{"id":11015,"date":"2022-02-17T12:08:16","date_gmt":"2022-02-17T20:08:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/massagegunadvice.com\/?p=11015"},"modified":"2024-06-15T01:23:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-15T08:23:00","slug":"can-you-use-a-massage-gun-on-your-neck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/massagegunadvice.com\/can-you-use-a-massage-gun-on-your-neck\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use a Massage Gun on Your Neck? All You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Can you use a massage gun on your neck? How can a massage gun help with the pain in your neck? If these are some of the questions bugging you, we\u2019ll provide an answer in this article. We\u2019ll also try to answer questions like, \u201cAre massage guns good for neck pain<\/strong>?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Many things can cause pain in your neck, including sitting on your computer the whole day working, exercising, or even using your smartphone for a long time (you know how addictive smartphones can be, right).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, you just need the pain to go away without sweating it out so much. Good news…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>\"Ekrin
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Massage guns can help…<\/strong> but you have to use them properly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

PRO TIP:<\/mark><\/span><\/strong> You can read this post if you want the best massage gun for the neck and shoulder<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"checkmark<\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Why Trust Our Advice And A Disclaimer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Before we tell you about using a massage gun on your neck, we have to let you know that we are not physiotherapists. We are not doctors either. If the pain in your neck persists after following our advice, you need to consult a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know about massage guns<\/a> because we buy, test, and use<\/a> them every day. However, when it comes to medical advice (for medical advice posts), we consult our experts<\/a> (licensed physiotherapists, chiropractors, and medical doctors). This post has been medically reviewed for accuracy.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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Can You Use a Massage Gun on the Neck?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can use a massage gun on your neck<\/span><\/em>; you just need to know where and how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that percussive therapy can prevent DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)\u200b1\u200b<\/sup><\/span>. In many cases, neck pain and tension come from overstraining the muscles<\/strong> in your neck.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massage guns work by improving blood circulation<\/strong> within muscles. Pain relief is achieved by supplying fresh oxygen to the muscle tissue. They also help relieve stiff muscles\u200b2\u200b<\/sup><\/span> by reducing muscle tension<\/strong>, which helps you relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are also great for DIY massage. You can carry your massage gun anywhere with you and use it when needed. If you experience neck pains at work, you can immediately grab your massage gun and sort out your problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Theragun<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Theragun<\/a><\/figure>\n
The small and handy Theragun mini<\/a> is great for travel or after work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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But Is It Safe to Use A Percussive Massage Gun on the Neck?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Again, with massage guns on your neck, you need to know where to massage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never massage the front part of your neck<\/strong> with a massage gun. The pain in your neck rarely originates from there, and many areas on the front of your neck are very sensitive to pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Instead, you need to know which muscles to target. These muscles are all located at the back and sides of your neck<\/strong>. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Trapezius muscles<\/strong> are large paired muscles that extend over the back of your neck and shoulders. They help with your head and shoulder movement. When this muscle is overstrained, it often causes tightness and pain in the back of your neck. In some cases, you may also feel tingling or have headaches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Levator Scapulae<\/strong> lies beneath the trapezius muscles and helps hold up your shoulder blade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Sternocleidomastoid<\/strong> or SCM muscle \u2013 This muscle helps you rotate and pull your head forward.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    \"use<\/a>
    1. Trapezius; 2. Levator Scapulae; 3. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Why Using a Percussive Massage Gun on the Neck May Not Be Safe and What To Do About It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Massage guns work either with vibrations or percussions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Vibrations <\/strong>are awesome when you want to relax. They help improve blood flow through the areas being vibrated. On the other hand, percussions <\/strong>do the same thing (and more), only they tend to be more aggressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The neck (especially the front part) is delicate. Even if a massage gun can only offer vibration therapy, you need to be careful not to damage the front part of your neck<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    CAUTION:<\/span><\/strong> Trying to massage this area could lead to serious harm. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The front part of your neck carries some crucial arteries. Using a massage gun directly on these arteries could literally damage them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The carotid arteries<\/a> are the most important arteries around the front of the neck. They help with the supply of blood to the brain. The internal carotid<\/strong> arteries supply blood to the brain, while the external arteries<\/strong> supply blood to your face and neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Applying a massage gun directly to these arteries could slow or stop this important blood supply. This could result in dizziness, confusion, fainting, or more serious problems like a stroke.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

    We advise you to leave the front part of your neck alone<\/strong> and focus on the back and sides of your neck. For the best results, focus on the trapezius muscle<\/strong> just above your shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Can You Use a Massage Gun on the Back of the Neck?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Yes. That\u2019s where your focus needs to be.<\/em><\/span> We\u2019ve already seen that it can be pretty harmful to try and massage the front part of your neck using a massage gun. However, using one on the back of your neck is perfectly safe \u2013 you just need to know where to apply it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yes, you can. The back of your neck has a lot of delicate parts that you need to watch out for when you are using a massage gun. For example, never use a massage gun directly on your spine<\/strong>. You could cause bruising or more serious damage, like a fracture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you want to relieve neck pain and stiffness,<\/strong> focus on the\u00a0levator scapulae muscle<\/strong> and the upper trapezius<\/strong>. These two muscles work together to elevate the scapula. If you are an athlete, especially if your sport requires repetitive movements (throwers and swimmers), you must focus on massaging them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The same goes for construction workers and other jobs with repetitive arm movements. To alleviate that pain, you may need to massage the back of your neck and (same as for athletes) focus on the scapulae and the upper trapezius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shoulder tension, which tends to go hand in hand with pain at the back of your neck, could also be treated using a massage gun by following the pattern of working on these two major muscles. One large factor in developing neck pain and tension is incorrect body postures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When we stand or sit for long hours without support for our head and shoulders, our upper trapezius and levator scapulae become tired from holding our neck and shoulders in place. When these muscles become tired, we start to feel muscular tension <\/strong>and muscle soreness<\/strong> around our head and neck areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \"a<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Use of a massage gun on the back of the neck.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Using a Massage Gun on Your Neck \u2013 What To Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can read our best massage gun for neck and shoulder pain<\/a> posts for the best-recommended devices. Once you have your preferred device, the key is to try to use that device properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Best Massage Gun Neck Attachment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    As we\u2019ve said, you must use the right massage gun neck attachment if you want the massage to be effective and safe. Again, here, we recommend using something you are comfortable with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Most people prefer softer attachments<\/strong>. Some massage guns come with cushioned or Soft attachments. For example, Ekrin 365<\/a> and Bantam<\/a> have excellent soft ball attachments. Theragun Pro<\/a> has the Supersoft attachment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"a
    The fork attachment is designed to be used around the spine (Ekrin Bantam<\/a>).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    You can use the bullet or fork attachments<\/strong> for tough spots or trigger points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fork attachment<\/strong> is designed to be used around the spine. The two prongs go on either side of the spine, and none of the prongs should touch the spine (bone area).<\/p>\n\n\n

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    PRO TIP:<\/mark><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before using the fork attachment, first inspect if it is wide enough to massage safely. Some fork attachments are designed to be too narrow\u2014for instance, what we saw recently with the Opove APEX massage gun. If the fork is too narrow, it will hit your spine.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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    \"Theragun<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Theragun<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \"Theragun<\/a><\/figure>\n
    Theragun PRO<\/a> has 6 attachments (including the Supersoft one, which is great for sensitive areas like the neck).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    You can also use the standard ball<\/strong> or flat attachments<\/strong>. These can also just be as effective in relieving the pain in your neck and shoulder areas but tend to be most effective with large muscle groups like the upper trapezius. Find more information in our guide on massage gun attachment uses here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"theragun<\/a>
    Supersoft attachment for very punchy percussive devices.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The trick is to try out different attachments and determine which works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Set the Pressure and Speeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    Use the right attachment<\/strong> and adjust it for appropriate speed and pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n