Anybody use a percussion massage device?

[Swat]

Over the past year I've started to commit much more to fitness but the muscles just don't recover "like they used to". I've heard a lot about some of the newer handheld percussion massage devices and was wondering if anybody had experience and felt it was worth the cost. Also, if you had experience as to which brand & model was the best. Theragun (pro/elite/prime models) and Hypervolt seem to be some of the top brands in quick research, each with different price points.

[use2betrix]

We bought a Theragun G3 Pro in the beginning of January. I run 25-30 miles per week and lift weights heavily twice per week.

I have been using the Theragun religiously since we bought it, 6-7 days per week. My wife uses it on my glutes, hamstrings, feet, and calves after every run/work out/shower. I use it on the front of my calves/shins.

I’m very very pleased with the results. If it broke in 6 months, I’d go get another in a heartbeat..

For what I paid, I hope it lasts a long time...

[Laura33]

Totally awesome.  Gets this 50-something body through crossfit. 

(ETA:  Theragun.  Christmas present.)

[RunningintoFI]

While not as well known and not quite as intense as the Theragun, my physical therapist recommended the Renpho handheld massager to me for my post run muscle work and I have been rather pleased with it.  It was $50 on Amazon and comes with five different massaging heads for the various body parts but you don't have to change it out to make it rather effective.  It has a rechargeable battery and lasts around 3 hours between charges.  It has been a great affordable alternative for me but YMMV. 

[NextTime]

I have the Hypervolt and use it several times a week. Works extremely well on glutes/hamstrings. I need to try it on my shins/calves more often.

The lowest setting is pretty strong, so I have rarely used it on medium or high percussion.

It was NOT cheap, but I did find a coupon that knocked over $50 off the top, and they didn't charge tax (at least to my state).

[Lady SA]

Another option is use a jigsaw (literally the powertool) and get jigsaw massage adapters like these: https://www.amazon.com/Jigsaw-Massage-Adapter-Plug-n-Play-Percussion/dp/B07H3HQCFR

DH and I use a jigsaw massager, coupled with this AMAZING pain massage book that tells you *where* to massage (who knew that bicep pain actually is a problem on your shoulder blade?!? But I can attest that it's true!): https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment/dp/1608824942/

These two things have gotten us through ultra-long-distance training and racing, with all the inevitable injuries and strains, and my parents (who also race in their 50s) happily use these as well. I've used this for a sprained ankle and more than halved my recovery time, for any strains or stiffness, for times I woke up and couldn't rotate my head because I slept weird, for over-use injuries, etc -- anytime I feel a twinge I pull out that book and it is gone within 20 minutes (now that I'm more adept at finding the spot and using the massager)
HIGHLY recommend.

[jamesbond007]

I have gone through the temptation to buy one. I used it once and felt good. But I use a Theracane, a hard foam roller, couple of lacrosse balls attached, a single lacrosse ball and follow along the Trigger Point Therapy Workbook. I am endurance cyclist and this setup has been working wonders for me.

[K_in_the_kitchen]

My kid uses a variety of foam rollers, hand held rollers, and also a percussion/vibration massage gun.  We went with an AchedAway with the charging dock, for $199 ($50 off offer at the time).  The Theragun was more than I was willing to spend, and the Achedaway had good reviews.  We don't have a single complaint about it.  He uses it most days, especially after longer workouts.  We've all used it -- it's a big help to me when my plantar fasciitis flares up (loosening the calf muscles).  The charging dock isn't necessary, it just makes it easier for a forgetful young person to keep it charged.