you should consult your doctor when you experience dizziness alongside the following:

A headache
A Neck ache

A head injury
A high fever
Hearing loss

Blurred vision
Difficulty speaking
Chest pains

Numbness or tingling
Continuous vomiting
Loss of consciousness

Droopiness of the eye or mouth

Also Read:Massage Therapists: 9 Common Questions Answered

Can A Massage Gun cause Miscarriage?

Percussion devices like massage guns can increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. Hence it’s advisable to avoid using it during this period. Nevertheless, you can use the massage afterwards on certain areas while pregnant.

Other Causes Of Miscarriage

Here are some of the common causes of miscarriage:

Chromosomal abnormalities
Infection.

Hormonal irregularities.
Maternal age
Uterine abnormalities.

Incompetent cervix.
Lifestyle factors such as drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs and smoking
Disorders of the immune system

Thyroid diseases
Severe kidney disease
Radiation.

Congenital heart disease.
Severe malnutrition
Diabetes that is not controlled.

Certain medicines, such as the acne drug isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Group B beta strep.

Note: it’s important to mention that there’s no solid evidence to prove that stress or sexual activity can result in miscarriage.

Symptoms Of Miscarriage

Research shows that miscarriage mostly happens before the 12th week of pregnancy. Here are some symptoms that might indicate you could suffer of miscarriage:

Tissue or fluid passing from the female reproductive organ

Cramping and pains in your lower back or abdomen
Vaginal bleeding or spotting

Can A Massage Gun Cause Nerve Damage

Yes, using the massage gun without precautions on delicate areas can cause injuries that can damage your nerves.

According to disabilityhappens.com, researchers at the Arizona May Clinic have found that excessive focal pressure to the neck and shoulder area can damage the spinal accessory nerve, which was not previously recognized as a cause of injury to the nerve.

Symptoms Of Nerve Damage

Here are signs of nerve damage:

Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

A feeling of buzzing sensations
Sharp pains in your arms, hands, and feet
Weakness of muscle in your arms or legs

Can A Massage Gun Cause Bruising

Yes, massage guns can cause bruising when you use the device on a specific muscle for too long. This can overwork the muscles and possibly result in bruising.

You will be likely prone to bruising if you:

Have liver disease
Have Cancer
Have relatives who bruise easily.

Suffer from a deficiency in vitamin c or vitamin k
Take medication to stop clothing or thin blood
Suffer from thrombocytopenia ( low blood platelet count)

Final Words

In recent years, a massage gun like the Opove M3 Pro has served as a cheaper and more effective alternative to massage therapy. Despite the benefits the device offers, a massage gun can still be harmful if it falls into the hands of a novice.

Hence we recommend you read the user manual to help you know how to use the device correctly to get maximum benefits.

Also Read:Do Massage Guns Help With Recovery? (Incl.6 Benefits)

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.