If you haven’t considered using one of the best massage guns to ease physical symptoms of anxiety and stress, such as back aches and frequent headaches, it’s time to consider whether they’re the magic piece of equipment you’ve been needing.

Not only have massage guns held their popularity for countless years for their effectiveness in aiding pre-workout and post-fitness recovery. They’re popular among parents, professionals and pretty much anyone in between. In particular, they’re gaining popularity among those who experience muscle tightness and tension caused by anxiety and stress. 

If you can relate, it’s important to remember a healthy level of anxiety is completely natural and most people feel stressed at least from time to time.

“…nearly three-quarters of the population (73%) had felt anxious at least sometime in the previous two weeks, with 20% anxious most or all of the time.” 

– 2023 study by the Mental Health Foundation UK

That’s a lot of people who genuinely deal with worry, physical tension and mental pressures. Many on a daily basis.

Thankfully, more and more people are owning their anxiety and stress and saying “enough is enough”. This comes largely thanks to the mental health movement triggered by the pandemic that is still making positive waves.

There has never been a better time to address and alleviate built-up physical tension to promote healing and a more peaceful way of living. Let’s get to it! 

Keep reading to find the best massage guns on the market and how to use them to banish those physical anxiety and stress symptoms.

At a glance, here are the best massage guns to buy right now:

• Best deep tissue massage gun: ALDOM Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Massager
• Best versatile massage gun: Chirogun Percussion Massage Gun
• Best portable massage gun: Tamda Massage Gun, Portable Muscle Massage Device
• Best all-rounder massage gun: Theragun Prime – Electric Handheld Massage Gun
• Best affordable massage gun: HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun
• Best high-end massage gun: Theragun Elite

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What are the physical signs of anxiety and stress?

Whenever I think of the physical signs of anxiety and stress, this tweet pops into mind:

It’s hilarious (hopefully)… and also a hard truth. Physical discomfort created by anxiety and stress is all too commonly overlooked. 

A prime example is a headache that never seems to pass. If you relate, you likely experience the effects of chronic muscle tension caused by the duo. 

“Muscle tension is almost a reflex reaction to stress—the body’s way of guarding against injury and pain. Chronic stress causes the muscles in the body to be in a more or less constant state of guardedness.”

– American psychological association

The great news is muscle tension isn’t permanent with the right intervention. But before we get into the best massage guns, if you’d like to explore more often overlooked physical symptoms of anxiety, head to my recent blog which will open in a new tab for you to check out after this one.

How do the best massage guns work?

The best massage guns use a type of vibration therapy known as “percussive massage” that helps to alleviate tension in the body. Think of them as a mini robotic masseuse if you wish.

They are portable, handheld devices that commonly resemble power drills (but don’t cause any pain).

You have various options and can consider factors, such as noise level, design and portability, to pick your ideal device. 

There isn’t a specific type of massage gun sold solely to aid the physical symptoms of anxiety and stress so your options are limitless. 

If massage guns can relieve tight muscles after intense exercise, they can 100% do the same for anxiety and stress fueled muscle tension!

A quick way to relieve stress and anxiety 

Finding spare time between work and the kids is a rare reality for many. Or perhaps it’s studying for you? Whatever the case, it’s hard to find the time to invest in an activity for hours every week. 

So it’s a great relief that massage guns are an efficient piece of equipment. They work their magic in a mere 5 minutes. It’s easy to fit a massage session into your day as part of your new or existing wellness routine. 

No matter the time or place (probably not best when driving), massage guns are a God-send when it comes to soothing and healing muscle tension throughout the body and cultivating relaxation. 

Over the last five years, massage guns have helped me soothe muscular aches and pains caused by regular immobile deskwork. Also, the anxiety and stress of a demanding job. All that pressure stacks up and shows in the body. 

Perhaps you relate to the feeling of tension and tightness if you sit for extended periods of time or struggle with your mental health like many do. 

However, it’s important to note massage guns are not a quick fix for muscle aches and pains associated with stress and anxiety. Albeit, a quick session can be effective at relieving tight muscles and aches. 

To completely resolve them, use one of the best massage guns over an extended period of time. They work best when combined with regular exercise and a balanced diet to fully break up muscle knots and promote better blood flow. 

What’s more, there’s no denying a quick massage gun session is an easy relief compared to other natural stress and anxiety relievers, such as meditation or yoga, that take regular practice. 

Albeit, combining mental wellness practices such as meditation or mindfulness with the use of a massage gun can enhance your overall wellness and wellbeing.

Massage guns also serve as a mini at-home therapy session–which is a plus! The pulsations and direct contact help with unwinding and relaxing after busy, stressful days. You may find yourself oohing and ahhing (why not!). 

Ultimately, using one of the best massage guns is one of the biggest steps one can take to minimise the overall negative effects of anxiety and stress. Why? Because it’s easy to forget physical, mental and emotional effects of stress and anxiety are highly related. As such, when one symptom type is relieved, the others follow suit! 

Leaving physical symptoms unchecked may lead to them to worsen overtime, fueling the cycle of stress and anxiety. 

“Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, substance use problems, sleep problems, pain and bodily complaints such as muscle tension.”

– camh

Affordable alternative to a masseuse or chiropractor 

Massage guns are also a practical and affordable alternative to massage and chiropractic sessions. Instead of arranging an appointment, you can use your massage gun that you paid for just once (obviously) without leaving the house.

In addition, if you deal with an ache or pain early on with one of the best massage guns, you’ll prevent it from worsening to the point of ever needing frequent professional intervention.

Ultimately, massage guns are an easy and convenient tension and stress reliever with little to no rivals in the device department. They can take your self-care and wellness routine up a notch.  

How to use a massage gun to relieve physical anxiety and stress symptoms 

Area

• Locate the area of your body that feels tense.
• Move the gun over the muscles.
• If the massage gun includes a variety of heads, use a larger head to loosen up the general area first. 
• You can then work your way through other heads depending on their purpose and the area of your body you’re looking to target. 

Pressure

• Add a decent amount of pressure depending on your preference and the severity of the tension or pain felt in that area. 
• Some recommend staying in a spot for 15 seconds, but it really depends on when you start to feel tension release. 
• For tighter knots, hold the massage gun in the specific spot for longer.  

I find massaging the pressure points on both sides of my head on a low speed setting incredibly effective at relieving headaches and reducing facial tension.

Bonus tip

Stay clear of boney areas unless you want your massage gun to hop like a bunny (sounds fun but it really isn’t). 

Best massage guns to ease physical anxiety and stress symptoms

Best deep tissue massage gun: ALDOM Massage Gun Deep Tissue Percussion Massager

Key specs: 

Noise: 35-45 dB | Weight: 1.58kg | Customizability: 6 head attachments, 30 speeds | Battery Life: 8-10 hours 

With its uncomplicated design and powerful performance, this handheld deep tissue massage gun offers intense relaxation and healing.

The ALDOM Percussion Massager empowers you to reclaim control over persistent physical symptoms of anxiety and stress throughout your body, from stubborn knots in your shoulder blades and neck to tension in your hands. It effectively targets and alleviates the discomfort. 

Pros:

• Powerful Performance: High-quality motor and percussion technology to effectively target and alleviate muscle tension.
• Versatile Design: 6 interchangeable massage heads, allowing you to customise your experience.
• Adjustable speed settings: An extensive choice of speed settings to adjust the intensity of your massage.
• Cost effective: One of the most affordable Amazon Choice massage guns.

Potential flaws: 

• Vibrational intensity: Some users may find the high-speed vibrations of the massage gun too intense for their liking, especially in sensitive areas.
• Weight and size: The handheld design of the massager may feel slightly heavy for some users, especially during prolonged use. It’s worth considering if you prefer a lighter and more compact option.

Price at time of publication: £69.99

Best versatile massage gun: Chirogun Percussion Massage Gun

Key specs:

Noise: 45-60dB | Weight: 1.3kg | Customizability: 17 head attachments, 4 speeds | Battery Life: 6 hours 

With tons of attachments and two bonus massage balls, the Chirogun is undoubtedly one of the best massage guns on the market for versatility. I personally borrowed one from a friend over a few months last year and it’s one of the best massage guns I’ve had the pleasure of using.

It’s easy to target knots with the easy-to-grip handle. It’s high impact. And it looks and feels great. 

I’m unable to find a genuine online listing for this massage gun, as the one I used was bought overseas in person. You can however find a discounted (possibly replica) version on Ebay if you’re interested. But there’s plenty more options to come!

Pros:

• 6 hours battery life: One of the longest battery life on the market to save you from plugging in often. 
• 17 massage heads: A variety of massage heads to target many muscle groups for deep relief. 

Potential flaws:

• Limited speed range: The limited speed settings may restrict the massage gun’s ability to cater to individual preferences, potentially limiting its versatility.

Price at time of publication: £125.00 

Best portable massage gun: Tamda Massage Gun, Portable Muscle Massage Device

Key specs: 

Noise: 40db | Weight: 0.68kg | Customizability: 8 head attachments, 20 speeds | Battery Life: 4 hours

When you’re on-the-go for work or pleasure, faffing around with your massage gun is the last thing you want to do. The Tamda Portable Massage Gun enhances sleep, increases mobility, reduces stress, and ultimately alleviates inconveniences by being quick and agile.

Its sleek, ergonomic design is a sight for sore eyes and is a pleasure on the hands, which will make you want to use it at any opportunity (and probably show it off to your friends).

Pros:

• Intense and Effective Massage: With up to 3200 percussions per minute, powerful vibrations effectively relieve muscle tension and stiffness. 
• Whisper-Quiet Operation: Designed to provide a peaceful experience, being 40% quieter than other popular percussion massage guns. 
• Smart Temperature Control: Equipped with a smart temperature control chip, ensuring safe and optimal heat management during use. 

Potential flaws:

• Limited attachment options: May not provide a wide range of specialised attachments for specific massage needs.
• Battery life: A shorter battery life compared to similar models. 

Price at time of publication: On offer at £29.99 £49.99 

Best all-rounder massage gun: Theragun Prime – Electric Handheld Massage Gun

Key specs: 

Noise: QuietForce Technology | Weight: 2kg | Customizability: 4 head attachments, 5 speeds | Battery Life: 2 hours 

Everyone loves an all-rounder. Theragun Prime is a massage gun that’s developed by wellness scientists at Therabody to actively target and alleviate muscle tightness and tension so you can sit back and truly relax. It’s lightweight, smart and simplified to give you an incredible massage experience.

Pros:

• Powerful percussive massage: Delivers up to 30 pounds of force with a speed range of 1750-2400 RPM, providing deep tissue stimulation to breakdown knots and trigger points.
• Adjustable speed settings: Customise the intensity and pressure of the massage, catering to different muscle groups.
• Powerful and quiet motor: The massage gun features a high-torque motor that delivers intense percussive therapy, while maintaining quiet operation.

Potential flaws:

• High price point: The massage gun may have a higher price compared to other options on the market, which could be a deterrent for some potential buyers.
• Lack of attachments or accessories: May not include a variety of interchangeable attachments or accessories, limiting its versatility.

Price at time of publication: £219 £275

Best affordable massage gun: HeaDot Muscle Massage Gun

Key specs:

Noise: 30dB | Weight: 2kg | Customizability: 6 head attachments, 30 speeds | Battery Life: 6 hours

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable massage gun, this Headot Muscle Massage Gun has many of the features of higher end models at a fraction of the price. 

An Amazon Best Seller with over 10,000 5 star reviews, its one of the best massage guns that effortlessly soothes soreness and tightness caused by prolonged sitting and stress and anxiety.

Pros:

• Long-lasting battery: The massage gun boasts a long-lasting battery that ensures prolonged use and eliminates the need for frequent recharging.
• Adjustable speed settings: A wide range of adjustable speed settings, allowing you to customise the intensity and pressure of the massage.
• Ergonomic design: The massage gun is designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring a comfortable grip and ease of use during massage sessions.

Potential flaws:

• Potentially noisy operation: Some users may find that the massage gun produces an excessive amount of noise during use, which could be disruptive.

Price at time of publication: £34.99 £42.99

Best high-end massage gun: Theragun Elite

Key specs: 

Noise: Advanced sound insulation | Weight: 1.3kg | Customizability: 5 head attachments, 5 speeds | Battery Life: 2 hours 

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for”, and the Theragun Elite is the ultimate example. It’s a massage gun that beats its many competitors in quality and versatility.

Theragun, the popular creators of the massage gun, brings innovation and effectiveness to percussive therapy. Expect intense relief, improved recovery, and a range of customisable options for all your muscle needs. Say “adios” to nagging back and shoulder pain!

Pros:

• Ergonomic design: The patented triangle handle reduces stress on the wrist, hands and arms for trouble-free use.
• Easy-to-clean attachments: Includes 5 easily cleanable attachments, ensuring longevity and maintaining hygienic massage sessions.
• Lightweight: Lightweight and ultra quiet to maximise comfort and portability. 

Potential flaws: 

• Restricted speed customisation: The limited 5-speed settings of this massage gun may hinder users from adjusting to their preferred intensity levels.

Price at time of publication: £315.92 £375

I hope this blog has helped you find your ideal massage gun. Don’t forget to scroll up and click the relevant links to find out more about the products.