Massage guns come with standard attachments.
Ahead, find a guide on each attachment and its purpose.
Plus, it can help you recover more quickly.
Photo:Getty Images / Shape
Why Are There So Many Attachments?
“The various attachments allow for unique pressures and enable targeted approaches for different muscle groups.
The smaller the attachment, the more intense the massage.
The broader the attachment, the less intense the massage.”
With this in mind, evaluate how your body is feeling before picking your attachment.
Here is a quick overview of each attachment and its purpose.
Ball Head
Youre likely already familiar with the ball-head attachment.
The lats and pecs may also benefit from a little bit of ball-head love.
It has the smallest surface area, which gives you more local/focal attention to wherever your target area is.
He recommends trying the bullet head on small, tricky-to-reach areas like your thumb or palm.
Fork Head
This unusual shape has a very specific purpose, says Dr. Mann.
He suggests being gentle and starting with low pressure.
Less Common, But Useful Attachments
Sometimes massage guns will come with other, less-common attachments.
Here are a few additional attachments your massage gun may be equipped with and how they can be used.
The shape allows for the pinpointed pressure of the bullet, but with a broader reach.
ensure you ask a friend or a partner to help you reach your lower back, though.
After all, you wouldnt want to pull a muscle while trying self-massage.
Before you begin your bodywork journey, though, keep the following best practices in mind.
Consider Your Body pop in
Different bodies call for different massage gun attachments, says Exley.
Its important to understand your muscle density before choosing your attachment.
If you have less muscle tissue or are delicate, stick with the cushioned head to prevent increased pain.
Choose Which Area You Want to Massage
Next, pick a focus for your massage session.
Use a massage gun on your body, muscles, and soft tissue, says Egley.
Practice this rhythm with a gentle intensity to start.
When youre feeling confident, experiment with other parts of your body, avoiding the joints of course.
Consider Your Specific Needs
Remember, you know your body best.
Create a massage style that works for you and stick with it.
Bottom Line
In short, massage gun attachments are the “choose-your-own-adventure” of the recovery world.
Generally speaking, larger attachments are for bigger, stronger muscles while smaller heads work best for smaller muscles.
That said, smaller attachments can be more intenseso use light pressure and pay attention to your bodys signals.
