Liz lives and works in the Inland Empire of CA. She was a multi-sport athlete in her youth, competing in softball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and swimming. Liz swam collegiately at Webster University, where she earned her B.A. degree in Communications. She is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant with an A.A.S. degree from St. Louis Community College – Meramec. Liz has advanced training in orthopedic physical therapy through NextGen PT and movement analysis through Movement Links. She is also a certified NASM-Performance Enhancement Specialist. Liz is passionate about providing parents and coaches with the knowledge and resources necessary to create a safe and enjoyable environment for young athletes.
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Since we buy many massage guns (to review them), we have had to give some away to friends and family members. Recently, we decided to do a little experiment: give some massage guns to the elderly members of our family to see which ones they like the most.
We gave 2 to 3 different massage guns to each of them. They were to try them over some time. The age group for this experiment was 62-78. We then sat down and discussed what we had gathered from them. We can say we had some very interesting feedback.
Based on that and our experience interacting with these massage guns, we made a list of the best massage guns for the elderly. We also have tips on what to look for when choosing one.
First, a good massage can do wonders for our physical well-being and mind. Massage therapy, as a whole, can help us rehabilitate problem areas in our bodies and enhance the overall performance of our muscles.
Massage therapy is also effective as an anti-inflammatory measure and can reduce the risk of muscle injury if done regularly. With good massage therapy, blood can flow through the circulatory system, and all the other fluids can flow through the lymphatic system, achieving a lymphatic cleanse without a hitch.
Elderly people should consider getting a relaxing massage regularly, and massage guns are smart, handy tools for on-demand, DIY massage therapy.
We discussed extensively the benefits of using massage guns in this post, which you can check out later. For now, we’ll note that percussive therapy has plenty of benefits for seniors.
They can be used as an extra prescription for injury or illness or a significant method of staying fit and healthy. Here are some direct benefits for seniors:
Massage therapy has been known to reduce stress and improve a person’s overall mood1. For the elderly, stress levels tend to go overboard, and grumpy can be a word thrown at you often. Turns out massage guns have a way of keeping your stress low2 and keep you in high spirits.
If used correctly, sports massagers can help you relax with a massage. Percussive therapy helps reduce body tension, especially after a stressful and challenging day. It has also been proven that percussive therapy can help stroke patients feel comfortable by providing a relaxing massage. This relaxation also helps Alzheimer’s patients.
Massage guns can help reduce pain. Pain reduction is significant for people who have recently had cardiovascular surgery. Massaging the legs can also greatly reduce pain for patients with knee arthritis3.
Last but not least, an advice from one of our experts:
I would highly recommended for elderly consumers to consult a physician prior to using a massage gun at home. Especially if they have any medical conditions or take medications that cause easy bruising, have a pacemaker, or are just not sure if they should use a percussive device.
Ekrin Athletics is one of our favorite massage gun brands. We have bought, loved, and reviewed their products.
Seniors tested the Ekrin 365 muscle massager, and we believe it’s the perfect massage gun for elderly people. Its design perfectly balances everything we discussed above—it’s not too weak and not too strong—a sweet spot.
For starters, it has a 12 mm amplitude, which is excellent for a massage gun in this category. We also discussed entry-level stall force; this device has more than 40 lbs. of stall force.
The thinner and extended, 15-degree tilted handle of the Ekrin 365.Author Greg uses Ekrin 365 to massage his dad’s back.
Well, isn’t that slightly powerful? Not necessarily; it just means that this muscle massager can withstand more pressure while still being gentle. The 40 lbs. stall force is perfect for massaging large muscle groups.
As far as percussions go, this sports massager can rev up to 3200 percussions per minute (PPM). This is awesome for soothing massages after a long day. You pass it over your skin and let it do the work.
Another aspect that makes this sport massager great for seniors is its ergonomics. In addition to having a tilted handle that is great to hold, Ekrin Athletics has added a few more details.
The handle has been extended and made thinner for people with small hands. A rubber grip has also been added. As a result, the device’s overall weight has been greatly lowered—from the usual 2.2 lbs (previous models) to a portable massage gun with 1.7 lbs.
Ekrin 365 from different angles – click to enlarge.
The battery is also excellent. On a single charge, it can provide up to five hours of continuous operation.
It’s a simple muscle massager with a single-button operation. Ekrin makes them low-noise, so you won’t have to worry about noise. It charges via USB for convenience and has four nicely varied attachments.
You get a lifetime warranty, hassle-free returns, and US-based customer support.
It only costs $179.99 or $143.99 if you use the coupon MGA20, which gives you a 20% discount. You can get it at ekrinathletics.com
TIP: For more information, refer to our in-depth Ekrin 365 review.
Another massage gun from Ekrin. This one is the best mini massage gun, and it got decent points from the elderly folks at home. It’s tiny but powerful enough to cater to the elderly’s massage needs. It’s the best travel massage gun for those who travel a lot.
It weighs just 1.1 lbs, which is expected of a mini massage gun. Regarding the power it can deliver, this mini massage gun has about 10 mm amplitude and up to 35 lbs. of stall force.
It’s okay that it has a small amplitude because you don’t really get more from a small massage gun (only Theragun Mini and the Bob and Brad Air 2 have 12mm, but their stall force is disappointing). Even with a 10mm amplitude, the 35 lbs. of stall force compensates for that. You can still get a relaxing massage with the Ekrin Bantam.
The 3200 maximum percussions per minute should also help you get a deep muscle massage.
Mini massage gun Ekrin Bantam. Perfect portable massager for seniors who travel.
Like the rest of the Ekrin muscle massagers, the handle is angled, making it easy to massage a sore middle back. The handle circumference is 5”, the same as that of the Ekrin 365.
It is a small massage gun, simplified, and very easy to operate—just one button turns it on and cycles between the speeds. The battery lasts 6 hours, and you can conveniently charge it via USB.
It has a lifetime warranty and customer support. The regular price is $149.99, but you can get it for $119.99 if you use the 20% discount coupon MGA20. Get the Ekrin Bantam and apply the discount.
Bob and Brad released a full-sized massage gun, which we believe has the perfect features for an elderly massage gun. It’s not as great as our number-one pick, but it has the qualities to be featured here.
For starters, they increased the stroke length from the previous Bob and BradC2 model—instead of 8 mm, it’s now 10 mm. The additional 2 mm does not make a world of difference—it still feels more like a vibrational device, but some elderly folks will prefer it over 8 mm.
This new device has a much better stall force. When pressing the device against your body, the 40 lbs. of stall force will be enough. It also revs faster—2000-3200 percussions per minute across 5 speeds.
The cushioned attachment seems to be a perfect option for massaging older people.
The Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max is a longer device but weighs just 1.98 pounds. It’s still slightly heavier than Ekrin 365, but it’s a good spot for an elderly gun.
It comes with a nice carrying case and 5 attachments, including a metallic one that offers the option of a heated or cold massage.
The X6 Pro Max metal head for hot and cold massage therapy.
The X6 Pro Max costs less than $150 and includes a 2-year warranty.
We owe Theragun the idea of percussive therapy; we believe an honorable mention is the least we can do.
Therabody Theragun massage gun line-up.
However, Theraguns are specifically known for their long massage gun amplitude – all Theragun 4th Gen are 16mm amplitude massage guns apart from the Theragun Mini and the Theragun Sense, which have 12mm amplitude (the highest in the mini massage gun category), and the Theragun Relief, which has 10mm amplitude. The motor power differs per Theragun.
If you like the best deep tissue massage and can afford a Theragun (compare prices on Therabody.com), then, by all means, go for it. If you want something punchy but affordable, check out our Bob and Brad D6 Pro review – it is a very good alternative.
As a senior, which Theragun should I get? Which Theragun is best for the elderly? Well, we’d recommend the entry-level Theragun Prime or Theragun Mini.
The former has a 16mm amplitude but only 30 lbs. of stall force, which we believe is good enough for most older people.
Theragun Mini, on the other hand, is more portable and has the perfect 12mm amplitude. We just have an issue with its weak stall force. It stalls very easily and will not be ideal for those who may want to apply pressure when necessary.
All Theraguns rev up to 2400 hits per minute, 700-800 RPM fewer than all our picks above. A high amplitude massage gun usually doesn’t have high revs.
Is Theragun Relief Worth It?
We found Theragun Relief to target the senior community, as seen in their advertisement. It is a small massage gun with Theragun’s triangle shape.
The Theragun Relief specs are very similar to the ones in the Theragun Mini:
Here are a few things to point out on the best Theraguns for seniors:
Theragun Prime has 4 attachments, but Theragun Mini 2.0 has just one.
There is no carrying case for Theragun Prime but a pouch for Theragun Mini.
The batteries in both sports massagers will last about 2 hours on a single charge.
Theraguns are not known for being quiet. Our picks above are way quieter.
Theraguns are expensive. Theragun Prime costs $299, while the Theragun Mini goes for $199 – take your pick.
The warranty on these two Theraguns is just 1 year.
Our Take:
Therabody may manufacture awesome sports massagers, perfect for the best deep tissue massage – if you can afford them, but the high cost, short warranty, and few accessories make them a disappointing choice if you want more value for your money.
How to Choose the Right Massage Gun for Seniors
Based on feedback from our older family members and our knowledge of massage guns, we have a few points to share about what makes a great percussive therapy for elderly people.
How Powerful Should It Be for Seniors?
To determine the power of any massage gun, we consider three aspects:
stroke length (or massage gun amplitude),
stall force, and
percussions per minute.
Understanding Amplitude
This is the distance traveled by the massage gun head during a percussion. It’s also called stroke length. Based on how far the head travels, you can get two kinds of massage gun therapy:
• Percussive therapy • Therapeutic vibration
Sport massagers with amplitudes below 10mm are vibrational, while those above 10mm can be percussive. However, there is what we consider a sweet spot (10-13mm) and a 14-16mm for a hard massager.
From what we could gather in our little experiment, older people prefer the sweet spot (10-13mm), which isn’t surprising. Unless it’s a case of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s physique (heavy muscles), you’d probably need a hard massager with 14-16mm.
That can also apply if you exercise regularly and need something a little bit aggressive. If you are such a person, check out the Ekrin Kestrel, which has 13 mm amplitude, 56 lbs stall force, and impressively revs up to 3500 RPM. But take care not to hurt yourself because punchy guns can be painful, especially around the neck or shoulder, with trapezius muscle pain or a sore middle back.
On the lower spectrum (massage guns below 10mm), however, you will likely not be able to achieve a “deep deep tissue massage.” This defeats the purpose of getting a massage gun in the first place.
From what we could gather from our loved ones, although the first few sessions with a massage gun felt painful (for those with a sore middle back), after a few sessions, they enjoyed the vibration therapy benefits or a relaxing massage.
That’s why we recommend a muscle massager with at least 10mm, ideally 12 or 13mm stroke length. These are neither vibrational nor too aggressive. They can be delicate over the skin and can also go deep as long as there is enough stall force to resist pressure.
Massage guns can help seniors relax muscles and get rid of soreness.
What Stall Force for Seniors?
Stall force is the pressure required to stall a massage gun’s motor. As we explained above, if you have a massage gun with a 12-13mm amplitude, you need enough stall force to get the best deep tissue massage.
If the device doesn’t have enough stall force, pressing it against the skin will stop its motor. A massage gun with less than 30 lbs. of stall force is considered entry-level, while one with 50-60 lbs. is considered powerful (most powerful massage gun).
Seniors can benefit from a decent entry-level massage gun. We believe a percussion massager with a 30-35 lbs stall force will give great results.
Again, if you need a sports massager that can penetrate “deep to the bone,” go for something more powerful. We recommend the Ekrin B37, which has a stall force of 56 lbs.
However, most older people will enjoy a muscle massager with 30-35 lbs. of stall force and 12-13mm amplitude.
Such a massage gun allows for a soothing and relaxing massage before or after sleep. It can also warm and relax sensitive, sore, or painful areas. When necessary, it can be pressed against the skin for a deep-tissue massage.
Such a sports massager is also perfect for foot trigger point massage. Massaging plantar fasciitis will alleviate pain while stretching the arch of foot (we recently did a post on the best massage gun for plantar fasciitis).
A senior getting a back massage with a percussion massager.
The Role of Percussions Per Minute
Or revolutions per minute; many massage guns tend to be predictable. Most massage guns with long amplitudes tend to have fewer maximum RPM due to the longer distance the head travels.
For instance, big Theragun massage guns have a 16mm amplitude but can only generate 2400 hits per minute—they can punch harder but not very fast. The same goes for the Bob and Brad D6 Pro (16mm massage gun amplitude and up to 2500 RPM).
However, the maximum percussions on the Ekrin Kestrel can reach 3500 RPM, which is a 13mm amplitude massage gun (most of our picks above reach 3200 RPM), which is really fast.
While these muscle massagers will not be as punchy, they can rev faster. This makes them powerful massage guns as well.
Performance Comparison: Our Top Recommendations
Stall Force
What Senior Need To Know: We believe a device with 30-45 lbs. of stall force will be an excellent choice for seniors. It will allow some reasonable pressure to be applied against the skin (if you wish to).
Amplitude
Finding The Right Depth Opove shines with a 14.5 mm stroke length, but we think a 12-13mm amplitude is the sweet spot. Not too vibrational, but not too punchy either. Ekrin Bantam has only 10mm, but it is a mini massage gun, thus the shorter amplitude.
Size, Weight, and Ergonomics: Essential Features for Seniors
From the feedback we got from the members of our family who tried the different massage guns we gave to them, we picked a few points worth noting for massage guns for the elderly:
They should be lightweight—2.5 lbs may be a bit heavy, so we have recommended guns that weigh no more than 2.3 lbs. The real deal here is the Ekrin 365 (available at ekrinathletics.com), which weighs only 1.7 lbs.
Shouldn’t be bulky—None of our elderly family members liked the bulky massage guns. So, we’d stay away from the Bob and Brad X6 Pro Max for this category. Small is better as long as it meets the power criteria. We included a mini massage gun (Ekrin Bantam) that checks all the boxes.
For ergonomics—we avoided T-shaped or 90-degree handle massage guns, which can cause tension and fatigue in the wrist, and opted for devices with a tilted handle. This allows you to hold them naturally and reach your lower back without straining. We also opted for muscle massagers with thinner and extended handles, which are comfortable for people with small hands.
Ease of Use—Some massage guns have many extras and can be too complicated. That means small buttons, too many buttons, and LCD screens with tiny fonts—no! Older folks love something easy to use. We opted for simplified sports massagers. These are easy to turn on/off, easy to change speeds, and everything can be read easily.
Additional Features Seniors Should Look For
Noise—The last thing an elderly person needs is a noisy device. They prefer devices that don’t disturb their peace. That’s why we have suggested percussion massagers that allow you to have a conversation while using them. One thing worth noting is that devices with long amplitudes tend to be noisy. Most of our picks are quiet.
Attachments – Look for 4-6 varied attachments to massage the whole body. Beware of brands that try to sell you more than 8 attachments. Most of them use it as a trick to lure customers. Now you know!
Battery and charging—Most massage guns today have decent battery capacity, and a single charge can last a few days or even a week. However, look for convenience—how easily you can charge your device. USB charging is very convenient because you can charge it on your laptop or use a power bank—one less bulky charger to worry about!
Travel case – It’s nice to have one.
Warranty—Most brands offer a one-year warranty. However, some awesome brands offer lifetime warranties and superb customer support.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Massage Gun for Elderly Users
Before we wrap up our best massage gun for Seniors guide, we would like to reiterate once again that massage guns are essential tools for the elderly.
Percussive therapy can help improve the health and overall life quality of the senior members of our society.
We compiled this list based on actual feedback from senior massage gun users. A big shoutout to our cherished family members for their help!
Once again, we have to say they loved Ekrin 365 for its brilliant qualities and affordable price (especially with the MGA20 discount code applied at checkout).
The other picks on our list were also highly favored. Therabody Theraguns may be expensive, but if you can afford one and know what value you can get, then go for it.
References
1.
Reig-Ferrer A, Ferrer-Cascales R, Santos-Ruiz A, et al. A relaxation technique enhances psychological well-being and immune parameters in elderly people from a nursing home: a randomized controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:311. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-311
2.
Barquilla Á, Rodríguez-Mansilla J. [Therapeutic massage on behavioral disturbances of elderly patients with dementia]. Aten Primaria. 2015;47(10):626-635. doi:10.1016/j.aprim.2014.11.008
3.
Nelson N, Churilla J. Massage Therapy for Pain and Function in Patients With Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;96(9):665-672. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000000712
NOTE: We only use high-quality sources and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to support the facts within our articles.
Urikar Pro – Larger, but Heated and Adjustable
Another great percussion massager for older people. Urikar is a relatively new brand that offers affordable massage guns. Just like our top pick above, this massage gun ticks a lot of the boxes that we have outlined in this guide, plus more.**The Pro 2 has a 12mm stroke length – they advertise it as slightly longer, 15mm, but we checked with a digital caliper and it is 12mm – still in the recommended range. This gun will be slightly punchy but good enough for the elderly. **It has a stall force of 25, maybe up to 30 lbs. You don’t need to afraid of applying too much pressure with this one, it isn’t the strongest one. Yet, it is just enough for when you need to dig a bit deeper into the muscle.**As for the hits per minute, you can expect this device to be moderately intensive, which as we have said, is perfect for a relaxing session.**But it gets even more interesting with ergonomics on this gun. It’s not only a great massage gun to hold, it has an adjustable arm that moves into 2 lockable positions for extended reach – great for a DIY massage.
Pro 2’s handle rotates in 180-degrees for an enhanced ergonomics
It is reasonably light, weighs 2.1lbs. It is actually lighter than you think it is when you look at it – it is not as compact as our top pick Ekrin 365. Some of our older family members said it was slightly large but manageable. The handle diameter is also larger than the Ekrin 365 one.**Last, but not least, the Urikar’s killer feature: heated massage capability. It comes with a special, ceramic-coated attachment that warms up to 104-113 degrees F. to deliver a warm, soothing, and relaxing massage experience – seniors will love it.**It only has a 1-year warranty though, another reason why we’ve chosen Ekrin as our best recommendation. This one, however, is more affordable.
One of Urikar’s attachment is ceramic, delivering a soothing heated massage.
It usually costs $149.99 but you can get 40% off if you use the coupon URIKAR200 coupon at the checkout, so it will only be $90. Get it from the Urikar’s store here. TIP More more info, read our very own Urikar Pro 2 review.
For active seniors who would rather have a deep tissue massage than vibrational therapy, this one is the massage gun for you.**It’s not as light as Ekrin 365, and the handle isn’t as thin, but it does really well in other areas. For starters, for the elderly folks that want a higher amplitude, this one has 14.5mm – over 2mm more than Ekrin 365. **What that means is you have a slightly aggressive massage gun that will hit deep into the muscle tissue. It will not be as thudy! as, say Theragun Pro (the 1.5mm difference). You can use it on your quads and hamstrings.
High amplitude, reasonable stall force and excellent ergonomics
For power (stall force), if you prefer an aggressive massage you’ll want something that doesn’t stall easily. This gun has just as much power to withstand reasonable pressure. It’s about the same stall force as Ekrin 365, only here you get a bit more punch with it.**Since it’s a high amplitude gun, don’t expect it to vibrate with many percussions. With 2300RPM as the maximum percussions, you have something that you can comfortably work with. There are only 3 speeds to work with. It’s not a favorable setup for us, but you will get used to it pretty quickly.
Click the image to enlarge
Another advantage that you will also have with this device is the weight. With about 2.3 pounds, it falls within the category of a nice gun for the elderly.**The handle is aggressively angled to give you more room to naturally hold it as you massage. It gives you two spots to handle when using – the top part and the handle itself. In both positions, it sits comfortably in your hand.**It usually costs $199 but currently you can get it for $165 – a special introductory price. Get ithere at opove.com.**TIP We share a lot more in our full Opove Apex Review here.
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Post Update History
Here's a quick rundown of all the tweaks and edits we've made to this article to keep it accurate and up-to-date!
Current version.
January 11, 2023: Minor editor changes for improved clarity. (Author: Mario)
June 7, 2023: Minor editor changes and reference updates were made for improved clarity and accuracy. (Author: Greg)
Published on:
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Written by:
Greg Szostak
Greg Szostak
Hey, I'm Greg, co-founder of MassageGunAdvice.com, with four years of experience in testing over 50 different massage guns. As an avid marathon runner interested in sports tech, I ensure our product reviews are accurate. My responsibility is to verify device specifications and maintain review consistency, simplifying product comparisons for our readers. With a web and graphic design background, I snap the photos and videos you see and keep our site looking sharp.
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