Caregivers need to take a moment from time to time for self-care; even if it means taking a Five-Minute Respite. How does a quick massage, sound? While many of us would love to have an on-call massage therapist or masseuse to loosen tight muscles, this is beyond what many of us can afford. So, what’s one option when we need immediate relief?
Welcome to a new(er) line of massage-therapy tools.
Percussive Therapy Tools
Since my grip strength has weakened and I require an assistive device to open bottles, I was pleasantly surprised when my chiropractor introduced me to his newest therapy tool—the TheragunPro. It is a well-balanced percussive therapy instrument that I am able to hold easily.
At first, I was Afraid
I was afraid. Where exactly do I use it? Like any kid with a new toy, I went crazy. I ended up hurting my sacroiliac joints between my hip bones. They hurt so bad; I couldn’t sit up from a reclining position without a lot of pain. Okay, I need to ease up! Then I used it along the top my shoulders and up the sides of my neck. My head vibrated so much, my vision blurred and my speech sounded funny (while I used the unit). Time to go online and learn more about using this tool. AHH! Do not use on nerve areas, neck, or on the head. It felt good, but I don’t want to injure myself! I recently discovered short videos on How to Use the Theragun for different body parts. (Unfortunately, none of this information came in the kit I purchased. I imagine it’s on the Therabody app that I have not yet downloaded.)
They are Costly. They are Worth It
The Theraguns are worth it. Yes, this is a subjective statement. Yet, controlling our impulse purchases of $1, $5, or $10 will add up to hundreds of dollars.
I bought the Mini and Elite [12/5/2024: direct URL is broken; new URL offers selection of models] on sale together for $500 (including tax) at Costco online.
Dr. Dewald uses the professional-grade Theragun Pro at $600 plus tax.
I am happy with my purchase of these two smaller units. I also like the idea of bringing along the Mini while on travel.
From the Soles of Your Feet to the Top of Your Shoulders
I have nerve issues, which sometimes cause my toes to splay. A dozen years ago, while training for and then running two marathons and during and after day-long hikes in the mountains, my toes spread apart involuntarily. Recently it happened again when I walked rapidly for two-miles through a residential neighborhood.
I held the Theragun to the bottom of my foot. I then moved it up along the left side of my leg to my glutes (butt muscles). It was heavenly. I was able to bound back up on my feet like the thirty-something person I imagine myself to be.
When my neck hurts after a night of sleep, and a hot shower only temporarily minimizes the pain, I pull out the Theragun to use along the top of my shoulders, which helps loosen my neck muscles.
According to the website, “The Theragun Elite comes with [five] attachments, including the Dampener, Standard Ball, Thumb, Cone, and Wedge.” I was able to use the Thumb attachment for my hands and lightly on my fingers, for soothing relief.
As the therapists remind me during sessions at Dr. Dewald’s Chiropractic Office, “Breathe deeply. Exhale slowly. Release the toxins.”
Ergonomically Easy to Hold
Some devices are hard to grip. They are designed like a gun and it hurts more to hold on. Others make our fingers numb with the vibration. The Theragun seems to be so well-balanced, it does not require a strong grip.
Quiet & Multi-Speeds
While I’ve tried similarly powerful units that are noisy, Theragun, has devoted research to making their therapy tools operate quietly. I like this, because the noise only adds to the stress of the pain I’m trying to relieve.
The units come with three preset speeds. You can download the app for additional speeds and therapy options. It’s been a month and I’m happy with the preset speed.
Therabody
Therabody is the holistic website where you can find more information about the Theragun brand of percussive therapy instruments.
Chiropractic Referral
Thank you, Dr. Dewald, for introducing me to percussive therapy. First, there was the thumper, which actually felt good on my glutes (those muscles we spend hours sitting on) and then there were various grades of percussive instruments, which were hard to hold… until the Theragun.
