Contact Us (949)-276-5401 info@rauschpt.net
Follow Us:
×

Blog

Month: April 2020

The 8 Best Massage Guns of 2020

Posted on by rauschpt

Here at Rx Massage, we know tensions are high right now. Your body may be in need of a sports massage, however, being stuck at home has its challenges. This is why we suggest purchasing a massage gun in the meantime! Massage guns are fairly simple to use—you’ll want to aim the head about an inch away from your skin as it pulsates. Experts recommend to only use it for one to two minutes per muscle group and advise to start on the lowest intensity and work your way up. See a list of the 8 best massage guns of 2020 you should consider purchasing! We can’t wait to welcome you back and take care of you ourselves!

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: KRAFTGUN

One of the newer massage guns on the market, Kraftgun does it all. It uses a brushless motor, which helps reduce noise dramatically. It’s also powered by a Samsung battery, which keeps the device running for 3.5 hours on a single charge.

The lightweight design—just 2.2 pounds—comes equipped with two adjustable handles, making it more comfortable for people of all body shapes and sizes. The handle adjusts to point where you can reach your lower back on your own.

It can handle up to 80 pounds of force before stalling, deeming it powerful enough to provide significant therapeutic relief. Choose between three speeds for the pulsation intensity that you’re most comfortable with.

By arriving a little late to the massage gun game, Kraftgun designers were able to observe common shortcomings of other devices and focus on improvements in a device of their own.

How To Use

Massage guns are fairly simple to use—you’ll want to aim the head about an inch away from your skin as it pulsates. Experts recommend to only use it for one to two minutes per muscle group, and advise to start on the lowest intensity and work your way up.

Best Quiet: OPOVE M3 Pro Massage Gun

When searching for a massage gun, experts say noise control should be high on your priorities list—especially if you plan to use it around your neck and shoulders for stiffness and soreness.

“When you use a massage gun, noise is generated by the motor units, which is important to consider when you plan to use the device on muscles closer to the ears,” said Latoya Julce, a fitness professional and registered nurse in New York City.

The OPOVE M3 Pro is one of the quietest massage guns on the market. Its 24-volt, high-torque brushless motor keeps noise between 35 and 55 decibels. Even on the highest of its three different speed settings, it’s quieter than the lowest setting of most other massage guns.

Its battery life is also competitive, clocking in around three hours for one full charge. And at 2.5 pounds, it’s a pretty lightweight option as well. Plus, it comes with a convenient carrying case so you don’t have to worry about misplacing its various attachments.

Quick Tip

“Be careful about relying on guns as your only recovery tool. You should also stretch, rest, get massages, and try cold and heat therapies to maintain flexibility and aid muscle recovery.”—Latoya Julce, fitness professional and registered nurse in New York City

Best High-End: Theragun G3PRO

Theragun is the pioneer of massage gun products, and the G3PRO is their top-of-the-line option with a price tag to match. With that said, it definitely gets the job done.

It comes equipped with six attachments and an adjustable arm so users of all heights can target any part of their body successfully. Handling up to 60 pounds of force before stalling, it provides pretty powerful percussive therapy. While its battery life is only 75 minutes, the GP3PRO comes with two batteries both of which are rechargeable, so you can use them interchangeably.

The percussion speed of the GP3PRO makes it a louder option, which is something to be mindful of if you plan on using it in a public space like the gym. On the plus side, it comes with a nice carrying case and an interactive app.

Best Budget: Exerscribe Vybe Percussion Massage Gun

Yes, you can enjoy many of the benefits of higher-end massage guns for a fraction of the price. Weighing 2.5 pounds, the Vybe can handle up to 60 pounds of force before stalling (just like the Theragun G3PRO), providing both deep percussion and strong pressure.

You can choose from six different speed settings and feel confident that it can reach any muscle in need, thanks to its adjustable arm. It also comes with two swappable, rechargeable batteries, keeping it going for up to three hours.

This model from Exerscribe is the least expensive of the three they offer, but that doesn’t make it an inferior choice. The only real sacrifice made here is in the noise department—it’s a pretty loud device.

Expert Advice

“I would recommend trying a few massage guns before buying one. And while it’s tempting to use the gun for longer sessions, limit percussive therapy to one or two minutes per muscle targeted. Also, if you’re prone to blood clots, you may want to check with your doctor before using a massage gun.”—Cori Giuliani, ACE-certified trainer at OrangeTheory Fitness

Best Portable: Hyperice Hypervolt

The Hypervolt is a favorite among many fitness trainers (including our expert source Cori Guiliani) because it’s easy to transport from location to location and use on a variety of clients for their unique needs.

It weighs just 2.5 pounds and sports an ergonomic design that fits easily in any gym bag. It also comes with five different attachments and offers three different speed settings, making it a versatile tool.

Even better, it’s quick to recharge after a battery life of almost three hours, and it has a gauge that reveals exactly how much battery it has left when it’s turned on. The Hypervolt also delivers on the quiet front, using a proprietary silencing technology to keep the percussion noise to a minimum.

Best High-Intensity: TimTam Power Massager Pro

If you typically opt for more aggressive deep tissue massages, this device is one of your best home alternatives. The TimTam Power Massager Pro is lightweight, quieter than many other options on the market, and more powerful, so it can help relieve your muscle soreness faster (the manufacturer says in 60 seconds).

It also features a unique, auto-heating tip and a vibration attachment, providing two more soothing elements of a traditional massage in one device. The TimTam Power Massager Pro features a 175-degree rotating head and makes 50 percent less noise than the brand’s previous model. The only downside: Its battery life is pretty low, clocking in at about an hour.

Best for Beginners: MuscleGun Carbon Massage Gun

With four massage heads that are quick and easy to change and a lightweight design of 2.2 pounds that’s even easier to handle, this massage gun is ideal for those new to percussive therapy.

The MuscleGun Carbon has a stall force of 50 making it a little milder than others on this list, which is great for newbies. If you’re a beginner, it’s best not to start out with an intense massage gun that’s ready to assault your sore muscles.

It has five speed settings, four-hour battery life and comes with a compact carrying case that’s handy for travel. Newcomers will love that the massage gun comes with images detailing how long to work each body part and what head attachments to use for each.

Best Battery Life: Lnchett Massage Gun

If you’re the person who always forgets to charge your phone, this massage gun is the one for you. Our expert, Latoya Julce, says good battery life is key for massage guns, “especially for trainers on the go tending to multiple clients.”

This massager comes equipped with rechargeable lithium batteries and has a long-lasting battery life of six to eight hours. The LED touch screen will notify when battery is running low and also lets you easily control the speed of the device.

It has six massage heads for total-body relief and 20 speed levels. The brushless high-torque delivers 500 to 3500 per minute, so it’s best for those who enjoy deeper pressure massages.

What to Look for in a Massage Gun

Noise

The motors that power massage guns can be surprisingly loud, so it can be a rather unpleasant experience to use them on neck and shoulder muscles. Luckily, lots of newer models have prioritized decreasing this motor noise.

Stall Force

This term refers to the amount of pressure you can apply to the head of the massage gun before the motor stalls. Folks who want deeper, more aggressive percussive therapy typically need massage guns with higher stall force.

Weight

Because these devices are often held with one hand, weight is an important factor. You want to feel confident that you can hold the massage gun steadily and safely on the targeted muscle while it’s running at its top speed.

Customizability

Some massage guns come with a handful of head attachments, some offer an adjustable head angle on the device itself, some provide both of these features, and some neglect both. Consider customizability as you think about which muscles you typically need to target and how many different types of massage therapy you enjoy using on those muscles.

Reference: {https://www.verywellfit.com/best-massage-guns-4800201}

Let’s talk! We are here to help. Give us a call for a complimentary consultation. We would love to meet you.

Did you know massage can massively speed up your healing, from training, injury or surgery recovery? Massage has an overarching positive effect on so many aspects of your health. We have excellent memberships that make regular expert massages possible. Call us! (949) 276-5401

RxMassage

Disclaimer — All the information that you find on our blogs and social media pages is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as your personal professional diagnosis, or treatment. Come and see us for your excellent, personalized care! https://staging.rauschpt.net/

9 Running Dos and Don’ts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on by rauschpt

Here at Rausch PT, we hope you are doing well and know how hard it may seem to stay in shape at the moment.

Between working from home and barely leaving the house, the current COVID-19 pandemic sure has uprooted the daily lives of many runners. Although most large races that were set to take place this spring have been postponed or canceled, many runners are still eager and willing to get outside for their daily workouts, especially if it’s the only time they go outside all day. While health officials enforcing the current guidelines have deemed exercising outdoors safe, there are certain precautions you should take to keep yourself and others safe.

Do run by yourself. Aside from weekend long runs, I’ve been doing this for years. Trust me; it’s not that bad! Taking an hour or so to clear your mind and appreciate nature will prepare you to tackle your day once you get back.

Don’t run in large groups. Health experts are advising that people avoid coming into contact with anyone they don’t live with, so you really shouldn’t be meeting up with a single running buddy, let alone a large running club.

Do try to run at “off-peak” hours. Here in Houston, our local and ever-popular Memorial Park has seen extreme crowding since the closing of most public businesses. Needless to say, there’s no “social distancing” going on when this is happening. While you might be tempted to sleep in late just because you can now that you’re home, it’s probably better to stick to traditional early morning hours for running if possible.

Don’t run if you’re sick. If you’re at risk of potentially spreading the virus, stay home! You could potentially expose someone who is at high risk, such as elderly and immunocompromised people—or even someone who is completely healthy; the coronavirus doesn’t discriminate.

Don’t touch anything on your run. Carry your own water bottle rather than relying on public fountains, and avoid touching traffic light buttons to cross the street. Use your sleeve or elbow if you have to.

Do give yourself plenty of space to distance yourself from any other runners. This one is actually pretty easy, especially if you’re running on wide streets or trails. You can still give your usual running mates a nod or a wave while passing from an appropriate distance—6 feet.

Don’t go to the gym and run on the treadmill. Chances are your gym is closed anyway. But if it’s not, know that gyms can be one of the germiest places you can visit during this time, and it’s best to steer clear. If you’re lucky enough to have a home treadmill, take advantage of it, but don’t forget to wipe it clean before and after every use

Don’t run the course anyway in place of your canceled race. If your race is offering a virtual race option, great! But complete it by yourself. When the Boston Marathon announced its postponement, many runners shared that they planned to still run the course on April 20, and race officials quickly advised against it. Not only would it be unsafe with the streets open to car traffic, but the usual medical resources dispatched on race day would not be of assistance either, especially given the current pandemic.

Do try to avoid hard workouts. While long-distance running has been tied to strong immunity, too many hard efforts could potentially have the opposite effect and leave you feeling weak and rundown later on. With the racing season virtually canceled, take this opportunity to rest your legs and recharge, nursing any potential injuries along the way.

Reference: {https://www.active.com/running/articles/9-running-dos-and-don-ts-during-the-covid-19-pandemic}

RauschPT-logo

Let’s talk! We are here to help. Give us a call for a complimentary consultation. We would love to meet you.

Did you know there’s no prescription needed from a doctor to see us – but we will communicate your progress and treatment to your doctor if you’d like us too!
(949) 276-5401

Disclaimer — All the information that you find on our blogs and social media pages is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as your personal professional diagnosis, or treatment. Come and see us for your excellent, personalized care! https://staging.rauschpt.net/

8 tips for staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on by rauschpt

In an effort to prevent the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), many spectator and participation sports have been postponed.

While this may be especially disappointing if you were looking forward to events – such as college basketball’s March Madness – it’s an important step in minimizing the impact of COVID-19 in our communities.

Pack PT is here to help during this unique time, which is why we’re providing you 8 tips for staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The good news is there are plenty of ways we can maintain our sports connections, even within social distancing guidelines. And, staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic is important for both our physical and mental well-being.

The coronavirus is spread through respiratory droplets, such as a cough or sneeze, and can travel several feet. However, as long as you don’t have a fever and are feeling well, there’s no need to stay on the couch while you practice social distancing. As always, be sure to wash your hands with soap for 15 to 20 seconds before and after any activity with others.

Staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic

If you are healthy, try these eight tips for safely exercising while maintaining social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  1. Exercise outdoors.

Most public gym facilities are likely closed but if yours is still open, we recommend avoiding it until public health officials say otherwise. Instead, take your fitness into the fresh air outside. Consider hiking a new path or trying a water-based activity like kayaking, if the weather permits.

Younger athletes can also benefit from outdoor play by themselves or in small groups. Be sure to supervise kids playing in small groups or alone, and discourage the use of sporting equipment or jungle gyms to minimize direct contact with each other and surfaces.

  1. Exercise by yourself, with a friend, or in small groups of less than 10.

If you’re heading outside, consider bringing your family or a friend to keep you company, but keep the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines in mind. Choose activities that allow you to maintain an appropriate distance between each other, such as hiking or biking. Do your best to minimize direct contact and save your high-fives and fist bumps for another day.

If you are going to exercise with a small group of friends, plan to meet up at the destination to avoid close quarters like carpools, and consider outdoor activities rather than fitness studios.

  1. Engage in non-contact activities that allow spacing of 6 feet between participants.

Limiting physical contact is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus—and any other virus. Social distancing guidelines recommend maintaining six feet of space between people, and there’s plenty of activities that allow for this, such as biking or tennis.

Other group activities, such as running, bodyweight workout routines, and fitness videos allow for additional spacing. If you’re using any equipment, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect it before and after use, even if you’re the only one using it.

  1. Rethink recess.

With children home from school and focusing on distance learning, don’t forget recess. Physical activity is an important part of the school day and helps children not only with fitness but with mental focus and concentration as well.  Be sure to include a combination of structured and unstructured physical activity into every day your child is home.

  1. Work on improving your general fitness.

Having a strong core and aerobic fitness level is necessary for good fitness. You can work on strengthening your core and cardiovascular condition without compromising the safety of those around you by using:

  • Home gyms
  • Home-based video workouts
  • Web-based exercise programs

In fact, many fitness-related instructors and organizations are currently offering free online workout classes and routines for new users as a way to encourage activity and improve morale throughout the country.

  1. Clean and disinfect any equipment you use alone or with others.

The virus may remain active on untreated surfaces for an extended period, so be sure to follow the CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and any equipment you use by yourself or with others. Using a cleaning solution that contains at least 70% alcohol is important, even if you and your family are using your own in-home facilities.

  1. Exercise using your body weight.

Using your own body weight with a circuit-type program can be an effective way to maintain strength and aerobic health in a short period of time. Bodyweight workouts can incorporate a variety of movements that don’t require equipment, including:

  • Burpees
  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Pushups
  • Yoga

 

Remember that with any exercise program, you should gradually increase frequency, intensity, and duration to avoid overuse injuries. If it hurts, stop doing it.

  1. Stay in touch with your fitness community online.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, stay in touch with your friends and teammates through appropriate social media channels. Consider sharing your thoughts about this situation and hopes for returning to normal activity as soon as safely possible. Consider on-line challenges for steps, or stationary bike rides, or even run a “virtual race” together and compare times.

What to do if you’re sick

If you or a family member has a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and avoid interacting with others. Consult with your primary care physician regarding when to resume activity and follow the CDC’s recommendations to minimize the spread of COVID-19 when you do get moving.

As you resume activity, you should:

  • Practice social distancing
  • Avoid handshakes, high-fives, and hugs
  • Maintain a distance of six feet from strangers and anyone with cold and flu symptoms
  • Avoid using public surfaces and shared equipment
  • Adhere to appropriate hand and personal hygiene

Stay active, but be safe. Stay hopeful, but be helpful. You’ll be back in action soon!

Reference: {https://www.medstarhealth.org/medstar-blog/8-tips-for-staying-active-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/}

If you find yourself in discomfort or think you could benefit from a personalized exercise plan, talk to a Physical Therapist.

Let’s talk! We are here to help. Give us a call for a complimentary assessment.
Did you know there’s no prescription needed from a doctor to see us?
(949) 443-0713

logo-top

Copyright 2026. www.RauschPT.net