We’re all trying to be a little healthier these days by eating the right foods and working out as often as we can. However, with working out comes the risk of developing DOMS! This stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and, unless you treat it, it can really affect your progress.
But what’s the best way to beat DOMS? The short answer is massage. However, this isn’t something that everybody has the time or finances for. This is why many people are turning to the Theragun as a way of soothing their aching muscles.
Also known as ‘Therabody’, the Theragun is the world’s leading percussive therapy instrument. It’s affordable and is compact enough to fit in your gym bag. It’s not just designed for gym enthusiasts, either. It’s also a great tool for anybody suffering from any type of muscle issue or anybody who simply wants to spend a little more time on their well-being and self-care.
But just how effective is the Theragun? And is it worth investing in one? We decided to find out by carrying out an in-depth review. Below, we’ll look at the brand, the different types of Theragun available, and those all-important customer reviews!
What Is A Theragun?
The idea for Theragun was dreamt up when its founder, Dr. Jason, sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident in 2007. He found that he needed something that could both relieve pain and speed up recovery. With nothing of the sort available, he decided to take matters into his own hands!
Skip forward a couple of years and the Theragun was created. It has since been featured in several well-known publications including Forbes, GQ, Health, Vogue, and ESPN. Not to mention it’s becoming seen quite frequently on social media platforms, endorsed by athletes and Olympians alike.
The Theragun is so impressive that it also won the 2019 A’Design Award for Best Design.
Why you should trust us?
Our team has spent over 15 hours extensively testing and researching the best wellness products, including Theragun. Our goal is to find the best brands who care about your well-being and help people live better lives. We evaluate beauty products based on their quality, effectiveness and customer support.
We often ask ourselves a simple question: would we buy the product for ourselves and recommend it to our family and friends? This review is reviewed and thoroughly vetted by Zoey Low, our in-house fitness and wellness expert and product tester herself!
How Does The Theragun Work?
Sounds pretty impressive, right? But how does the Theragun work? It’s a fairly basic principle actually, but the results are undeniably amazing.
The Theragun works by using percussive therapy, amplitude, frequency, and torque to reach deep into the muscle tissues with more effectiveness than a regular massage. It is also scientifically calibrated to deliver optimal results and the industrial-grade Japanese motor that powers it into action can deliver 16mm of amplitude.
It also operates at an astonishing 40 percussions per second. This means it’s able to work at a faster speed than it takes for your brain to feel any pain.
These features combine to create a tool that is scientifically proven to do the following:
- Provide pain relief
- Enhance performance
- Accelerate recovery
- Increase your range of motion
For these reasons, the Theragun is fast becoming one of the most popular tools for athletes as well as doctors and professional medical staff with patients requiring deep muscle therapy.
Theragun: Product Range
One thing that many people don’t know about Theragun is that they actually have more than one product. Each Theragun in the range is slightly different and is aimed at helping with different needs. This means you’re able to choose one that will work for you, rather than having to settle for a “one size fits all” approach.
To give you a better idea of what’s available, we’ll take a look at some of Theragun’s best sellers below.
Theragun PRO
The Theragun PRO is where it all began! This tool offers deep muscle treatment, enhances recovery, reduces muscle stress and tension while providing pain relief. This all-singing-all-dancing approach has seen the Theragun PRO become a particular favorite of athletes who love its effective performance and convenient design.
Some of the features you’ll find in the Theragun PRO include:
- A rotating arm
- A QX150 motor with QuietForce Technology
- 300-minute battery life
- Smart App integration with BlueTooth technology
- OLED Screen with Force Meter
- Customizable speed range
It also comes with several attachments including a Supersoft, Dampener, Large Ball, Standard Ball, Wedge, Thumb, and Cone. Each of these gives you the ability to target different muscle groups more effectively.
Available in black or red, the Theragun PRO comes with a 2-year warranty which acts as a testament to its quality. It also comes with a Percussive Therapy Live Digital Course, which is taught by Theragun Master Trainers.
All of this comes in at $549. However, you can pay in interest-free installments if you prefer. This would certainly be the best option if you’re working with a budget.
Theragun Prime
If you don’t need something with as many features as the Theragun PRO, or you’re simply looking for something a little more affordable, the Theragun Prime is an excellent choice. It’s simple, effective, and has 5 built-in speed levels.
This doesn’t mean it lacks anything in effectiveness, though. It’s still fantastic at getting deep into the muscle tissue for pain relief and accelerated recovery. It also features Active Torque Control, which helps to ease pain in a faster amount of time.
Other features you’ll find in the Theragun Prime include:
- QuietForce Technology
- A QX65 motor
- 4 easy-clean attachments
- Smart App integration with BlueTooth technology
- Customizable speed range
It also has a slim-framed design that makes it easier to maneuver while you’re using it. And, when you’re done, you can store it away in the included protective travel pouch.
Unlike the Theragun PRO, the Prime is only available in black. This isn’t something that is a huge issue for most people though and, if you can get past this, you’ll save yourself some serious money as the Theragun Prime costs just $299. It’s also available to purchase with interest-free credit.
Theragun Mini
Looking for something even cheaper? Meet the Theragun Mini. This model costs just $175 and it can also be purchased using Theragun’s 0% APR payment plan. You’ve got a wider choice of colors here too and you can choose between red, white, black, or copper.
One of the best things about the Theragun Mini is it’s compact size. This would fit perfectly in any gym bag or backpack, making it perfect for post-workout and post-hiking massages alike.
Don’t be fooled by its reduced size, either. The Theragun Mini still packs a pretty powerful punch. Here are a few of its features:
- QX35 motor with QuietForce Technology
- 150-minute battery life
- 3 speed settings
It also comes with a soft case that you can use for storage and transport, as well as a power adaptor for easy recharging. If you’re looking for something that provides top-quality, deep tissue massage but doesn’t break the bank, the Theragun Mini is the one to go for!
Theragun Elite
All Theraguns feature QuietForce Technology, but the Theragun Elite is particularly quiet while it’s in use. In fact, it makes no more noise than the average electric toothbrush. This makes it a perfect fit for anybody who wants some peace and quiet while they conduct their therapy. Likewise, it’s ideal if you want to be able to relax in front of a movie without your Theragun drowning out the sound!
It features Active Torque Control for strong, consistent power and it can produce up to 40lbs of no-stall force. These things combined give the Theragun Elite the power to get deep into your muscle tissues to relieve soreness and tension.
Other features you’ll find in the Theragun Elite include:
- A QX65 motor with QuietForce Technology
- 120-minute battery life
- SmartApp Integration with BlueTooth technology
- OLED Screen with Force Meter
- Customizable speed range
- A protective travel and storage case
You’ll also receive a variety of attachments including a Dampener, Standard Ball, Wedge, Thumb, and Cone.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Theragun Elite also features a Responsive Force Meter that shows you your current speed and power settings. By doing this, you’re able to see what works best for you and you can select the same settings straight away next time you use it.
Available in black, red, or white, the Theragun Elite comes complete with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day subscription to VARIIS. This gives you access to fitness classes by SoulCycle, Equinox, and more.
Price-wise, we’d put the Theragun Elite in the middle-range. It costs $399, so it’s not as expensive as the PRO, but is still more expensive than both the Prime and the Mini. As with all of Theragun’s products, you do have the option to purchase with a 0% APR payment plan.
What Other Customers Are Saying About Theragun
There are two things to consider when looking at Theragun’s customer reviews; effectiveness and customer service.
As far as effectiveness goes, the Theragun Prime has pretty good reviews. People found that it helps aid their recovery in a fast amount of time. They also loved that it took away the need to book a massage appointment, allowing them to work out those painful knots on their own at home.
One standout review reads: “I don’t write many reviews. I’ve tried several massage guns over the years and none, have done as good of a job as this one does! It’s wireless feature and Bluetooth pairing showing videos how to properly use it are next level! And ease of use is unreal!”
The negatives start coming into play when we look at Theragun’s customer services. People reported issues with slow response times and, in some cases, chasing refunds. This is obviously pretty frustrating when you’re in pain and you need something to help relieve it.
Oner review on this matter states “There is no customer service to call and I was told to send it back via email”
However, these negative reviews certainly don’t make up a large percentage of the overall customer reviews. For the most part, people are impressed with the Theragun. Some people also noted that it was the only thing that worked for them and were thrilled to have found it after years of searching.
Theragun: Pros & Cons
From what you can see above, the vast majority of customer reviews for Theragun are positive. People found that they were able to get fast, effective results. They even found that it was more effective than a regular massage.
However, if you’re still not sure whether the Theragun is the best option for your needs, let’s make things simpler by breaking things down into pros and cons.
Pros
- Fast and effective – ideal for pain relief, muscle recovery, enhancing performance, and increasing range of motion in super-fast time.
- More effective than a massage – is able to reach further down into the muscle tissue.
- A range of Theraguns for different needs – as with all therapy, there isn’t a one size fits all Theragun. This means you’re able to find one to help with a specific problem.
- Various attachments available – makes it easier to target specific parts of the body and provides access to every muscle group.
- Payment plans offered – makes it more affordable and accessible for everyone.
- Worldwide shipping – it doesn’t matter where you live, you can still enjoy the benefits of a Theragun.
Cons
- Potentially pricey – may not be the best option if you’re working with a limited budget. However, you can take advantage of the installment plans available.
- Unresponsive customer services – some people found they had to chase the customer services department for a response to their issue.
Is Theragun Worth The Money?
Here’s the bottom line – if you want something that is scientifically proven to help relieve pain, speed up recovery, and more, there’s no doubt that the Theragun is worth the money. Sure, they might be slightly more expensive than you’d have liked, but they aren’t so expensive that they become a product that is exclusive to the rich and famous!
For thousands of people, the Theragun has been a life-changing tool for recovery and wellness. However, it should be noted that there are reports of bad customer service experiences, with delayed refunds and an overall lack of responsiveness.
But, as we’ve explained before, this isn’t something that seems to be a frequent occurrence.
To put it simply, the Theragun is definitely worth it if you need something that works more effectively than a deep tissue massage. The only thing you might need to prepare yourself for is dealing with a slow customer services team.
Promotions & Discounts
There are quite a few promotions and discounts offered by Theragun, and they’re definitely worth taking advantage of if you’re looking to save a few extra bucks.
The first of these is an ongoing discount that is offered to active-duty military personnel, veterans, law enforcement officers, and first responders. All you need to do to get this discount is send proof of service (such as photo ID) to info@therabody.com and they’ll sort you out.
Theragun also offers Black Friday deals, special promotions, and exclusive discounts to its newsletter subscribers. So, if you’ve not already signed up, make sure you are before you buy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does The Theragun Do?
The Theragun uses percussive therapy to get deep into the muscle tissues and relieve stress, tension, and pain. It works by increasing blood flow, making it easier for your muscles to heal in a faster amount of time. It also operates at a speed that is faster than your brain can pick up on pain signals, overriding the feeling of pain altogether.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Theragun?
There are loads of different benefits to using a Theragun. Here are just a few of the things that the Theragun can do for you:
- Decrease muscle soreness and stiffness
- Accelerate warmup and recovery
- Increase blood flow to the muscles
- Decrease the level of lactic acid in the muscles
- Improve range of motion
- Hydrate muscle tissue
- Improve stretching ability and range of motion
Does Theragun Get Rid Of Knots?
Yes, it does. In fact, the Theragun is ideal for getting rid of knots in specific locations as it comes with a range of attachments that can be used to pinpoint the location of the knot. All you need to do is attach the dampener and work around the knot. Follow with the standard attachment for 3 seconds (no longer) and you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in the knot.
How Often Should You Use A Theragun?
You shouldn’t use a Theragun more than once every 24 hours. This gives the muscles a chance to relax and heal. However, the regularity with which you use your Theragun will be a personal thing, and you may find that you need to use it more frequently.
If this is the case, you need to make sure you’re not using it for too long each time. Aim for a minimum of 15 seconds and a maximum of 2 minutes. If you’re treating your full body, aim for no longer than 15 minutes. If you follow these rules, you can use your Theragun 2-3 times per day.
What Is Theragun’s Shipping Policy?
Theragun offers international shipping and the cost is calculated at the checkout. These shipping costs will vary depending on your location, the weight of your package, and the shipping method you choose. Once your order is received, your Theragun will be shipped within 2-3 business days. Arrival times also depend on your location, but you can track your order online with the shipper carrier.
What Is Theragun’s Return Policy?
If you find there is an issue with your Theragun (or you decide it’s not suitable for your needs), you can return it for a full refund within 30 days. Most refunds are processed within 2 days, but it can take up to 7 business days for your money to reach your account.
How Many Speeds Does The Theragun Prime Have?
The Theragun Prime has five customizable speed ranges. This gives you the ability to work deeper into the muscle tissue or provide light pain relief as necessary.
Can I Cancel A Theragun Order Once I’ve Placed It?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to act quickly. Theragun offers a small time from between an order being placed and shipped out. If you need to cancel or make any changes, you should contact them at info@theragun.com, and their customer service team will be happy to help.
Do I Need To Download The Therabody App To Use My Theragun?
No, you don’t. However, it’s highly recommended that you do, especially if you’ve never used a Theragun before. With the app, you’ll find detailed instructions on how to use your Theragun properly and safely.
You’ll also find some tips on how to incorporate it into your routine and use it to its fullest potential. The Therabody app is available on the App Store and on Google Play.
What Is The Battery Life On The Theragun PRO?
The Theragun PRO features two external lithium-ion batteries, each of which is capable of holding up to 150-minutes of battery life. As there are two batteries included with the Theragun PRO, you’re able to keep one fully charged while you use the other. This means that you’ll never need to worry about your Theragun running out of power!
What Makes The Theragun PRO’s Deep Muscle Treatment So Effective?
There are a few features you’ll find in the Theragun PRO that make it such an effective tool for deep muscle therapy.
First of all, it has a 16mm amplitude that reaches 60% deeper into the muscle than a consumer-grade vibration massager. By doing this, it’s able to stimulate circulation and generate heat to relieve muscular tension.
It also comes with a range of attachments that allow you to pinpoint the exact location of your pain, rather than massaging a general area.
What Is QuietForce Technology?
QuietForce Technology is the result of Theragun’s proprietary brushless motor. This technology allows the Theragun to operate at super-quiet noise levels and, in some cases, it’s no louder than an average electric toothbrush.
This is perfect if you like as much silence as possible while you undergo therapy, or if you’d like to sit back and relax in front of your TV while massaging away your muscle pain.
How Do I Know Which Theragun Settings Work Best For Me?
Some Theraguns (such as the Theragun Elite feature an OLED Screen with Force Meter. This shows you what settings you’re using, making it much easier to choose the same settings again next time. Likewise, you’ll be able to increase or decrease the speed of your Thergun as you make progress with your recovery, without having to guess what settings you used last time.
Can I Travel With A Theragun?
There isn’t anything to stop you from traveling with a Theragun. However, you might want to consider size. If you travel frequently, the Theragun Mini would be the best option for you as it is both compact and powerful. It also comes with a handy travel case included.
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