Using a Massage Gun for Achilles Tendonitis

In this video, sports physio Maryke explains why a massage gun can be good for Achilles tendonitis but also sometimes make it worse. She sets out clear guidelines on how to use a massage gun safely and for best effect when you have Achilles tendonitis.

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📽️ Other videos you may find useful:

📚Chapters in this video:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:45 Will it help my Achilles heal more quickly?
00:02:24 What NOT to do with a massage gun
00:05:30 How to use it for Achilles tendonitis
00:08:07 Best settings, fitting, and durations
00:10:29 How we can help

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References:
Ferreira, R. M., et al. (2023). "The Effects of Massage Guns on Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review." Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 8(3): 138.

Mak, R. K., et al. (2023). "Embolization of a Massage Gun–Induced Pseudoaneurysm in the Supraclavicular Fossa." Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology 34(9): 1637.

Sams, L., et al. (2023). "The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review." International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 18(2): 309-327.

Sulkowski, K., et al. (2022). "Case report: vertebral artery dissection after use of handheld massage gun." Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine 6(2): 159.

Roehmer, C., et al. (2022). "ID: 15833 Paracervical Muscle Edema After the Use of High-Percussion Massage Gun." Neuromodulation 25(4): S56.

Masters, A., et al. (2022). Hemothorax After Use of Percussion Massage Gun: A Case Report. C43. CASE REPORTS: PLEURAL DISEASE DILEMMAS, American Thoracic Society: A4172-A4172.

Jiancheng Mu, M. and W. Fan (2022). "Lens subluxation after use of a percussion massage gun.” Medicine 101(49):p e31825

Lai, A. C.-H., et al. (2021). "Massage gun-induced ocular injury–A case report." Indian Journal of Ophthalmology-Case Reports 1(4): 702-703.

Chen, J., et al. (2021). "Rhabdomyolysis after the use of percussion massage gun: a case report." Physical Therapy 101(1): pzaa199.

Kaewcum, N. and Siripornpanich, V. (2018), "The effects of unilateral Swedish massage on the neural activities measured by quantitative electroencephalography (EEG)." Journal of Health Research, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 36-46.

Weerapong, P., Hume, P.A. & Kolt, G.S. "The Mechanisms of Massage and Effects on Performance, Muscle Recovery and Injury Prevention." Sports Med 35, 235–256 (2005).

Cook JL. "Ten treatments to avoid in patients with lower limb tendon pain." British Journal of Sports Medicine 2018;52:882.

Stefansson SH, Brandsson S, Langberg H, Arnason A. "Using Pressure Massage for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Novel Treatment Versus an Eccentric Exercise Protocol." Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019;7(3).

[TreatMyAchilles]

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[amandaball]

Thanks v much really useful. My Achilles niggle / injury flares up every now again - usually due to lack of sleep / stress and any drop off in strength training. I have a theragun mini and have often wondered how best to use it. Thanks Mareka

[DanielLatorre]

Very helpful, specific, and wise advise here, much appreciated.

[The_Bearbarian]

I use it on my throat to warm my vocals and release my scalene. Also do my face/forehead (sinus) and behind my ear. Given me some food for thought.

[estebanjohnson]

Thank for this content! Does the same guidance apply when using a scraping tool?

[MarcusWiderberg]

Hej! Would massaging (not necessarily massage gun) the calf muscle in relation to stretching the calf muscles be beneficial for the tendon?
For instance, would massage help the muscles become less stiff and be beneficial to stretching? Curious, both in terms of (a) dynamic pre-run/exercise warmup "stretching" and (b) post-run long static stretching? (or independent session, e g yoga, etc)

Thanks for all the great content!

[LeeM]

My Achilles (just around the back of the inner right ankle) tends to hurt once I’m running after about 6 or 7 km however the pain goes away as soon as I stop running. Is this a tightness maybe or a lack of proper stretching in the Achilles before running? Would a massage gun help to loosen it out before running? Thank you 🙏

[AmericanHuskyCash]

Doesnt massage promote blood flow which will help the healing process?

[canesacahar]

I have Hagland Deformity with insertional tendinitis and bursitis. Receiving shockwave therapy plus mild excercise...is this the same as using massage gun?

[basscubs]

Is it normal with tight calves to feel pain in the Achilles ? Mine was as hard as a rock after I stopped my work out. I am able to bear weight, but I’m timid to give it a real go.

[elizabethloock]

My husband hurt his Achilles a year ago after a fall at home. Went to the doctor and X-rays were not taken. Was then treated for a tear higher up, walked with a moon boot for 6 weeks and then took it off.
Only later to discover that the Achilles had torn and no medical attention was given to it.
Is it a possibility to use the massage gun on the Achilles as it is difficult for him to walk properly.

PS: Might add he is 73 years of age. Thnx.

[chrisvarnadoe]

I run ultras and train high mileage. I ran 16 miles yesterday but couldn't run today because of it. Would it be beneficial to split the runs? Really hoping i dont have to stop training.

[mustymartian]

Would vibration be better than percussion for insertional achilles tendonitis.

[WilmaFistdu]

I suffer with my feet 😢 Inflamed Achilles and Calcaneous. From the minute I wake up until I sleep again my feet hurt.

[nerfe]

Im watching because i got a pain on my Achilles because of playing basketball.