Did you know that percussion therapy is a type of treatment that uses rhythmic vibrations to improve health and well-being? It has been used for centuries, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, recommended percussion therapy for different conditions.
What is percussion therapy?
Percussion therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses short, sharp bursts of air or pressure to stimulate the body. The therapist may use a hand-held percussive device or a machine that delivers the percussion. The goal of percussion therapy is to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle pain, and reduce inflammation.
Percussion therapy is most often used to treat:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Arthritis
- Joint pain
- Muscle spasms
- Inflammation
- Swollen muscles
Research on the benefits of percussive therapy is ongoing, but there is some evidence that it may be effective for treating pain and improving the range of motion. A small study published in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that percussive therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving the range of motion in people with shoulder impingement syndrome.
How does percussion therapy work?
Percussion therapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. When the percussion stimulates the muscles and tissues, it increases blood flow and oxygen to the area. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. Percussion therapy may also work by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones.
Percussive vs vibration therapy.
Percussion therapy and vibration therapy are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Percussion therapy uses short, sharp bursts of pressure or air to stimulate the body. Vibration therapy, on the other hand, uses low-frequency vibrations to stimulate the body.
Percussion therapy is thought to be more effective than vibration therapy for treating pain and inflammation. This is because the percussion stimulates a wider area of the body, and the pressure is thought to penetrate deeper into the muscles and tissues.
What are the side effects of percussion therapy?
Percussion therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effect is temporary pain or discomfort at the site of treatment. Other potential side effects include bruising, skin irritation, and dizziness.
Massage gun and percussive therapy.
The therapy is often delivered using a percussive device, or a machine that delivers the percussion. The most common type of percussive device is a massage gun. Massage guns are handheld devices that use percussion to massage the muscles and tissues. They are often used by athletes to relieve pain and improve their range of motion.
Massage guns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used for a variety of purposes. There are many different types of massage guns on the market, and they vary in features, price, and quality. When choosing a massage gun, it is necessary to consider your needs and what you will be using it for.
The bottom line
Percussive therapy has a wide range of potential benefits, and it is generally safe and well-tolerated. If you are considering percussive therapy, check out our buyer’s guide to the best percussion massagers.
