Since the first models of percussion massagers were first released, the tools have gained tremendous popularity in all markets containing athletic equipment and fans. Percussion massagers are explicitly designed to give muscle recovery and pleasure from the relief of aches and pains in various spots around the body. The increased demand for efficient and long-lasting percussion massagers has led to the increased availability of the devices in the market, including some unreliable/fake brands. When going for a handheld percussion massager, it is wise to know the terms associated with the most efficient brands, including RPM, stall force (torque), speed of the head, amps, and revs per minute. Let’s focus on the differences between vibration therapy and percussion massage therapy.
Understanding percussion massage therapy
Also known as tapotement, percussion massage therapy is a method first developed in Swedish massage parlors. The technique makes use of tapping done rhythmically to transfer the vibrations to the body. This can be achieved through beating, plucking, cupping, and hacking.
Percussion massages are done to revive the body’s nervous system, surrounding soft tissue, including tendons, muscles, and ligaments, via percussive tapping. The tapping movements have been shown to promote the widening of blood vessels and improved skin reflexes. Increased blood flow to a sore spot on the body means that the area will get more white blood cells and nutrients, promoting faster recovery.
Vibration therapy vs. percussive massage therapy
A lot of fitness and MMA videos made recently feature handheld percussion massage devices to help with faster recovery and enhancement of muscle groups on the body. Percussion massagers can help with relief from aches and pains associated with intensive athletic training as well as the demands of working a regular 9 to 5 job. Recovery is a fundamental requirement for a happy, healthy, and sustainable physical and emotional lifestyle.
Vibration therapy utilizes a device that generates the vibration movement and focuses it on either a localized part of the body or to the whole body. If you desire whole-body vibration therapy, you will need to stand on a vibrating platform. On the other hand, localized handheld percussive therapy utilizes therapy guns that contact the skin, creating a pleasant feeling on the surface of the body. As a result of efficient vibration therapy, muscles involuntarily relax and contract, promoting the body’s recovery from aches and pains.
Percussive therapy also involves the application of force to a specific part of the body under treatment. However, percussive massage therapy has the distinct capability of reaching up to 60% deeper into the muscle groups. The brain also cannot quickly adjust to the stimulation, since the percussion massager makes on and off contact with the skin.
Conclusion
Percussion massage therapy is an incredibly useful tool for relieving aches and pains that may affect the body after an intense workout or the fatigue of 9 to 5 jobs. Although it works along the same lines as vibration therapy, percussion massager therapy is distinctly different from vibration therapy.
