***Just got the RENPHO Heated Handheld Massager (December 2020) so I am updating my review of the RENPHO Massage Gun (from June 2020). I will indicate where updated.***
I have been working out my entire life and never really bought into the whole idea of foam rollers and post-workout massage and all that nonsense. To me, you worked out, you stumbled home on sore legs and the soreness was an indication of how effective your workout was. However, now that I am in my 40s, soreness tends to linger a little longer and gains are a little harder. Not fun. Someone at my gym a few years back was telling me about the wonders of "massage guns" and it sounded too good to be true (less soreness, faster recovery, faster gains in the gym). Anyway, I tried one in a store back then and was not impressed. It just felt like a powerful massage that, for the $600+ price, was not worth it. As time passed, I read a lot about the great physiological benefits but never invested in one because they still cost hundreds of dollars. Fast forward a few years, trickle-down economics has kicked in and this year I happened to be looking at massage guns again and the prices were very enticing. There seemed to be a lot of good options for about $200 (less than half the price of what good ones used to be) and this particular RENPHO unit for less than $200.
I heard about RENPHO a few years back when I was looking for one of those scales that measures weight, BMI, bone mass, etc. and all the reviews I read online pointed to them as the best value. As a shopper I am all about value. I am willing to forego one or two bells and whistles if the reviews are solid and the price is considerably less. Anyway, I bought that scale and it was (and still is) awesome and ever since then if I see RENPHO is selling something I am looking for, I get it. I have never been let down by the company and this massage gun is no different.
First, you should know that this is not the type of thing you are going to use for a relaxing backrub. This can HURT. But not in a "stop, stop, stop" kind of way, more like a "wow, it's really effective" kind of way. Massage guns are for breaking up scar tissue, releasing lymphatic fluid back into your bloodstream, increasing bloodflow to the muscle and interrupting the pain cycle in the brain. At most you will use them for 2 minutes per muscle group, not 15-30 minutes like you might with a "relaxing" massager. (UPDATE: I just bought one of their heated massagers which is a better alternative for a light, relaxing, unknotting of your muscles. I will upload a pic and describe it at the end in case that's what you are looking for.)
OK, second thing you should know is that this massager *really* is for people who are personal trainers and physical therapists to use on others. It even comes with a handy little carrying case (pictured) so that you can take it from appointment-to-appointment. The reason I say it's not for "solo" use is because even though you can probably target your own chest, quads and calves, you would have to be Stretch Armstrong or Plastic Man or Mr. Fantastic (these are all people with really stretchy arms) to be able to use it on your own upper back, lower back, triceps, glutes, rear delts and hams. So keep in mind you will need a husband, wife, significant other or a really good friend who is willing to help you with your DOMS for a few minutes a week. Tell them you only need them for a minute or two per muscle group and they might help you out. Other wise, bribe them by offering to use it on them. Anyway, it's a tool you need but you also need someone else to do it for you (unless you are doing muscle groups on the front of your body. (UPDATE AGAIN: Something like the RENPHO handheld massager that I just got is PERFECT for reaching your own back, butt, neck, etc. but please understand that a personal massager is not going to do the same type of thing that a massage gun does)
So, with all that said, how does it work? Lots of videos out there online but make sure to know your gun tips: Flat head is for pretty much any body part, bullet is for severe areas as well as trigger points and the thick soles of the feet, the bullet is also PERFECT for getting inbetween muscles such as running it down the side of you leg where the quads and hams meet, keep in mind if you use the bullet attachment--or any to be honest--and you hit bone, it might hurt so start with a low speed and be careful, the round head is for large muscle groups and the ridge head for going up and down the spine and getting the muscles around it without hitting the actual spine. I haven't used the air cushion head but it is supposed to be for sensitive muscles. Supposedly different speeds are for different therapeutic effects but I just go with what is tolerable.
What else? As with all things that have a rechargeable battery, make sure to charge fully before your first use. All subsequent uses will be limited by how much charge you gave it the first time so don't be tempted to charge it for 15 minutes, then try it. Your future standby and use-time will be limited. It's really sturdy, and heavy and STRONG. The case (not that it matters to me) is handsome-looking but more importantly, a way to keep all your stuff together.
So...final conclusion? If you workout or have chronic pain issues like sciatica, YOU NEED THIS. These things used to cost $600 and now you can get this awesome little portable, cordless, rechargeable, handheld massage gun for less than $200. You'll probably need a friend or loved one for your back areas but use it on them as "payback" and they won't complain. It is NOT a relaxing back massager that you're going to use for long, relaxing massage sessions but it IS an important and surprisingly effective tool for chronic pain as well as post-workout recovery.
***UPDATE DEC 2020*** Okay, so as much as I love this, I was looking for something this week for general muscle relaxation. Post-workout recovery is one thing but sometimes you get home and you have a sore neck from watching your co-workers do nothing or your back hurts from carrying the company on your back. These types of aches require something that can give you a soothing massage, not something that is like a pocket jackhammer. I picked up a RENPHO Back Massager with heat. I'm not gonna' write a review here but I will say that if you are looking at this massage gun and considering it as an option for your day-to-day pains, that might be a better option. It's great to come home and be able to use it to reach your own back and it's got heat so it's better at relieving tension. Find my review here on Amazon if you want more info. But for massage that is related to sports, workouts and chronic pain needs, I can still say six months later that I whip out the RENPHO Massage Gun at least 3x a week. It's a totally different feeling. Like I said in my original review it is *almost* painful if used right but what it does is apply pressure to a sore area, intensifies the pain for a minute and then, makes it go away. Magic. I am really sold on massage guns and I am definitely sold on this particular one. It's got all the power you need, all the heads, a lot of charge time, it is solid and it works.
RENPHO Massage Gun Deep Tissue Muscle Percussion Massage Gun, Christmas Gifts, FSA and HSA Eligible Powerful Portable Back Ma
4.5 | 37,105 ratings
Price: 89.99
Last update: 12-26-2024
About this item
Powerful Muscle Massage Gun: This deep tissue massage gun features a premium metal housing and a high-torque brushless motor, providing high penetration and an exquisite sports massage experience
Convenient USB-Type C Charging: No need to worry about charging when traveling, this rechargeable massager gun can be charged using a 5V/2A adapter (not included) or a power bank. Ensure to fully charge the massager before its initial use
Ultra-Portable Percussion Massager for Athletes: This muscle massage gun deep tissue is ultra-compact and easy to use; The included travel case ensures the massage gun and its attachments are stored together for on-the-go use
Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle: The ergonomic non-slip handle makes percussion massage gun easy to grip. Its quiet operation makes it suitable for home, gym, or office settings. Additionally, the preset 10-minute auto-off feature prevents prolonged usage
5 Speeds and 5 Massager Heads: The handheld massager gun offers 5 speeds to cater to your specific needs. Choose from 5 different shaped massager heads to target different muscle groups, and power on the device to begin relaxing your body
Convenient USB-Type C Charging: No need to worry about charging when traveling, this rechargeable massager gun can be charged using a 5V/2A adapter (not included) or a power bank. Ensure to fully charge the massager before its initial use
Ultra-Portable Percussion Massager for Athletes: This muscle massage gun deep tissue is ultra-compact and easy to use; The included travel case ensures the massage gun and its attachments are stored together for on-the-go use
Ergonomic Non-Slip Handle: The ergonomic non-slip handle makes percussion massage gun easy to grip. Its quiet operation makes it suitable for home, gym, or office settings. Additionally, the preset 10-minute auto-off feature prevents prolonged usage
5 Speeds and 5 Massager Heads: The handheld massager gun offers 5 speeds to cater to your specific needs. Choose from 5 different shaped massager heads to target different muscle groups, and power on the device to begin relaxing your body
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Top reviews from the United States
Big Al
UPDATED This Skeptic is now a Massage Gun Believer!
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2020
Big Al
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2020
I have been working out my entire life and never really bought into the whole idea of foam rollers and post-workout massage and all that nonsense. To me, you worked out, you stumbled home on sore legs and the soreness was an indication of how effective your workout was. However, now that I am in my 40s, soreness tends to linger a little longer and gains are a little harder. Not fun. Someone at my gym a few years back was telling me about the wonders of "massage guns" and it sounded too good to be true (less soreness, faster recovery, faster gains in the gym). Anyway, I tried one in a store back then and was not impressed. It just felt like a powerful massage that, for the $600+ price, was not worth it. As time passed, I read a lot about the great physiological benefits but never invested in one because they still cost hundreds of dollars. Fast forward a few years, trickle-down economics has kicked in and this year I happened to be looking at massage guns again and the prices were very enticing. There seemed to be a lot of good options for about $200 (less than half the price of what good ones used to be) and this particular RENPHO unit for less than $200.
I heard about RENPHO a few years back when I was looking for one of those scales that measures weight, BMI, bone mass, etc. and all the reviews I read online pointed to them as the best value. As a shopper I am all about value. I am willing to forego one or two bells and whistles if the reviews are solid and the price is considerably less. Anyway, I bought that scale and it was (and still is) awesome and ever since then if I see RENPHO is selling something I am looking for, I get it. I have never been let down by the company and this massage gun is no different.
First, you should know that this is not the type of thing you are going to use for a relaxing backrub. This can HURT. But not in a "stop, stop, stop" kind of way, more like a "wow, it's really effective" kind of way. Massage guns are for breaking up scar tissue, releasing lymphatic fluid back into your bloodstream, increasing bloodflow to the muscle and interrupting the pain cycle in the brain. At most you will use them for 2 minutes per muscle group, not 15-30 minutes like you might with a "relaxing" massager. (UPDATE: I just bought one of their heated massagers which is a better alternative for a light, relaxing, unknotting of your muscles. I will upload a pic and describe it at the end in case that's what you are looking for.)
OK, second thing you should know is that this massager *really* is for people who are personal trainers and physical therapists to use on others. It even comes with a handy little carrying case (pictured) so that you can take it from appointment-to-appointment. The reason I say it's not for "solo" use is because even though you can probably target your own chest, quads and calves, you would have to be Stretch Armstrong or Plastic Man or Mr. Fantastic (these are all people with really stretchy arms) to be able to use it on your own upper back, lower back, triceps, glutes, rear delts and hams. So keep in mind you will need a husband, wife, significant other or a really good friend who is willing to help you with your DOMS for a few minutes a week. Tell them you only need them for a minute or two per muscle group and they might help you out. Other wise, bribe them by offering to use it on them. Anyway, it's a tool you need but you also need someone else to do it for you (unless you are doing muscle groups on the front of your body. (UPDATE AGAIN: Something like the RENPHO handheld massager that I just got is PERFECT for reaching your own back, butt, neck, etc. but please understand that a personal massager is not going to do the same type of thing that a massage gun does)
So, with all that said, how does it work? Lots of videos out there online but make sure to know your gun tips: Flat head is for pretty much any body part, bullet is for severe areas as well as trigger points and the thick soles of the feet, the bullet is also PERFECT for getting inbetween muscles such as running it down the side of you leg where the quads and hams meet, keep in mind if you use the bullet attachment--or any to be honest--and you hit bone, it might hurt so start with a low speed and be careful, the round head is for large muscle groups and the ridge head for going up and down the spine and getting the muscles around it without hitting the actual spine. I haven't used the air cushion head but it is supposed to be for sensitive muscles. Supposedly different speeds are for different therapeutic effects but I just go with what is tolerable.
What else? As with all things that have a rechargeable battery, make sure to charge fully before your first use. All subsequent uses will be limited by how much charge you gave it the first time so don't be tempted to charge it for 15 minutes, then try it. Your future standby and use-time will be limited. It's really sturdy, and heavy and STRONG. The case (not that it matters to me) is handsome-looking but more importantly, a way to keep all your stuff together.
So...final conclusion? If you workout or have chronic pain issues like sciatica, YOU NEED THIS. These things used to cost $600 and now you can get this awesome little portable, cordless, rechargeable, handheld massage gun for less than $200. You'll probably need a friend or loved one for your back areas but use it on them as "payback" and they won't complain. It is NOT a relaxing back massager that you're going to use for long, relaxing massage sessions but it IS an important and surprisingly effective tool for chronic pain as well as post-workout recovery.
***UPDATE DEC 2020*** Okay, so as much as I love this, I was looking for something this week for general muscle relaxation. Post-workout recovery is one thing but sometimes you get home and you have a sore neck from watching your co-workers do nothing or your back hurts from carrying the company on your back. These types of aches require something that can give you a soothing massage, not something that is like a pocket jackhammer. I picked up a RENPHO Back Massager with heat. I'm not gonna' write a review here but I will say that if you are looking at this massage gun and considering it as an option for your day-to-day pains, that might be a better option. It's great to come home and be able to use it to reach your own back and it's got heat so it's better at relieving tension. Find my review here on Amazon if you want more info. But for massage that is related to sports, workouts and chronic pain needs, I can still say six months later that I whip out the RENPHO Massage Gun at least 3x a week. It's a totally different feeling. Like I said in my original review it is *almost* painful if used right but what it does is apply pressure to a sore area, intensifies the pain for a minute and then, makes it go away. Magic. I am really sold on massage guns and I am definitely sold on this particular one. It's got all the power you need, all the heads, a lot of charge time, it is solid and it works.
Images in this review
Shane Allen
Excellent Power in Small package
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024TL
Great massage treatment
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2024Loretta Smith
Perfect
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2024
Kels4lyf
Smaller is better - really!
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2021chivyguitar
This does it
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024eagle one
Excellent.
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2024
thatcher96
Bang for Buck!
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024