“As we exercise and challenge our muscles, we cause breakdown within the muscle fibers, which in turn stimulates muscle growth/regrowth, hypertrophy (increase muscle size) and strength,” mentioned Jacklyn Plonski, an outpatient orthopedic and pediatric bodily therapist. “Mechanical stimulation of a muscle [with a device like the Theragun] causes increased blood flow and the release of histamines to the stimulated area. What this does is allow the increased blood flow to decrease the inflammatory response, decrease muscle soreness, and break up knots in athlete’s musculature.” She likened this system to utilizing a foam curler or getting knowledgeable therapy accomplished.
Shelby Milne, an athletic coach at UPenn, mentioned that the athletes there swear by Theraguns and have used them for each pre- and post-training (they presently use a special model of percussive remedy units). “The oscillations can also act as a warming modality for the muscles and tissues before the activity,” she mentioned.
While Plonksi has seen anecdotal proof supporting the usage of a Theragun, and no obvious adverse results, she recommends at all times speaking to your medical supplier first earlier than beginning a routine like this.