Many actions put pressure on joints. Heavy lifting, leaning on elbows repeatedly for long periods, extensive kneeling – these are just some positions that could cause trauma and inflammation and result in a condition known as bursitis. This article will discuss how you can use a Hydragun massage gun to alleviate the pain caused by Bursitis.
Bursitis usually affects joints in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Some common signs of bursitis are:
· Stiff and achy joints
· Joints that hurt the more you press on it
· Joints that appear swollen
· Joints that appear red
While it’s not always preventable, there are some activities you can do to reduce the risk. One of the best ways to do this is to warm up and stretch before strenuous activities. And getting a HYDRAGUN right away can help you do just that.
Using a percussion massage gun, you can focus on muscles around the joints to release tightness and tension. This helps ease the pressure on the joints.
In part 9 of this series, we show you how to massage muscles to help lower the risk of bursitis. You’ll also know how to administer percussion massage if you’re already suffering from inflamed bursae.
The HYDRAGUN Massage Gun
Before we go into the actual massages, let’s get to know your tool – the HYDRAGUN. It comes with 4 regular and 3 stainless steel attachment heads.
In general, we recommend –
· ball head – large muscle groups
· fork head – deeper penetration of medium muscle groups
· bullet head – pinpoint targeting of tight knots
The flat heads (1 regular, 2 stainless steel) are suggested for larger surface areas.
You can use your HYDRAGUN all over the body, from the neck, shoulders, torso, legs, and feet.
Using a Massage Gun for Bursitis
Bones, tendons, and muscles near joints are cushioned by small, fluid-filled sacs called the bursae. When these become inflamed, it results in painful bursitis.
Image Source: Wristsupports.co.uk
Recommended Massage Gun Attachment Head to Use:
- For warm-ups, cool-downs, between sets, and for recovery – ball
How to:
1. Choose the attachment.
2. Turn the HYDRAGUN on and choose the speed setting.
3. Apply HYDRAGUN to the body.
For bursitis of the knee:
1. Start by massaging your quads. Float the HYDRAGUN massage gun across the muscles for a minimum of 30 seconds.
2. Move to the shins, again massaging across the muscles back and forth for at least 30 seconds.
3. Glide up to the hamstrings and massage back and forth also for at least 30 seconds.
4. Move down and massage the calves for another 30 seconds.
5. Finally, glide the HYDRAGUN massage gun gently on the knee using the lowest speed setting.
Do this as often as needed throughout the day.
For bursitis of the hips:
1. Place the HYDRAGUN on the hip joints, avoiding bone and focusing instead on the meaty part.
2. Move the massage gun in a circular motion for a maximum of 30 seconds.
3. Finish by doing light stretches targeting the hips.
For bursitis of the wrist:
1. Place your forearm arm on a flat surface like a table. The wrist should be positioned at the edge with the hand hanging off the table.
2. Relax your hand. Glide the HYDRAGUN across the forearm muscles, back and forth for 30 seconds.
3. Flex your hand up and down while letting the massage gun float on the arm muscles.
Tip: Recommended attachment heads are just that – suggestions. HYDRAGUN can easily be customized depending on your needs so feel free to choose which attachment head and speed works best for you.
(See more usage and safety tips here.)
Please do note that it is not encouraged to use the HYDRAGUN directly over the bursae. The repetitive pounding action may worsen your bursitis symptoms. Instead, focus on the muscles surrounding the area to help release the pressure and tension in the actual joints.
Suffering from pain in other areas? Check out the rest of our muscle recovery series.
No HYDRAGUN yet? Don’t miss out on the Future of Recovery. Get HYDRAGUN here.
