New massage guns from Therabody: what they can and can’t do

The self-massage boom started with fascia rollers from Blackroll and Co. At least that’s how I remember it. I first came into contact with the black or colourful plastic rolls around ten years ago. The hype has since become part of the norm, however. Gyms today feature less rolling than they did at the beginning of the 2020s.

This is possibly down to another boom: massage guns. These days, there are countless models from countless suppliers vying for attention. One of these is Therabody. The manufacturer provided me with its two latest models Theragun Sense and Theragun Relief for a review.

No more sore muscles?

All massage guns promise more or less the same thing: some mention the ultimate deep massage, others promise scientifically proven pain relief. The aim is always to reduce muscle soreness and relieve stress. And last but not least, the products also claim to improve sleep. Is it all just marketing blah-blah or is there something to these muscle guns? As is so often the case, the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Back in 2020, fellow editor Michael Restin interviewed physiotherapy lecturer Prof. Dr Slavko Rogan about massage guns. Here’s a link to the entire conversation:

The professor’s verdict of the various products was as follows:

A little less back pain

And that’s exactly the experience I’ve had with the two Therabody products over the last few weeks. In the case of an acute issue, my lower back pain, which specialists refer to as lumbalgia, treatment with both the Theragun Sense and the Theragun Relief had a noticeable effect.

Treatment relieves some of the tension in my back and improves circulation in the area, alleviating my symptoms.

What does the expert advise?

Professor Dr Slavko Rogan pointed out that it’s important to consult with a physiotherapist, for example, before buying a massage gun. Specialists could explain correct use and areas of application in detail. Simply buying one and massaging away isn’t a good idea, according to the expert.

My impressions

What I like equally about both models is the design and high quality standards. You don’t feel like you’re fiddling around your back with some cheap plastic.

Therabody Theragun Sense

The Theragun Sense is the massage gun with an app and LCD screen featuring five integrated, guided massages and breathing exercises. I’ll spare you all the technical details at this point. However, you can find all the information you need here. In addition to many pre-programmed treatments, this massage gun also has a biometric sensor with heart rate measurement, and combines guided breathing exercises for more mindfulness with the option of playing preselected music. According to Therabody, a full battery charge should last up to two hours.

In addition to a USB-C charging cable and a travel bag, the scope of delivery includes four attachments:

• Dampener attachment: for sensitive areas of the body
• Standard ball attachment: reduces tension with a full-body massage
• Thumb extension: relieves the back and releases pressure points as well as painful knots
• Micro-point attachment: increases blood circulation and improves recovery

A typical lifestyle product for modern day stressed-out people. I’ve tried every included treatment: leg massages before and after a bike tour. Full-body massages before and after strength training, sleep preparation, desk relief and much more. And, of course, this new approach for my back pain. The result? Well, the latter treatment has had an effect on my back. Apart from that, I didn’t notice any difference.

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Massage guns

EUR233,52 was EUR259,–

Therabody Sense - White

2

Massage guns

−10%

EUR233,52 was EUR259,–

Therabody Sense - White

2

Therabody Theragun Relief

According to the manufacturer, both models are medical devices approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All further technical details on the second gun can be found here. According to Therabody, the battery life is again a maximum of 120 minutes. In addition to the USB-C charging cable, the scope of delivery includes only three attachments. The Micro-Point is missing from this model. My conclusion is the same: a clearly noticeable improvement in the back as a result of the treatment. Apart from that, no noticeable difference.

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Massage guns

EUR122,71 was EUR139,23

Therabody Theragun Relief

3

Massage guns

−12%

EUR122,71 was EUR139,23

Therabody Theragun Relief

3

Any differences?

Both models can be added and managed in the app. As already mentioned, the app contains countless pre-installed programmes for all possible body parts and purposes. Before exercise, after exercise, for winter sports activities, cycling, walking, yoga and much more. There are also programmes for everyday activities such as travel.

During a massage with the Theragun Sense, the speed is set automatically and I can adjust the pressure according to my needs. This is then visualised via the app. This option isn’t available with the Theragun Relief. The difference here is that I can use the app for one model, but not for the other.

In short, Theragun Sense massages are better guided via the app and easier to follow as a result. With the Theragun Relief, on the other hand, you’re, how shall I put it, flying blind. Therabody notes this on their website:

«Move the device across the areas in need of treatment, gradually applying light-to-moderate pressure as needed. Spend approximately 15-20 seconds on each treatment area before gliding the device to the next treatment area. Short press the button to toggle between the three speeds (low, medium and high) based on your preferences.»

And for the Theragun Sense?

«Sense’s LCD screen removes the guesswork with guided routines that target tension, back pain and more.»

Therabody thus indirectly confirms my statement about flying blind.

The Theragun Sense is equipped with an additional attachment for improved blood circulation and recovery as well as an integrated biometric sensor with heart rate measurement. It offers 12 mm percussive massage therapy at five speeds, while the Theragun Relief offers 10 millimetres at three speeds. Short pulses and vibrations are emitted, penetrating the muscle tissue to varying depths.

Do these extra additions to the Theragun Sense justify more than twice the price? Well, if you can afford the luxury of being guided through massages step by step via the app, then maybe yes. Otherwise, I say leave it be. Both devices can help improve blood circulation in an affected area and relieve tension. Nothing more, nothing less.

My verdict

My lower back complaints have been with me for years. As a result, I’m pretty experienced in dealing with them. Sometimes I use a heat plaster, sometimes Voltaren gel, sometimes a painkiller. And starting now, I’ll certainly be using the Theragun Relief from Therabody. The cheaper of these two massage guns is more than sufficient for my needs.

You can find all other massage guns in our range, both pricey and cheaper, here.