Self-massage is a popular therapeutic method because you can perform the massage by yourself, with no assistance necessary. However, using your hands isn’t very effective, and massaging sore muscles can make the pain worse if you don’t use proper technique. That’s where handheld massage tools come into play.

Whether you’ve recently suffered an injury, struggle with chronic pain or are simply looking for a thoughtful gift, the right self-massage device can be a huge game changer. Let’s discuss ten benefits of self-massage for sore muscles that everyone can take advantage of.

1. Reduces Pain and Swelling

The main benefits of massage therapy are pain and swelling reduction. The science behind this benefit is more complicated than you might think. When you massage your muscles, the cells start to produce more mitochondria in response to the stimulation. Mitochondria is an energy powerhouse that helps with muscle repair and pain suppression.

The sore or damaged muscle tissue would have repaired itself eventually, but massage therapy speeds the process along by causing the targeted cells to spring into action. That’s why it’s so common for athletes to use massage tools after games. It immediately puts their muscles into recovery mode so they can get back to 100% in time for the next game.

2. Assists With Injury Rehabilitation

Although self-massage isn’t a replacement for certified sports therapy, it can still help with injury rehabilitation. Studies have found that massaging decreases delayed onset muscle soreness, which in turn reduces the risk of injury aggravation on the road to recovery. The benefits of massage therapy are long-term, not just short-term.

The injuries that stand to benefit the most from self-massage are muscle and tendon strains. Massage therapy doesn’t have much effect on bone injuries. Focus on injuries to skeletal muscle tissue or cartilage.

3. Increases Blood Flow

Vascular function is a crucial part of muscle recovery, regardless of the sport or workout. Massaging a sore muscle increases the blood flow in that area, helping the muscle fascia relax after intense physical activity. If your goal is to build muscle, increasing blood flow to the muscles you just exercised is a great way to maximize growth.

4. Improves Mobility

All of the above benefits of massage therapy result in improved mobility and flexibility. Muscles with healthy cell activity, low soreness and optimal blood flow have better performance than stiff and under-stimulated muscles. However, moderation is key. Massaging the muscles too much can make it worse through over-stimulation. 

5. Provides Mental Relief

Self-massage for sore muscles isn’t just a form of physical therapy. It also provides mental relief by helping you relax and overcome pain. Pain comes in many forms, not just injuries or soreness. Research has found that 23% of student athletes use pain medication, which can be addictive and mentally debilitating. Massage therapy can help these athletes kick their substance addictions and recover in a more productive way, especially if they refuse other types of assistance.

6. Improves Sleep Quality

How many times have you struggled to sleep because of muscle pain and stiffness? This experience is universal among people with active lifestyles. Sometimes you push yourself too hard during a game or workout, and you pay for it when you try to sleep that night. Massage therapy’s physical and mental benefits help you fall asleep and stay asleep without aches and pains waking you up.

7. Targets Every Body Part

Some massage tools are only built for specific body parts, such as the neck or back muscles. The best massage tools target every body part and provide pain relief from head to toe. The only other way you can get this kind of all-in-one muscle therapy is from a licensed physician. Full-body massagers have everything you could possibly need.

8. Takes a Multi-Faceted Approach

Some self-massage tools also take a multi-faceted approach to muscle therapy, combining vibration, percussion and frictional heat to provide the most enjoyable experience possible. All three categories are viable forms of therapy on their own, but together, they make an unstoppable force of relaxation.

9. Less Expensive Than Physical Therapy

A self-massage for sore muscles will never be the same as a massage from a trained professional, but it’s certainly less expensive. If you don’t have the budget to see a therapist, you can still reap some of the benefits of massage therapy by getting an affordable handheld device.

10. Puts You in Control

Last but certainly not least, self-massage puts you in full control of your body’s recovery. You get to operate the device and reap the benefits. The road to recovery is laid out in front of you. All you have to do is develop a consistent massage routine, and the device does the rest. You have the potential to get all of the rewards, with none of the risks.

Self-Massage Tools Are Changing the Game

Myobuddy’s primary goal is always to help our clients get the most benefits out of their self-massage tools. Our tools are helping to change the game in the world of muscle therapy. If you have a question about a specific product or our other service resources, let us know and we’ll help you find the answers!