Your HSA/FSA expires on 31st Dec. All Ekrin massage guns are HSA/FSA eligible! 25% to 35%Discountis applied at checkout. For the best deals, click here →
Do you experience forearm discomfort during sports or a hard workout? You might be experiencing golf and tennis elbow, an extremely common injury among athletes.
7 Steps to Effectively Treat Forearm Discomfort.
Here at MassageGunAdvice.com, we’ve explained the benefits of using a massage gun for various ailments—but can you use a massage gun for golf and tennis elbow?
Of course, you can!
But before you get too excited, ensure you have all the best tips and tricks to get the most out of your sport massager.
Keep reading to learn about massaging tennis elbow (and treating golfer’s elbow), the dos and don’ts of using a massage gun, and our expert advice on recommended sports massagers for treating forearm tenderness.
The technical names for golf and tennis elbow are lateral epicondylalgia and medial epicondylalgia. Lucky for us, these injuries are not nearly as complicated as they sound.
These terms describe persistent pain at the elbow’s outer (lateral) or inner (medial) bony borders, called epicondyles. In some cases, swelling or inflammation may also occur at the elbow1.
Both golf and tennis elbow are fairly common injuries, either due to repetitive stress (sometimes called “overuse”) or deconditioning of the muscles at the elbow joint.
When this happens, the tendons connecting the muscles to the elbow joint become sensitized and painful.
Golf elbow and tennis elbow can occur suddenly, but most people notice slow development over a few weeks or months2.
Tennis and Golfer’s elbow are named after sports with high rates of elbow injury, but you may develop these injuries during any sport or workout routine. In fact, even office workers without any history of sports or exercise may develop a form of these injuries3.
Is A Massage Gun Good For Tennis Elbow?
While golf elbow and tennis elbow can be tricky to eliminate, you can use your massage gun to reduce pain and stiffness.
Massage is a time-tested method for reducing pain and improving circulation to the elbow tissues. Percussive therapy (massage guns) has been shown to have similar effects to traditional massage4 and is a home therapy for tennis elbow.
Start by picking your massage gun attachment. We recommend the standard ball for your first try, but you may need a special soft attachment if the area is highly sensitive.
Next, select the intensity. We recommend starting with a lower intensity/speed and gradually building up based on your response from the first session.
Now, you can work on massaging the muscles around your elbow. We recommend spending 30 seconds on the front and 30 seconds on the back of your forearm, followed by30 seconds on the front and 30 seconds on the back of your arm (2 minutes total).
Finally, you might spend another 30 seconds working directly around the injured area. Be very careful and avoid massaging directly over the bone. We often recommend a soft attachment when working directly over sensitive areas.
Using Theragun PRO with Supersoft attachment to treat tennis elbow (click to enlarge).
Need help? You can check out the full video walkthrough here.
While massage can be very effective for treating golf and tennis elbow, it’s only part of the puzzle. In most cases, stretching or strengthening exercises should be performed regularly to help the injured tendons heal properly.
We recommend consulting with your physiotherapist to determine the best tennis elbow physio treatment for the best results.
When shopping for a tennis elbow massage gun, choosing a device that fits your specific needs is especially important. Ideally, you’ll want a delicate sport massager to address your elbow pain that is versatile enough to be a full body massager.
Golfing with Golfers Elbow: Treat Pain With These Massage Guns
We’ve tested many massage guns; not two are the same. Luckily, a few sports massagers are top choices for treating forearm discomfort and as tennis elbow supportive therapy.
Put it his way: The Ekrin B37S is an excellent sport massager. In fact, we voted it the best massage gun last year over other amazing sports massagers, and we have no regrets.
The Ekrin B37S comes with a 12mm amplitude (massage gun amplitude is the distance traveled by the head during each percussion), which is perfect for this job because it’s not too “punchy” or vibrational.
This sport massager also has a stall force of 57 lbs, which puts it on par with Theragun Pro and makes it very versatile as a full body massager. The Ekrin B37S also has a wide RPM range of 2000-3000, making it ideal for low—and high-intensity percussive therapy.
Ekrin B37S review (click to enlarge photos).
We think the Ekrin B37S is the best massage gun for treating golfer’s elbow for a few reasons:
The massage gun attachmentswork perfectlyfor forearm pain. They include a soft/squishy ball head that is great to start with and a bullet head for more targeted and aggressive treatment of large muscles or trigger therapy.
Ekrin massage guns are built with awesome quality in mind and come with a lifetime warranty. Who can beat that?
With the MGA20 promo code, you get a 20% discount – get it for $263.99 instead of $329.99. Save $66 bucks when you buy it at the Ekrin Athletics store.
Read More: Check out our hands-on Ekrin B37S review for more details.
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro is frequently featured in our top recommendations, and for good reason. After all, this company has produced a Theragun alternative at an affordable price!
This sport massager made it to the most powerfulmassage gun list, clocking in at 16mm amplitude and 85 lbs. of stall force. It directly matches the performance of the Theragun Pro at a much lower price. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for treating patients in clinics for chiropractors and physiotherapists.
The D6 Pro revs up to 2500 RPM—less than the Ekrin B37S, but still very impressive, as it is one of the few in the highest amplitude massage gun category (for comparison, Theraguns “only” do 2450 RPM). Why? The higher the amplitude, the more difficult it is to have high RPMs, but the Ekrin Kestrel revs to 3500 RPM despite having a 13mm amplitude!
Bob And Brad D6 Pro rotating head (click to enlarge the photos).
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro has excellent attachments, including a soft, cushy one perfect for golfer’s elbow therapies. This soft attachment is also perfect for treating sore muscles after gym or sensitive areas.
Overall, the Bob and Brad D6 Pro is a great physical therapy treatment for tennis elbow and will reduce pain for those golfing with golfers elbow.
It comes with a 2-year warranty, which is not as great as the lifetime warranty Ekrin offers, but it is pretty good as the standard in the industry is 1 year.
The Bob and Brad D6 Pro normally costs $249.99, but our readers get a $60 coupon discount. Use the MGAPRO2 code when buying at Amazon.
Opove has created a nice alternative option with the M3 Pro 2, and it’s definitely a great choice for those who can’t afford top devices from Ekrin or Achedaway.**The M3 Pro 2 offers an amplitude of 12mm – not as high as Achedaway, but still matching Ekrin in the “sweet spot” to address most areas of the body.**This device comes with a stall force of 40 lbs, and while this is clearly lower than Ekrin or Achedaway, it’s still pretty good for treating tennis or golfer’s elbow.
Good quality attachments, including a cushioned one, will help you treat your tennis elbow well.
The M3 Pro 2 has a speed of 2600 RPM, bringing it close to Achedaway’s 2800 but still very far from Ekrin’s 3200. The ergonomics of the M3 Pro 2 are slightly lacking, using the basic T-shaped design.**However, the device is well made, and the materials are good, so it’s not a deal-breaker for us.**This device is surprisingly quiet and well-equipped with attachments – including a soft head for more sensitive body parts.**The M3 Pro is an affordable option, but the warranty is 1-year, which is so-so compared to Achedaway’s 2-year and Ekrin’s lifetime warranty. On the other hand, most Theraguns and Hypervolts are also backed with a 1-year warranty.****The M3 Pro currently retails for $119 – down from the regular $199 (introductory price). Get it at opove.com. Read More Our hands-on Opove M3 Pro review.
Theragun for Tennis Elbow – Which Theragun to Buy?
Using a Theragun for golfer’s elbow therapies is a great idea, and we think Therabody devices are a great option for almost any job.
However, it would be best if you kept a few things in mind when choosing Theragun.
First, Theragun makes high-amplitude massage guns. Like the Bob and Brad D6 Pro, these sports massagers have 16mm amplitude and feel “punchy” during use.
Second, in 2024, Theragun devices will be louder than similar sports massagers from competitors. For example, the Bob and Brad D6 Pro will be quieter than Theragun models while offering similar performance.
Note: Theragun is working on this noise issue and has released the Theragun PRO 5G, which is quieter than all previous versions. While this is an improvement, this sports massager still sounds harsher than the Bob and Brad D6 Pro.
Finally, Theraguns come with a notoriously poor warranty – 2 years for the Theragun Professional is OK, but 1 year for the Theragun Prime, the Theragun mini, and all other models (that’s not too good).
However, Ekrin massage guns offer a lifetime warranty, while the “Bob and Brad D6 Pro” has a 2-year warranty at half the price of the Theragun Professional.
But there are several advantages to splurging on a Theragun…
Theragun’s attachment offerings are excellent, especially with higher-end models like the Theragun Elite and Theragun Professional. Their store has a nice selection of Theragun attachments that can be purchased for $20-$30 each, including the SuperSoft attachment, which is excellent for managing painful body areas.
The attachments fit any Theragun, including the Theragun Mini. The impact level is shown. Just a heads-up, though: there’s no super hard tip in the mix.
Most Theragun models offer moderate stall force; even the Theragun Mini (their cheapest massage gun) should be powerful enough to treat forearm discomfort effectively.
Most Theragun models have a triangle-shaped design, offering comfortable ergonomics that reduce wrist strain. Therabody also offers an App for its full body massager with guided routines for different body areas, which can be visualized on the new Theragun Pro 5th Gen’s OLED screen.
Other than that, Theragun percussive therapy devices are awesome, but few cheap massage guns have features similar to those of.
But Which Theragun for Treating Golfer’s Elbow?
In our opinion, all Theragun models are effective for treating golfer’s elbow. The main difference between Theragun models is their stall force:
Theragun Mini has 20 lbs.,
Theragun Prime 30 lbs.,
Theragun Elite 40 lbs.,
Theragun Pro 60 lbs.
All four Theragun massagers will do a good job of treating forearm discomfort.
If money is an issue, we think the entry-level Theragun Prime will be enough for most people. However, stepping up to the Theragun Elite model will give you more stall force and a better selection of attachments for more versatility.
The Theragun Pro 5th Gen will be great for any job, especially now that it is quieter and displays step-by-step instructions on the screen.
Is the Theragun Mini suitable for forearm discomfort, or is it used as a tennis or golfer’s elbow massage gun? Yes, most definitely. Its massage gun amplitude is great (12mm), and you won’t need to think about potent stall force when using it for tennis elbow treatment at home. You’ll want just to glide it over the muscle.
That said, the Theragun Mini isn’t the most versatile massage gun. It won’t work as well for glute muscle pain or larger muscle groups as the Theragun Prime, Theragun Elite, or Theragun Pro, and it’s also not as well equipped as the normal-size models.
How Do Theraguns Work? 7 Steps For Treating Golfer’s Elbow
Are you golfing with golfer’s elbow? Are you experiencing forearm discomfort? This tennis elbow supportive therapy at home might help you if followed regularly:
Pick the correct attachment: We recommend going for the Dampener or Supersoft attachment, but feel free to choose what works best for you. Don’t be afraid of experimenting.
Choose your grip: We recommend the reverse grip, as it offers the most comfort and control when reaching across your body. For the Theragun Mini, just grab it the best way to hold.
Power up and set speed: Press the power button to turn it on, then select the speed. We advise starting with a slow and gentle speed and gradually increasing it when you feel comfortable and ready. IMPORTANT: Turn it on before contacting your body.
Treat muscles around the pain area: Start working on the muscles above and below the painful area, 30 seconds each for the front and back of your forearm, triceps, and biceps.
Focus on tender areas: Now, gently hold the Theragun directly on the tender spot for 15-30 seconds.
Stretch: After using Theragun, stretch flexor and extensor muscles for 10-15 seconds each. We strongly believe this is an essential part of the treatment, so don’t forget to include it in your routine!
Repeat: Do this process twice daily, and remember to explore different speeds, attachments, and grips to find what works best for you.
TIP: For an even better experience, use the Therabody App along with your Theragun. It has a dedicated routine for treating golfer’s elbow, which is easier to follow and helps you get the best results. It’s worth a try!
Do We Recommend Theragun for Tennis Elbow?
Yes, we do! And, of course, we also recommend Theragun for treating golfer’s elbow! Remember that these percussive massagers are expensive, but you won’t regret your purchase.
Still, we think that sports massagers from Ekrin and ‘Bob and Brad’ offer better value because they are half the price, have similar features, and have better warranties.
Can I use a massage gun to help with golfer’s elbow?
Absolutely! Using a massage gun for tennis (and golfer’s) elbow is a good idea because it helps reduce pain and improves circulation, similar to traditional massage. It’s a convenient and effective way to relieve stiffness and aid recovery. Just remember to consult your physiotherapist for a complete treatment plan.
How long should you massage for tennis elbow?
For tennis elbow, you should massage the affected area and surrounding muscles for about 30 seconds each (forearm, triceps, and biceps). Additionally, gently apply the massage gun to the tender spot for 15-30 seconds. Repeat this process twice a day for best results.
Does Theragun work on tennis elbow?
We believe Theragun works well on golf and tennis elbow. Its unique triangular frame, its Supersoft attachment, and dedicated routines in the Therabody App make it a user-friendly option for relieving forearm pain and tension associated with golf and tennis elbow. And know that any Theragun model will work brilliantly, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs!
Treating Golfer’s Elbow – Conclusion
We hope this article answers many questions about using a massage gun for golf and tennis elbow and gives you an idea of what sports massagers are best for massaging tennis elbow.
We know that golf and tennis elbow can be hard to manage, but having the right massage gun for at home tennis elbow treatment is a great way to keep yourself in the game! It may allow you to continue golfing with golfers elbow.
If you’ve used your massage gun for treating golfer’s elbow, we want to hear about it! Comment below with any tips or tricks or favorite sport massager!
You can also send us a message with any questions you may have about massage guns.
Happy recovery!
References
1.
Ma KL, Wang HQ. Management of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Narrative Literature Review. Pain Research and Management. Published online May 5, 2020:1-9. doi:10.1155/2020/6965381
2.
Lenoir H, Mares O, Carlier Y. Management of lateral epicondylitis. Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research. Published online December 2019:S241-S246. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004
3.
Johns N, Shridhar V. Lateral epicondylitis: Current concepts. Aust J Gen Pract. Published online November 1, 2020:707-709. doi:10.31128/ajgp-07-20-5519
4.
Konrad A, Glashüttner C, Reiner M, Bernsteiner D, Tilp M. The Acute Effects of a Percussive Massage Treatment with a Hypervolt Device on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Range of Motion and Performance. J Sports Sci Med. 2020;19(4):690-694. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33239942
Was this article helpful?
Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!
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.
September 19, 2024: Some functional block and link adjustments for a better user experience. (Author: Mario)
May 5, 2024: Added step-by-step instruction on how to use Theragun for tennis elbow treatment. Added a FAQ section with answers to some questions we received from our readers. Plus, more minor editor changes are needed to improve readability and clarity. (Author: Greg)
Published on:
•
Written by:
Dr. Alex Stone, DPT, CSCS
Dr. Alex Stone, DPT, CSCS
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.
The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners. All company, product, and service names used on this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.
Our policy is to make every effort to respect the copyrights of outside parties. If you believe 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 may be affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.