Percussion Massage: The Missing Piece in Your Wellness Routine
Aug, 8 2023Discovering the Popularity of Percussion Massage
Now the other day, as I was meandering my way through the rainy streets of Seattle, hiding under my umbrella – and yes, it rains here as if the sky has an everlasting supply of water – I wandered into a sports and wellness store. As I went through the aisles full of exercise and wellness goods, it wasn't the newest editions of running shoes or the scent of freshly minted yoga mats that lost me in thought. You know what it was? A peculiar device that was displayed with brag: Percussion Massage gun.
This device, which looked more like a power tool from my toolbox with strange protrusions, was being marketed as the next big thing in muscle recovery and wellness. It was like the underdog superhero of wellness routine. The more I learned about it, the more I realized that this tool might be the long lost missing piece in my, or for that matter in anyone's wellness routine. So, naturally me being me, I did my thorough research and now, I wish to share my discoveries with you.
The Magic Behind Percussion Massage
For those of you stumbling across the term for the first time, percussion massage, like its name suggests, treats your muscles by delivering a series of rapid bursts of pressure into the tissues of your body. Imagine the drum beats in a rock concert, pulsating the air around you. This is just like that but for your muscles, hence, the term 'percussion'. It’s easy to think of this as a novelty, especially since the technique was first developed by a chiropractor for professional athletes. But hey, if something’s good for athletes whose bodies regularly function like well-oiled machines, why can’t it be good for the rest of us, too?
So, let's travel this path of discovery together, and trust me, it's not just Max, my rambunctiously playful Golden Retriever, who loves a good belly rub. Bella, my elegant Siamese cat, when she emerges from one of her aloof moods, also loves a good massage - although she might not readily admit it! Animals have instincts, right? They naturally gravitate towards what makes them feel good. So, a light tap-tap on your skin, isn’t that a form of percussion? Makes you wonder, maybe they’re on to something?
Why Percussion Massage Fits into Your Routine
Now you may ask, why would you need to include percussion massage in your wellness routine when there are other types of massages available? I would say, why not? If it's about exploring uncharted waters to give your body the help it needs to function better, then why not try it out? My abode here in Seattle doesn’t have a lot of sprawling space, but I make sure it’s packed to the brim with wellness tools. People even joke it looks more like a pet-friendly wellness center than a bachelor’s pad!
Adding a percussion massage into my routine already packed with meditative yoga, mindful eating, and regular dog walks in the beautiful Northwest weather, was a decision as good as the time I decided to adopt Bella. She may be queen of the aloof kingdom, but man, the affection she bestows in her own discreet ways is immeasurable!
The Benefits of Incorporating Percussion Massage
As I dug deeper into the workings of the percussion massage, it dawned on me that this practice brings a slew of benefits. First and foremost, using a percussion massager can increase blood and lymphatic circulation around your body, therefore reducing pain and inflammation while simultaneously enhancing cellular function and growth.
Remember that feeling when you've had a long day and everything feels tight and uncomfortable? Well, percussion massage can help! By targeting precise areas, it breaks up knots and reduces muscle tension which, in turn, improves flexibility and range of motion. So, for my fellow Seattleites or frankly anyone who spends large parts of their day stressing their bodies, whether it’s sitting at a desk, running in our beautiful parks, or enjoying backyard games with our pets, this could serve to be the key to unlocking new levels of comfort and mobility in our bodies.
Choosing the Right Percussion Massager
Okay, now that we've dived deep into why a percussion massager can be your wellness routine's missing piece and how it can benefit you, let's talk about how to choose a good one. Percussion massagers, like any good wellness tool, come in various shapes and sizes.
There are several considerations when choosing the right percussion massage tool, including power levels, materials, battery life, and the size of the device. In my hunt, I prioritized a tool with a quiet motor; after all, Bella and Max need their beauty sleep, and I don’t want this device to shatter the peace in my pet sanctuary-cum-bachelor pad. However, it's also important to choose a tool that offers different levels of intensity to suit your needs. A quiet, cumbersome device doing the job poorly doesn't help anyone, does it?
So, consider what your body needs and what your lifestyle can accommodate. Percussion massage isn't about shocking your nerves but nurturing your body. Remember, an investment in your health is always worth it. Here's to wellness and comfort and the glorious feeling of discovering that missing piece in your routine. Enjoy the rhythm of wellness. I’ve yet to persuade Bella to try a session with the percussion massager, but dear Max, well, he is ever ready for a good rub!