08-10-2021, 01:28 AM
How Do Trampolines and Massage Guns Work?What is Diamond Quarry and Concrete Wire Sawing
For bench cutting in marble quarries in India, diamond wire saw (DWS) machines are mainly used. The cutting performance of the DWS machine, or diamond cutting tools depends on non-controllable parameters related to rock characteristics and controllable parameters related to machine and other operational aspects. Cut size area of a bench is one of the operational controllable parameters and it has an important role in the cutting performance of the machine. Dolomitic marble deposits are available in large quantities in India. Thus, this study was undertaken to investigate the effects of bench cut size area on the cutting performance of DWS machines in soft, medium-hard and hard dolomitic marble. The study revealed that cut size of the bench plays a significant role in the performance of the DWS machine. The optimum bench cut size also varies with the nature of marble to be cut. It also depends on the types of cuts to be made in the marble such as vertical, vertical strand and horizontal. The results of this study can also be applied to other types of marble and they will also be of use to the operators of stone quarry machine.
Raw Stone Processing
Stones exploited from mines by rock driller with irregular form and rough section are called raw stones, which can not be applied in plate processing immediately. At present, raw stone in China mainly involves marble and granite. With the development of technology, the old way of shaping stones by labor is outdated.
Diamond saw blade used to process raw stones usually owns a large circular saw blade, on which diamond grits are inserted. Owning to its flexible property, diamond wire saw blade can be used to process ultra-hard stones. However, its diameter is usually large, and its height is twice the stones to be processed together with the diameter of Flange. It is not easy to produce diamond saw blade with too large diameter. Therefore, diamond saw blade is unsuitable to process oversize plates.
Comparatively, diamond wire saw not only owns the flexibility of ropes, but also owns rigidity of diamond. Moreover, they are not limited by length. Due to those features, diamond wire saws are almost applicable to cut any large objects. It has many advantages, such as short time preparation, strong flexibility, high efficiency, energy saving, etc, which make diamond wire saws popular in stone mining and stone processing.
Plate Cutting
When processing stones, plate cutting is a quite important step. Usually diamond saw blades are used to cut plates. But in this situation, the size of plates is relatively small. One diamond wire saw is able to cut large plates and ultra-large plates, and is not restrained by the thickness of stones. However, compared with diamond frame saws containing several tens or a few hundreds saws, diamond wire saw is neither efficient nor cost-effective. Consequently, diamond wire saws are used when plates are too thick or their amount is small. With the development of technology, combined diamond quarry wire saws are went out. Combined diamond wire saws can be applied in cutting marble and granite plates when changing different beads or linear velocity of diamond wire saws.
Irregular Stones Processing
Irregular stones refer to all special-shaped stones except sheet and block stones, and include many types, such as pillars and arches. Nowadays, people’s demands are much stricter, so it is with irregular stones processing. In the course of irregular stones processing, diamond wire saws and diamond saw blades are used. Owing to its high linear velocity, diamond wire saws could shift curve type and arc type, and can be widely applied in processing parquet and curved sides.
Concrete wire sawing is a versatile and effective concrete sawing tool used for particularly challenging projects where traditional saws won’t work. When cutting through concrete structures, cross-sections, and other complex objects, manual saws are often unable to do the job effectively—when those situations arise, wire saws can get the job done. Once set up, wire saws can easily saw through any concrete, stone, or metal structure.
A concrete wire saw consists of a thin steel wire with diamond segments embedded that cut through hard materials via abrasion. The wire is threaded through a system of pulleys that are aligned in the direction of the cut. Once the wire is securely wrapped around the object, the pulley pulls the wire across the concrete and begins cutting. Water is fed across the system to keep the wire lubricated and the system from overheating from extreme friction.
WHEN IS Quarry Wire Saw NECESSARY?
If you have a difficult construction project that involves cutting through steel-encased concrete, concrete-encased steel supports, concrete retaining walls, or reinforced rebar, wire saws can saw through them safely and with ease. Due to its diamond cutting edge, wire saws are ideal for segmenting or removing large chunks of reinforced concrete when other saws can’t cut through the strong material. Stone cutting wire saws can also be configured to tackle unique structures such as steel nuclear reactors or metal engine blocks.
THE BENEFITS OF WIRE SAWS
There are several reasons why conventional diamond saw blades won’t work for a concrete cutting project: the concrete structure may be too large, the shape may be too irregular to safely work around, the location may be too inaccessible, or the structure may be too heavily reinforced for blades to cut through. Wire saws are easily able to navigate all of those problems. The benefits of using wire saws for concrete construction projects also include:
Cleaner construction areas. Since water needs to flow across the wire saw to keep concrete dust from building up and damaging the equipment, this process produces much less airborne dust than traditional saws. Not only does less dust make the construction area easier to clean up, but it also keeps workers from inhaling concrete particulates
Deeper concrete cuts. Traditional cut-off machines, diamond chainsaws, and circular saws have a limited reach. Concrete cutting wire saw offers an almost unlimited depth range for concrete cutting.
Precision cutting. Since the wire is more narrow and flexible than ring saws, concrete cuts will be more precise using wires. And since the wire is guided through pre-cut drill holes, the final cuts will always be the right size and in the right location.
Easy access. Wire saws don’t require as much space to operate as ring saws do. And since they aren’t manually operated, it’s an ideal option for construction jobs that have hard-to-reach places and are in challenging environments like underwater.
Quiet. Wire saws cause minimal vibrations and are much quieter than other construction equipment. This low noise output makes it the preferred cutting option for residential projects and night operations.
Quick cutting. Since wire sawing doesn’t require manual operators, the machine can cut at a consistent speed without breaks. This keeps construction projects running on schedule.
Increased safety. Because wire saws are remote control operated, it minimizes the risk of an accident and keeps everyone near the construction site safe.
PROBLEMS WITH CONCRETE WIRE SAWS
Just because wire saws are remotely operated doesn’t mean there isn’t a chance of injury. Since the wires are under extreme tension, there is always a chance that they can snap and cause extreme injuries to anyone nearby. Construction teams should still take proper safety precautions when using this piece of machinery. Just like any large piece of machinery, only trained specialists should operate wire saws with dry cutter.
A-CORE’S WIRE SAWING CAPABILITIES
The concrete wire saw, or diamond saw blade for concrete has become an indispensable tool for any concrete cutting company because of its adaptability and strength. At A-Core, we rely on our wire sawing division to handle many of our toughest projects.
From state governments and private contractors to residential homeowners, we produce quality concrete wire sawing services to a wide spectrum of clients. Whether we’re repairing highways, retrofitting the Utah State Capitol for a seismic update, or executing controlled demolition on a 230-foot smokestack, A-Core provides practical and flexible solutions for all types of construction challenges.
Many of our projects involve segmenting and removing all types of difficult-to-cut materials from hard-to-reach places. So when it comes to cutting and hauling away large, reinforced concrete masses from piers, bridges, towers, dams, and other structures, our wire sawing division is always ready.
The trampoline has always been the gift that keeps on giving. According to Kelly Burstow from leading Australian blog “Be A Fun Mum“, if she could only pick one piece of play equipment for her kids, it would be the trampoline. As trampolines evolve and become safer and bouncier, there is no doubt that the trampoline will remain one of those rare toys that continues to thrive and rival screens where other equipment has long since retired into the past.
So can owning a trampoline really be life-changing?
We all know kids love jumping up and down on a trampoline, but is there really any more to it than that? Well, you’d be surprised to learn just how much more there is to it! Our research into the topic showed an astonishing number of amazing benefits to owning a mini trampoline that really could change the lives of your kids and your whole family!
1. Trampolining literally makes you happy
Simple pleasures
So, why are trampolines loved so much?
It’s an interesting question, because there isn’t much to a trampoline. It’s simply a vertical bounce up and down with a few tricks thrown in for good measure (if you have the skills). Yet, it’s the simplicity of the trampoline that is the key to its success. Almost anyone can do it. There are no strict rules or time restrictions; you just jump on and the fun begins!
Relieves stress and releases endorphins
Trampolining takes a certain amount of concentration since it requires many different mental and movement processes, and it also works as fitness equipment. This can help kids (and adults alike) to reduce their levels of stress by focusing their minds on something different. It’s also a great way to have fun, and stimulates the body to naturally release endorphins, which in turn helps kids to feel happier and more at ease. This is a great method for everything from unwinding after school to reducing everyday stress levels in the home.
2. Gets kids involved in outdoor play
Fights the Screen Battle
One of the best things about owning a trampoline is that your kids can play at home. If you just want a fun play, you don’t have to head out to the park, go to a play centre, or do a paid activity. It’s not only convenient but it also means that, when you have older kids, you can be getting on with things around the house while they are occupied. It is also the ultimate alternative to spending weekends, afternoons and holidays in front of the TV or other screens for many kids. There are tons of games you can create that involve the trampoline – like adding some balloons or a sprinkler – on those days when the kids need more than a simple bounce. Government research out of the United Kingdom is showing that kids are spending less time outdoors than prisoners, which equates to less than an hour a day! A trampoline is an effective tool for parents to get kids outside and into the sunshine where they belong.
Increases Vitamin D
What’s more, getting exposure to sunlight while playing outdoors raises kids’ levels of Vitamin D, which helps protect children from future bone problems. According to the Vitamin D Council, it also helps to improve the immune system, muscle function, cardiovascular function, the respiratory system and brain development, and even has anti-cancer benefits!
3. Trampolines can help with anxiety, sensory issues, Autism and special needs
Anxiety
Trampolining helps people with autism, sensory issues and special needs to tackle anxiety and relieve stress. The rhythmic action of tampolining can be very soothing. It can also give kids something positive that they can do to help them calm down after a stressful incident.
Sensory stimulation
Trampolining is also a great way to meet kids’ sensory stimulation requirements, giving them lots of movement to stimulate their senses, or a focused activity to do when they may feel over-stimulated elsewhere. Trampolines are particularly useful to children with Hypersensitivity to movement (under responsive) in relation to their vestibular system. (You can read more about that here.) As such, trampolines are quite commonly used in therapy for kids on the spectrum or with Sensory Processing Disorder.
Other benefits
For children with Autism or special needs, jumping on a trampoline can also have a positive effect on their behaviour and impulse control. Doing trampolining before school or before homework can also help to improve their concentration and focus (don’t take our word for it, give it a go!).
How Do Massage Guns Work?
The short answer: it’s not entirely clear how these devices work on the body. They may help relax sore muscles by stimulating the GTO (Golgi tendon organ), a structure within a muscle that inhibits contraction. Massage guns may also override the sensation of pain within a sore muscle in the same way you might if you rub your forehead after smacking it on a door jamb (this is what’s known as the “Gate Control Theory of Pain.”)
But the most likely mechanism of soft tissue work—whether it’s a foam roller, a massage gun, or the trained hands of a massage therapist—is neural, says performance coach and physical therapist, Dr. John Rusin. “Mostly you’re affecting your brain’s ability to sense tightness or laxity in soft tissue, whether it’s a muscle, tendon, or fascia.” The therapist’s hands (or the roller, or the mini massage gun) focuses your attention on the tight muscle allowing your brain to zero in on the tension and let it go.
Effects of Massage Guns
Early research suggests that, when performed before exercise, such as pogo stick, vibration therapy is as effective at preventing soreness as traditional massage in untrained women. Does that mean it’s “effective” at preventing or relieving soreness, period? It’s not clear.
Massage guns increase blood flow, which shuttles nutrients into the muscle while also removing blood that may have pooled in the muscles—a common occurrence, often following long periods of inactivity, that can result in swelling in the extremities. If you use the gun directly after a workout, such as magnetic bike, or exercise bike, it may facilitate the removal of metabolites—waste products—associated with exercise, which can cause burning in the muscles.
“It’s an out-with-the-bad, in-with-the-good effect,” says Rusin, similar to what you can achieve with foam rolling, yoga, and light exercise.
Best Ways to Use the Massage Gun
“With massage guns, a little goes a long way,” says San, who works with MMA fighters, NFL players, and other elite athletes. 1-2 minutes on a large muscle group—like the quadriceps—is plenty.
“You don’t want to over-stimulate the muscle,” he explains. Excessive use drives fluid into the muscle without allowing it to flow out again. “It’s a powerful tool, so keep it on a low setting.” Higher settings are reserved for truly massive folks, he explains—NFL linemen and other heavyweights.
Rusin suggests that novelty is part of the tool’s effectiveness and that the effects may diminish with frequent use. So instead of using the massager every day, rotate your approach: foam roll one day, use contrast baths on another, the massage gun on a third day, and so on.
How NOT to use a Massage Gun
“The no pain, no gain mentality is a real thing,” says Rusin. If a cool compress is good, many dedicated exercisers believe that dry ice must be better; if a soft foam roller is effective, a hard, knobby one must be more so.
This is particularly true of the massage gun. “People find areas that hurt and think that means they need to stay on them,” he says. “In fact, they may be running over a bony prominence, or a vein-artery nerve bundle.” Long-term, he says, pounding on these vulnerable areas can lead to neuropathy, numbness in the hands, and other problems.
San agrees: “The massage gun is no match for a skilled massage therapist.” It can’t tell the difference between bone, muscle, fascia, and nerve; it doesn’t know if you’re injured; it doesn’t know if a tissue is too tight or too loose.
The upshot: don’t get too trigger-happy with the professional massage gun. Avoid painful areas, and spend at most couple of minutes after a workout—or on rest days—on each muscle group. Ideally, San suggests using them as an adjunct to working with a professional massage therapist. “It complements what I’m doing,” he says.
For bench cutting in marble quarries in India, diamond wire saw (DWS) machines are mainly used. The cutting performance of the DWS machine, or diamond cutting tools depends on non-controllable parameters related to rock characteristics and controllable parameters related to machine and other operational aspects. Cut size area of a bench is one of the operational controllable parameters and it has an important role in the cutting performance of the machine. Dolomitic marble deposits are available in large quantities in India. Thus, this study was undertaken to investigate the effects of bench cut size area on the cutting performance of DWS machines in soft, medium-hard and hard dolomitic marble. The study revealed that cut size of the bench plays a significant role in the performance of the DWS machine. The optimum bench cut size also varies with the nature of marble to be cut. It also depends on the types of cuts to be made in the marble such as vertical, vertical strand and horizontal. The results of this study can also be applied to other types of marble and they will also be of use to the operators of stone quarry machine.
Raw Stone Processing
Stones exploited from mines by rock driller with irregular form and rough section are called raw stones, which can not be applied in plate processing immediately. At present, raw stone in China mainly involves marble and granite. With the development of technology, the old way of shaping stones by labor is outdated.
Diamond saw blade used to process raw stones usually owns a large circular saw blade, on which diamond grits are inserted. Owning to its flexible property, diamond wire saw blade can be used to process ultra-hard stones. However, its diameter is usually large, and its height is twice the stones to be processed together with the diameter of Flange. It is not easy to produce diamond saw blade with too large diameter. Therefore, diamond saw blade is unsuitable to process oversize plates.
Comparatively, diamond wire saw not only owns the flexibility of ropes, but also owns rigidity of diamond. Moreover, they are not limited by length. Due to those features, diamond wire saws are almost applicable to cut any large objects. It has many advantages, such as short time preparation, strong flexibility, high efficiency, energy saving, etc, which make diamond wire saws popular in stone mining and stone processing.
Plate Cutting
When processing stones, plate cutting is a quite important step. Usually diamond saw blades are used to cut plates. But in this situation, the size of plates is relatively small. One diamond wire saw is able to cut large plates and ultra-large plates, and is not restrained by the thickness of stones. However, compared with diamond frame saws containing several tens or a few hundreds saws, diamond wire saw is neither efficient nor cost-effective. Consequently, diamond wire saws are used when plates are too thick or their amount is small. With the development of technology, combined diamond quarry wire saws are went out. Combined diamond wire saws can be applied in cutting marble and granite plates when changing different beads or linear velocity of diamond wire saws.
Irregular Stones Processing
Irregular stones refer to all special-shaped stones except sheet and block stones, and include many types, such as pillars and arches. Nowadays, people’s demands are much stricter, so it is with irregular stones processing. In the course of irregular stones processing, diamond wire saws and diamond saw blades are used. Owing to its high linear velocity, diamond wire saws could shift curve type and arc type, and can be widely applied in processing parquet and curved sides.
Concrete wire sawing is a versatile and effective concrete sawing tool used for particularly challenging projects where traditional saws won’t work. When cutting through concrete structures, cross-sections, and other complex objects, manual saws are often unable to do the job effectively—when those situations arise, wire saws can get the job done. Once set up, wire saws can easily saw through any concrete, stone, or metal structure.
A concrete wire saw consists of a thin steel wire with diamond segments embedded that cut through hard materials via abrasion. The wire is threaded through a system of pulleys that are aligned in the direction of the cut. Once the wire is securely wrapped around the object, the pulley pulls the wire across the concrete and begins cutting. Water is fed across the system to keep the wire lubricated and the system from overheating from extreme friction.
WHEN IS Quarry Wire Saw NECESSARY?
If you have a difficult construction project that involves cutting through steel-encased concrete, concrete-encased steel supports, concrete retaining walls, or reinforced rebar, wire saws can saw through them safely and with ease. Due to its diamond cutting edge, wire saws are ideal for segmenting or removing large chunks of reinforced concrete when other saws can’t cut through the strong material. Stone cutting wire saws can also be configured to tackle unique structures such as steel nuclear reactors or metal engine blocks.
THE BENEFITS OF WIRE SAWS
There are several reasons why conventional diamond saw blades won’t work for a concrete cutting project: the concrete structure may be too large, the shape may be too irregular to safely work around, the location may be too inaccessible, or the structure may be too heavily reinforced for blades to cut through. Wire saws are easily able to navigate all of those problems. The benefits of using wire saws for concrete construction projects also include:
Cleaner construction areas. Since water needs to flow across the wire saw to keep concrete dust from building up and damaging the equipment, this process produces much less airborne dust than traditional saws. Not only does less dust make the construction area easier to clean up, but it also keeps workers from inhaling concrete particulates
Deeper concrete cuts. Traditional cut-off machines, diamond chainsaws, and circular saws have a limited reach. Concrete cutting wire saw offers an almost unlimited depth range for concrete cutting.
Precision cutting. Since the wire is more narrow and flexible than ring saws, concrete cuts will be more precise using wires. And since the wire is guided through pre-cut drill holes, the final cuts will always be the right size and in the right location.
Easy access. Wire saws don’t require as much space to operate as ring saws do. And since they aren’t manually operated, it’s an ideal option for construction jobs that have hard-to-reach places and are in challenging environments like underwater.
Quiet. Wire saws cause minimal vibrations and are much quieter than other construction equipment. This low noise output makes it the preferred cutting option for residential projects and night operations.
Quick cutting. Since wire sawing doesn’t require manual operators, the machine can cut at a consistent speed without breaks. This keeps construction projects running on schedule.
Increased safety. Because wire saws are remote control operated, it minimizes the risk of an accident and keeps everyone near the construction site safe.
PROBLEMS WITH CONCRETE WIRE SAWS
Just because wire saws are remotely operated doesn’t mean there isn’t a chance of injury. Since the wires are under extreme tension, there is always a chance that they can snap and cause extreme injuries to anyone nearby. Construction teams should still take proper safety precautions when using this piece of machinery. Just like any large piece of machinery, only trained specialists should operate wire saws with dry cutter.
A-CORE’S WIRE SAWING CAPABILITIES
The concrete wire saw, or diamond saw blade for concrete has become an indispensable tool for any concrete cutting company because of its adaptability and strength. At A-Core, we rely on our wire sawing division to handle many of our toughest projects.
From state governments and private contractors to residential homeowners, we produce quality concrete wire sawing services to a wide spectrum of clients. Whether we’re repairing highways, retrofitting the Utah State Capitol for a seismic update, or executing controlled demolition on a 230-foot smokestack, A-Core provides practical and flexible solutions for all types of construction challenges.
Many of our projects involve segmenting and removing all types of difficult-to-cut materials from hard-to-reach places. So when it comes to cutting and hauling away large, reinforced concrete masses from piers, bridges, towers, dams, and other structures, our wire sawing division is always ready.
The trampoline has always been the gift that keeps on giving. According to Kelly Burstow from leading Australian blog “Be A Fun Mum“, if she could only pick one piece of play equipment for her kids, it would be the trampoline. As trampolines evolve and become safer and bouncier, there is no doubt that the trampoline will remain one of those rare toys that continues to thrive and rival screens where other equipment has long since retired into the past.
So can owning a trampoline really be life-changing?
We all know kids love jumping up and down on a trampoline, but is there really any more to it than that? Well, you’d be surprised to learn just how much more there is to it! Our research into the topic showed an astonishing number of amazing benefits to owning a mini trampoline that really could change the lives of your kids and your whole family!
1. Trampolining literally makes you happy
Simple pleasures
So, why are trampolines loved so much?
It’s an interesting question, because there isn’t much to a trampoline. It’s simply a vertical bounce up and down with a few tricks thrown in for good measure (if you have the skills). Yet, it’s the simplicity of the trampoline that is the key to its success. Almost anyone can do it. There are no strict rules or time restrictions; you just jump on and the fun begins!
Relieves stress and releases endorphins
Trampolining takes a certain amount of concentration since it requires many different mental and movement processes, and it also works as fitness equipment. This can help kids (and adults alike) to reduce their levels of stress by focusing their minds on something different. It’s also a great way to have fun, and stimulates the body to naturally release endorphins, which in turn helps kids to feel happier and more at ease. This is a great method for everything from unwinding after school to reducing everyday stress levels in the home.
2. Gets kids involved in outdoor play
Fights the Screen Battle
One of the best things about owning a trampoline is that your kids can play at home. If you just want a fun play, you don’t have to head out to the park, go to a play centre, or do a paid activity. It’s not only convenient but it also means that, when you have older kids, you can be getting on with things around the house while they are occupied. It is also the ultimate alternative to spending weekends, afternoons and holidays in front of the TV or other screens for many kids. There are tons of games you can create that involve the trampoline – like adding some balloons or a sprinkler – on those days when the kids need more than a simple bounce. Government research out of the United Kingdom is showing that kids are spending less time outdoors than prisoners, which equates to less than an hour a day! A trampoline is an effective tool for parents to get kids outside and into the sunshine where they belong.
Increases Vitamin D
What’s more, getting exposure to sunlight while playing outdoors raises kids’ levels of Vitamin D, which helps protect children from future bone problems. According to the Vitamin D Council, it also helps to improve the immune system, muscle function, cardiovascular function, the respiratory system and brain development, and even has anti-cancer benefits!
3. Trampolines can help with anxiety, sensory issues, Autism and special needs
Anxiety
Trampolining helps people with autism, sensory issues and special needs to tackle anxiety and relieve stress. The rhythmic action of tampolining can be very soothing. It can also give kids something positive that they can do to help them calm down after a stressful incident.
Sensory stimulation
Trampolining is also a great way to meet kids’ sensory stimulation requirements, giving them lots of movement to stimulate their senses, or a focused activity to do when they may feel over-stimulated elsewhere. Trampolines are particularly useful to children with Hypersensitivity to movement (under responsive) in relation to their vestibular system. (You can read more about that here.) As such, trampolines are quite commonly used in therapy for kids on the spectrum or with Sensory Processing Disorder.
Other benefits
For children with Autism or special needs, jumping on a trampoline can also have a positive effect on their behaviour and impulse control. Doing trampolining before school or before homework can also help to improve their concentration and focus (don’t take our word for it, give it a go!).
How Do Massage Guns Work?
The short answer: it’s not entirely clear how these devices work on the body. They may help relax sore muscles by stimulating the GTO (Golgi tendon organ), a structure within a muscle that inhibits contraction. Massage guns may also override the sensation of pain within a sore muscle in the same way you might if you rub your forehead after smacking it on a door jamb (this is what’s known as the “Gate Control Theory of Pain.”)
But the most likely mechanism of soft tissue work—whether it’s a foam roller, a massage gun, or the trained hands of a massage therapist—is neural, says performance coach and physical therapist, Dr. John Rusin. “Mostly you’re affecting your brain’s ability to sense tightness or laxity in soft tissue, whether it’s a muscle, tendon, or fascia.” The therapist’s hands (or the roller, or the mini massage gun) focuses your attention on the tight muscle allowing your brain to zero in on the tension and let it go.
Effects of Massage Guns
Early research suggests that, when performed before exercise, such as pogo stick, vibration therapy is as effective at preventing soreness as traditional massage in untrained women. Does that mean it’s “effective” at preventing or relieving soreness, period? It’s not clear.
Massage guns increase blood flow, which shuttles nutrients into the muscle while also removing blood that may have pooled in the muscles—a common occurrence, often following long periods of inactivity, that can result in swelling in the extremities. If you use the gun directly after a workout, such as magnetic bike, or exercise bike, it may facilitate the removal of metabolites—waste products—associated with exercise, which can cause burning in the muscles.
“It’s an out-with-the-bad, in-with-the-good effect,” says Rusin, similar to what you can achieve with foam rolling, yoga, and light exercise.
Best Ways to Use the Massage Gun
“With massage guns, a little goes a long way,” says San, who works with MMA fighters, NFL players, and other elite athletes. 1-2 minutes on a large muscle group—like the quadriceps—is plenty.
“You don’t want to over-stimulate the muscle,” he explains. Excessive use drives fluid into the muscle without allowing it to flow out again. “It’s a powerful tool, so keep it on a low setting.” Higher settings are reserved for truly massive folks, he explains—NFL linemen and other heavyweights.
Rusin suggests that novelty is part of the tool’s effectiveness and that the effects may diminish with frequent use. So instead of using the massager every day, rotate your approach: foam roll one day, use contrast baths on another, the massage gun on a third day, and so on.
How NOT to use a Massage Gun
“The no pain, no gain mentality is a real thing,” says Rusin. If a cool compress is good, many dedicated exercisers believe that dry ice must be better; if a soft foam roller is effective, a hard, knobby one must be more so.
This is particularly true of the massage gun. “People find areas that hurt and think that means they need to stay on them,” he says. “In fact, they may be running over a bony prominence, or a vein-artery nerve bundle.” Long-term, he says, pounding on these vulnerable areas can lead to neuropathy, numbness in the hands, and other problems.
San agrees: “The massage gun is no match for a skilled massage therapist.” It can’t tell the difference between bone, muscle, fascia, and nerve; it doesn’t know if you’re injured; it doesn’t know if a tissue is too tight or too loose.
The upshot: don’t get too trigger-happy with the professional massage gun. Avoid painful areas, and spend at most couple of minutes after a workout—or on rest days—on each muscle group. Ideally, San suggests using them as an adjunct to working with a professional massage therapist. “It complements what I’m doing,” he says.
