Do you know how to use massage gun attachments? We will show you how in our article.
We’ll tell you how to choose the proper attachment, which ones you must have, and which massage attachment for which body part. If you stick around, you might also learn how Theragun attachments are radically different. Read on for more!
- Choosing the Correct Massage Gun Heads Matters
- Massage Gun Attachment Guide: Must-Have
- How to Use Massage Gun Attachments – Guide Lines
-
Massage Gun Attachment Uses: For Specific Body Parts
- Massage Gun Attachment for Neck
- Massage Gun Shoulder Attachment
- Massage Gun Attachment for Back
- Best Massage Gun Attachment for Lower Back
- Massage Gun Attachment for the Spine
- Massage Gun on Chest Muscles
- Massage Gun Attachment for Calves
- Massage Gun Attachment for Hamstrings + Glutes
- Massage Gun Attachment for Hip Flexor
- Massage Gun Attachment for Feet/Plantar Fasciitis
- Massage Gun Attachment for Hands, Elbow, Forearm, and Carpal Tunnel
- Tips for How to Use Massage Gun Attachments
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Massage Gun Heads – Conclusion
TIP: For those looking for information on how massage gun heads are built, what materials manufacturers use, or how to take care of them, we have a dedicated post here.
Choosing the Correct Massage Gun Heads Matters
Since massager heads are the only part of the massage gun that comes in contact with the body (in a therapeutic way), their selection is crucial for an effective massage experience.
Here’s why:
- Massage gun attachments come in different shapes and sizes.
This is done to target specific muscle groups and tend to various muscular issues effectively. We will examine the most common ones we encounter in almost all massagers.
We say “almost” because some guns lack the basic massage heads.
Hypervolt Go 2, for example, only has two hard plastic massage attachments. - Selecting the correct massage attachment can optimize a massage gun’s effectiveness, thereby speeding up recovery time and alleviating muscle pain. A case in point is when we had to drop some good muscle massagers because they came with terrible massage gun accessories.
Think of the Sharper Image massager, which only has hard plastic attachments. We just discussed the Hypervolt Go 2, which only comes with a flat and a massage gun bullet attachment, both of which are made of hard plastic. - The proper massage attachment selection also means no skin irritation (yes, it can happen – learn why and what to do here), customized massage intensity, or a less harmful experience.
So, which massage gun attachments should you choose for which body part? Hang on; we’ll discuss it in a moment.
Massage Gun Attachment Guide: Must-Have
Which massage gun attachment to use? In this article, we have massage gun heads explained.
We discuss how many attachments you really need. It’s 4-6 pieces. So here are the crucial ones to look out for, their main purposes, and some facts to know:
Massage Gun Ball Attachment
This type is the most commonly used. If your massage gun already includes one, it’s probably the ball attachment. As the name suggests, it’s round.
Purpose
This is the general-purpose one that is used on most parts of your body. It works better on large and medium muscle groups such as the deltoids, glutes, and hamstrings. As a first-time user, this is your go-to attachment.
Build
It may be made of hard plastic, EVA foam (a popular option), silicone, or an air cushion (which we’ll discuss later).
What to know
Theraguns have one they call “Standard Ball,” but it’s radically different from the conventional ball—it’s more of a half-ball but doesn’t miss out on the experience.
Massage Gun Flat Head
It’s the second most popular and offers a more robust experience than the ball head.
Purpose
The flat head massage gun is denser and harder than the ball attachment, making it more effective. It’s versatile for most body parts and excels at addressing stubborn knots in large muscle groups such as the pecs, glutes, and back. We’ve enjoyed using it, especially on the glutes, hamstrings, calves, and back muscles.
Build
It’s mostly made of hard plastic, although we have seen silicone and aluminum options (like the one that came with Bob and Brad X6 Pro).
What to know
The Ekrin Bantam flat attachment has a silicone cover that you can remove for a more intense massage experience.
Massage Gun Fork Attachment
This fork head massage gun is also commonly included with most devices, and for a good reason.
Purpose
This attachment glides over unevenly shaped parts of the body. It’s meant to be used along the spine, muscles that run from the upper neck to the shoulders, and the Achilles tendon. It’s also used for deep-tissue massage and to alleviate sore muscles.
Build
It’s shaped like a Y. We’ve seen weird shapes, like a U. We’ve also seen some narrow and others made of soft material, like in the Ekrin Kestrel and KiCA 3.
What to know
Interestingly, though, we haven’t seen a Theragun fork attachment. What a bummer!
However, there is one option: they offer a Theragun Duo Adapter, which allows you to use two attachments simultaneously. We’re not huge fans of this, though.
Firstly, you must pay extra for the adapter (here) AND another Theragun tip (since the device only comes with one).
Secondly, its arms are quite wide (likely to accommodate two Theragun Supersoft), which might make it less effective in some situations.
Massage Gun Bullet Attachment
This one is crucial for pinpoint treatment.
Purpose
This attachment targets trigger points, knots, and hard-to-reach muscle tissues. It’s another great option for deep tissue massages, offering precise pressure where needed.
Caution
The massage gun bullet attachment is the most intense one and may cause discomfort. Start slowly with less pressure and only increase if you feel comfortable.
Build
It’s usually made of hard plastic, like with Ekrin and Hyperice devices, or covered with silicone, as seen with Bob and Brad devices.
Cushioned Attachment
While it’s generally not recommended to use a massage gun directly over bones or sensitive areas, this attachment allows for gentle application.
Purpose
This one is great for massaging tender areas. It can also be used when you need a relaxing massage.
It’s particularly effective for relieving painful DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and treating other injuries.
Build
In terms of approach, we’ve seen brands mix it up with this one. For instance, Ekrin Kestrel, Ekrin 365, and Bob and Brad D6 Pro make it like a squishy rubber.
We’ve also seen the Theragun Supersoft using a soft cushion foam material. You still need to purchase it separately (only Pro includes it), but we love its softness and definitely recommend it.
What to know
Unfortunately, not all brands include this attachment, which is a bummer.
These are the popular massage gun attachments we’ve seen with most percussion massage guns and believe are must-haves.
When it comes to the build and material for percussion massager heads, manufacturers take different approaches. You can expect some of the attachments for massage gun to be made of silicone, Eva foam, hard plastic, and more.
How to Use Massage Gun Attachments – Guide Lines
Before we start discussing specific body parts, let’s go over some general rules on how to use massage gun attachments:
- The Ball and Flat attachments are your safest bet if you are starting.
- Turn on your massage gun with the proper attachment plugged in and set it to medium speed.
- Apply light pressure and adjust slowly as you feel your way through the massage.
Stop if you feel any pain that isn’t normal. - Experiment with different attachments as you become more familiar with them.
Massage Gun Attachment Uses: For Specific Body Parts
Here’s the list summarizing which percussion massager attachments are best suited for massaging various body parts, along with the recommended Theragun massage heads and instructions on how to use them.
Massage Gun Attachment for Neck
Fork attachment for targeting neck muscles without impacting the spine; also Ball, Flat, and any for sensitive areas
Dampener or SuperSoft
- Gently and slowly move the fork attachment from the base of your head to your upper trapezius.
- Stop if you feel pain.
- For best results, use a medium to high speed and light pressure.
Massage Gun Shoulder Attachment
Flat or Ball heads are used for broader areas, and Fork or Bullet attachments for specific points.
Theragun wedge attachment
- Move along the entire length of your shoulder at a moderate pace for 30 seconds to activate the muscles.
- Slowly move along the upper muscle for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- For best results, use a lower speed and light to moderate pressure.
Massage Gun Attachment for Back
Ball, smaller heads like Bullet and Fork for targeting specific knots
Theragun Ball
- Move along the entire length of your upper back and shoulders at a moderate pace for 30 seconds to activate the muscles.
- Slowly move along the upper back for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- Use a lower to medium speed and light to moderate pressure for best results.
Best Massage Gun Attachment for Lower Back
Flat, smaller heads like Bullet and Fork for targeting specific knots
Therabody Dampener
- Move along the entire lower back at a moderate pace for 30 seconds to activate the muscles.
- Slowly move along the lower back for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- For best results, use the desired speed with moderate to heavy pressure.
Massage Gun Attachment for the Spine
Fork attachment to avoid direct spinal pressure
Theragun Supersoft
- Move along the length of your spine at a moderate pace for 30 seconds to activate the muscles.
- Slowly move along your spine and lumbar for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- For best results, use a medium to high speed and light pressure.
Massage Gun on Chest Muscles
Ball, Round
Wedge attachment Theragun
- To activate the muscles, move along the entire chest muscle at a moderate pace for 30 seconds.
- Slowly move along the chest muscle for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- For best results, use a lower speed and light to moderate pressure.
Massage Gun Attachment for Calves
Ball and Flat attachments for general massage, bullet head for deep tissue
Theragun Ball
- Move the device along the entire length of the calf at a moderate pace for 30 seconds to activate the muscles.
- Slowly move it along the calf for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- For best results, use the desired speed with light to moderate pressure.
Massage Gun Attachment for Hamstrings + Glutes
Ball attachment for general massage, Bullet head for deep tissue
Theragun Ball and Dampener
To activate the muscles, move along the entire length of the hamstrings and glutes at a moderate pace for 30 seconds. Slowly move along the hamstring for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation. For best results, use a lower speed with light to moderate pressure.
Massage Gun Attachment for Hip Flexor
Massage gun flat headfor general massage. Massage gun bullet attachment head for deep tissue
Dampener attachment Theragun
- To activate the muscles, move the device along the entire length of the hip flexor at a moderate pace for 30 seconds.
- Slowly move along the hip flexor for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- For best results, use a lower speed with light to moderate pressure.
Massage Gun Attachment for Feet/Plantar Fasciitis
Cushioned head for sensitivity; Bullet for targeting small spots; Flat head for overall relaxation
Ball, Dampener, and Theragun Cone attachment
- Place the device on the heel and treat the area in a circular motion for 20 seconds.
- Slowly move towards the ball of the foot and treat for 15 seconds. Then, move to the arch using the same circular motion for 30 seconds.
- For best results, use a lower speed with light to moderate pressure.
Massage Gun Attachment for Hands, Elbow, Forearm, and Carpal Tunnel
Cushioned head for sensitivity; Bullet for targeting small spots; Flat head for overall relaxation
Standard Ball, Dampener, and Theragun Supersoft
- Move the device along the desired body part at a moderate pace for 30 seconds to activate the muscles.
- Slowly move it along the hand for 2 minutes to promote recovery and relaxation.
- For best results, use the desired speed with light to moderate pressure.
We should also mention using any of the Theragun attachments to massage other body parts, such as the inner thighs, knees, IT bands, and more. Just use the general rules we mentioned earlier.
Tips for How to Use Massage Gun Attachments
Other than what we have mentioned so far, these tips will go a long way in ensuring you don’t miss a step with massage gun heads:
- Read the User Manual:
Top brands like Ekrin Athletics and Bob and Brad include practical manuals detailing how to use the massage gun attachments.
Therabody has important attachment information on its website. They also have videos available that show how to use different Theragun attachments. The Therabody app also allows you to view different routines on your phone. - Duration and Intensity:
Generally, sessions should last between 2 and 5 minutes.
However, do not hover your massage gun over a single spot for more than 15-30 seconds during the session.
For intensity and pressure, start slow and gradually increase it as needed.
Stop when you feel any abnormal pain. Don’t over-target any muscle, or you risk injury. - Combining different massage gun heads:
You can feel the difference through different massage gun attachments as you massage. No rules are written in stone here as long as you have a great session. Try to find a combo that feels best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the same Theragun attachment be used for multiple areas of the body?
Yes, you can use the same attachment for different body parts.
However, beware of sensitive areas and body areas where hard attachments may hurt you. Use the ball or flat attachment for an overall massage.
Massage gun danger: risks associated with using the wrong attachment?
Yes, especially when it comes to the hard attachments, such as the bullet and cone attachments. You can’t use these on sensitive areas such as the throat or temple. Otherwise, you risk getting injured. Also, if you press the gun too hard on the same spot, you risk bruising the skin, which may later become itchy.
How to know the correct pressure and speed settings for different attachments?
The best way is to listen to your body. Always start slow and increase the speed and pressure gradually. Experiment with different speeds and pressures over different parts and see how you feel.
How to change Theragun attachments?
1) With the device turned off, use your fingers to do a “V” sign.
2) Place each finger around the metallic base of the Theragun head.
3) Pull firmly away from the shaft.
4) Store the Therabody attachment.
Massage Gun Heads – Conclusion
You must know how to use massage gun attachments if you want to get the best out of your percussive therapy while treating DOMS, lower back pain, or neck muscle strains.
Remember to experiment with different massage heads, as some can provide more effective relief from muscle pain while you enjoy your percussive massage. Moderation is key.
