Author, Expert Board Member
Bio:
Alex Stone is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA). He currently practices orthopedics in Bellevue, Washington, and manages an online health coaching business via social media (@dr.alexstone). He is passionate about health science education and general health/wellness optimization.
Fact checked by Dr. Alex Stone, DPT, CSCS.
What to Know: Our content is non-sponsored and fact-checked for accuracy. We anonymously order and rigorously test each product according to our methodology. We are reader-supported, and if you buy via our links, we may earn a commission. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Itchy after massage gun? Well, you’re not alone!
Itchy skin after using a massage gun is a common problem many people face. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Percussive therapy has a ton of benefits, so it’s natural to look for solutions to this itchy skin problem.
Ideally, the itchiness goes away and you can enjoy the perks of percussive therapy, but for some, it may not be possible to overcome the issue. In such cases, it’s better not to use massage guns.
But before you give up, let’s discuss a few possible solutions to this itchy problem. We’ll also dive into which types of massage guns can be better suited for the job. Although we can’t guarantee that our suggestions will work, it never hurts to try, right?
So, let’s get to it and find a solution to your itchy after-massage-gun problem!
So, you just used your massage gun and now you’re feeling itchy. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!
Let’s dive into the possible causes of this itchy sensation and what you can do about it.
One potential cause of itchy skin after using a massage gun is vibratory urticaria. This is a rare genetic skin reaction that appears as a red, itchy rash on the area where the vibration was applied.
It’s not just caused by massage guns, but can also happen when jogging, using a lawn mower, operating power tools, or mountain biking.
Vibratory urticaria1 is caused by histamine release from cells, and it may be temporary or recurring with subsequent vibrations. This reaction can be limited to the area exposed to the vibration or generalized, spreading to other body parts.
But don’t worry, it’s not dangerous and can be treated with antihistamines as directed by your physician.
Another possible cause of itchy skin is an allergic reaction to a component of the massage gun or a cleaning agent you used.
This is generally known as irritant dermatitis.
Topical steroids can be used to treat this condition.
It’s also possible that an allergic reaction to massage oil or lotion can cause the skin to become itchy.
This is another cause of itchy skin after using a massage gun. This happens when itchy hives are induced following exposure to pressure on the skin, such as walking, sitting, wearing tight clothing, or even using a vibrational massage gun.
You may also experience this condition when you exercise.
Sometimes, you may feel itchy without seeing any rashes or redness. This could be due to an increase in blood flow2 that increases the size of the vessels carrying the blood. This causes nerves to fire, creating an itchy or tingling sensation known as paresthesia.
Additionally, vibration from the massage gun may raise the skin’s temperature, causing itchiness.
Nitric oxide3 released in the body during exercise or exposure to vibrations can also create the itchy sensation. This is because nitric oxide increases blood flow.
Lastly, high levels of vibration from the massage gun may cause muscle spasms that can compress and irritate nerves, leading to itchiness.
If you are dealing with numbness while using your massage gun, be sure to stop and talk to your doctor or physical therapist. But don’t worry, the itchiness from these last three causes typically goes away as soon as the massage session is over.
And the good news is that after the itchiness often comes instant pain relief and tension release.
Now that we’ve discussed the causes of itchiness from using a massage gun, it’s time to talk about whether changing the device could help alleviate the problem.
For some people, using a gentler or less vibrational massage gun could potentially do the trick.
It’s worth noting that most massage guns on the market today are fast-revving, vibrational devices with low amplitudes that don’t hit deep into the skin but do very frequent shallow hits. These devices typically have 2000 to 3200 hits per minute.
However, there are also massage guns with higher amplitudes that are more punchy but less intensive in vibrations and percussions.
These devices have longer strokes, which means the head travels a longer distance, resulting in a lower frequency. They typically have 800 to 2000-2500 hits per minute. On low speeds, these devices are often quite slow, which could be good for itchy skin.
Another idea that could be worth exploring is to try using a heated massage gun. Some models come with a special ceramic tips that gets warm and may help. Heated massage guns have the added benefit of increasing blood flow to the area being massaged, which can help alleviate tension and soreness in addition to itchiness.
Overall, experimenting with different massage gun models and finding the one that works best for you and your skin is key. So don’t be afraid to try out different options and find the perfect match for your needs!
Okay, so we’ve covered the possible causes of itchiness after using a massage gun and how changing to a less vibrational device might help. But what if that’s not enough?
Don’t worry, we’ve got some other solutions to try out.
First up, let’s talk about massage lotions. While they may not be a miracle cure for itchy skin, they could certainly help.
We recommend doing a patch test first to make sure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients.
And if you want to try something new, check out Therabody’s new TheraOne Soothe CBD Massage Oil.
This high-potency, USDA Certified organic CBD formula eases tension and supports stress relief with all-natural essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and golden jojoba.
Sounds pretty heavenly, right?
If you’re still struggling with itchiness, we recommend consulting with your PT for other products. Physical therapists usually have a good understanding of massage oils and other products that could be helpful.
And don’t forget, you can always try using a massage gun with your clothes on. This can help reduce the intensity of the vibrations on your skin.
Another tip is to pay attention to attachments. Soft attachments, made from hypoallergenic foam or air-filled rubber, can be a better choice than hard-plastic heads that can feel more aggressive.
We particularly recommend Theragun’s attachments, but all our picks (the recommended guns) below have at least one head for gentle treatment.
And let’s not forget about heated massage guns. These devices have a special ceramic attachment that gets warm and may help soothe the skin.
In addition, using a massage gun with higher amplitude and slower revving could also help, as those deeper hits will be effective even through a shirt or other protective layer between the skin and the attachment.
Finally, let’s talk about diet and supplements. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that taking vitamin E may help improve skin health.
Vitamin E 4 has been a darling for dermatologists for more than half a century. It’s an ingredient in many cosmetic products. It protects the skin from solar radiation.
It may not be the permanent solution to allergic reactions, but it can temporarily halt the itchiness from vibrations.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to itchiness after using a massage gun. But by trying out some of these solutions and seeing what works for you, you can hopefully turn your massage gun experience into a smooth and comfortable one.
Looking for a massage gun that’s easy on your itchy skin? Look no further than the Urikar Pro 2!
This slow-revving device has a longer stroke and only revs between 1000 to 2000 rpm, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
And to top it off, it even has a heated attachment to help soothe your skin.
The gun also comes with 5 other attachments, including an air-cushioned head and a foamy ball, which can both work well for the problem.
And the best part? It’s only $62.9 with the URIKAR02 code applied at the checkout.
So if you’re looking for a gentle massage gun that won’t aggravate your itchy skin, the Urikar Pro 2 is definitely worth checking out.
READ MORE Our hands-on Urikar Pro 2 Review.
The Opove M3 Pro could also be a great option. While it doesn’t have a heating function, it’s designed to be gentle and non-aggressive, with a stroke length of 12mm and 1300 – 2600 percussions.
This is lower than most other massage guns on the market, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. Plus, when used on the first speed, it should feel gentle enough for you to enjoy.
Another great feature of the Opove M3 Pro is its high-quality attachments. The soft cushioned head is especially noteworthy, as it’s one of the best we’ve seen. This will help to ensure that your skin doesn’t get further irritated by the massage gun.
If you’re interested in purchasing the Opove M3 Pro, it’s available for $119 on their website.
Overall, this is a great option for anyone looking for a massage gun that’s gentle on their skin.
READ MORE Our hands-on Opove M3 Pro Review.
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro is an advanced device with a 16mm stroke length, which makes it more percussive than vibrational – a setup that might work well for those with itchy skin (albeit we are not sure).
It ranges from 1450 to 2450 rpm, just like the powerful Theraguns. However, we recommend starting with low speeds if you have sensitive skin.
The attachments are great, and we suggest trying out the foamy dampener head or the air-cushioned one, both of which are soft and gentle.
While we’re not completely convinced that this is the best pick for itchy skin, it’s a solid option for those looking for an advanced massage gun.
The price is $249.99, so it might be a bit pricier than other options. But if you’re looking for a high-quality device, it could be worth the investment.
And here is how can you grab it for less:
First, tick the coupon box on Amazon and then use our exclusive MGADVICE code at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. The price should be below $200 – an excellent value. Head over to Amazon to make your purchase.
READ MORE Our hands-on Bob and Brad D6 Pro Review.
Itchy after Theragun? Well, you are not alone. People have reported feeling itchy after using Theraguns. But don’t worry, we’ve got some recommendations for you.
First up, as your Theragun device choice we suggest Theragun mini. It has a 12mm stroke length, which matches the Urikar Pro 2 and Opove M3 Pro 2.
It’s also the least aggressive of all the Theraguns, making it a good fit for those with itchy skin.
Plus, it’s compatible with all Theragun attachments, so you can choose a dampener head or even a SuperSoft attachment to make the experience even gentler.
The Theragun Mini is also a great choice for its portability. It’s light, small, and quiet, making it easy to use on-the-go. And with its great quality, you can be sure you’re getting a reliable and effective massage gun.
Read More Our dedicated Theragun mini review.
But wait, there’s more!
We also recommend trying out the TheraOne Soothe CBD5 massage oil we mentioned earlier. Its high-potency, USDA Certified organic CBD formula is designed to ease tension and support stress relief. And with all-natural essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and golden jojoba, it’s a great option to soothe your skin and your mind.
So pair the Theragun mini with some TheraOne CBD massage oil for a relaxing and gentle massage experience. Say goodbye to itchy skin and hello to blissful relaxation!
We have reached the end of our article. If you experience itchiness after using a massage gun, there are several solutions you can try. Let’s summarize them:
We cannot guarantee that all solutions given here will work the magic, but it’s worth a shot.
Let us know what worked best for you! Or perhaps you have your own magical solution for itchy after massage gun?
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 last updated on:
April 20, 2023 Fact checked done by Dr. Alex Stone, DPT, CSCS.
Published on:
•
Written by:
Greg Szostak
Disclaimers
The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.
It is our policy to make every effort to respect the copyrights of outside parties. If you believe that your copyright has been misused, please provide us with a message stating your position and we will endeavor to correct any misuse immediately.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this website alive. Learn more here.
massagegunadvice.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Please refer to our Privacy & Affiliate Policy for details.
