What is percussion therapy?

Percussion therapy is the application of controlled, rhythmic pulses to the muscles and adjacent structures, usually administered by a fitness device called a percussion gun. The Spalux™ Pulse is one such device.

What are the purported benefits?

It’s theorized that the rapid pulses of percussion therapy devices create oscillations, or waves of movement, in your muscle tissue. This motion could assist with both relaxing your muscle tissue, and releasing restrictions in your fascia, the webs of connective tissue that surround your muscle fibres. Think of it like a cooldown after a tough workout, but for an individual muscle group.

You may have heard claims about percussion therapy increasing blood flow to your muscles to aid in recovery, but the truth is – as more and more research is done on the effects of percussion therapy, one thing we can say definitively; percussion therapy has never been shown to increase blood flow, to the muscles or in general.

A person in a red shirt using the Spalux Pulse percussion massage gun on their shoulder

However, what does increase blood flow to your muscles is exercise, and that’s where the Spalux™ Pulse comes in. Muscle recovery after exercise is the main supported application of percussion therapy. Users report decreased muscle pain and soreness when they apply percussion therapy after a workout, not to mention less pain and stiffness before the next workout.

What other possible benefits are there?

It’s been theorized that percussion therapy could help relieve stiffness and joint pain when used consistently over time, as well as breaking up scar tissue and reducing inflammation. This could contribute to more effective workouts over time and help you avoid chronic pain and fatigue as you age when used consistently.

An athlete holding the Spalux Pulse percussion massage gun

While we don’t have enough data yet to say with certainty what the long-term benefits are, users report faster recovery, less pain and stiffness, and feeling ready to get back in the gym sooner after a tough workout when using percussion therapy to recover. Having a device that helps relieve soreness and tension after exercise removes one more obstacle to you getting in your daily workout.

What precautions should I take?

The main potential safety concern is where on your body you’re using your percussion therapy device. Your User Guide will provide some guidance on where and how to best use your device to support your desired result. Most importantly, don’t use your Spalux™ Pulse or any percussion therapy device on your neck or windpipe.

While the device is safe to use on your shoulder or back muscles, applying percussion to your neck can interrupt blood flow to the brain.

Percussion therapy is typically tested and works best on major muscle groups like your calves, arms, shoulders, thighs, and back. If you’re looking for further guidance, a physical therapist can advise you on your personal best use case based on your workout routine.

Sources

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