Wouldn't it be nice to have a massage therapist on speed dial? The reality is, that most are booked for weeks in advance, and frequent visits can get very costly. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on relieving sore muscles—for active individuals especially, recovery is key to promoting better overall health. The good news? A massage gun like the HoMedics Select Prime Percussion Massager can provide some much-needed relief, either on-the-go or from the comfort of your home.
A massage gun is a hand-held device that relies on percussion technology to deliver concentrated pulses to your muscles. The goal of these mini bursts of pressure is to loosen up or relax tight muscles and trigger points. The concentrated pulses also increase blood flow to the area. Massage guns are small, portable, and easy to use. They’re also a popular tool for aiding in recovery after a strenuous workout or sporting event.
The best massage guns typically range in price from $50 to well over $600, but HoMedics offers budget-friendly models that give you a feel for how this technology works without breathing the bank. The ACTIVE Reviews Team broke down the pros, cons, favorite features, and more to help you decide if the HoMedics Percussion Massager will work for you.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
A Quick Look at the HoMedics Percussion Massager
HoMedics has been a leader in the home health and wellness industry since 1987, known for making everything from massagers and foot baths to humidifiers and heating pads. They have a variety of massage guns ranging in price from $49.99 for the Prime Percussion Massager to $450 for the Select DuoTemp Pro Percussion Massager.
If you’re new to self-massaging and want a starter massager, the HoMedics Prime Percussion Massager is a great option. This high-tech percussion massage gives you a targeted deep tissue massage to help ease everyday muscle stiffness. It comes with one attachment, which is often all you need to work out knots, relax muscles, and reduce stress and tension throughout the day. And with a one-touch button, you can quickly change levels without interrupting the massage. Plus, it’s priced affordably. We offer a more in-depth breakdown below.
BUY: HoMedics Percussion Massager
HoMedics Percussion Massager
SPECS
- Speed: 5-speed ranger
- Force: N/A
- Dimensions: 6.54"L x 2.56"W x 8.19"H
- Weight: 1.81 lbs.
- Attachments: 1 (full body attachment)
- Key Features: Variety of intensity levels and massage programs to choose from
- Battery Life:2.5 hours on a full charge
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
Speed
The HoMedics Prime Percussion Massager comes with five speeds or intensities, which is standard for most massage guns. Having multiple intensity settings is a critical feature of massage guns because not all muscles can handle the same amount of pressure. For example, you may want to choose a lower setting with less speed for your biceps and a higher, more powerful speed for your quads.
Dimensions
One benefit of massage guns is they are relatively small, making them easy to use. The HoMedics Select Prime Percussion Massager measures about 6.54-inches long, 2.56-inches wide, and 8.19-inches high. This is compact enough to make it easy to travel with or pack with you to the gym: Just remember that it doesn’t come with a carrying case, so if you travel with it, be careful when packing so as not to damage the device.
Weight
The last thing you want is a heavy massage gun when your muscles are sore and tired. Fortunately, this tool is very lightweight. Fully assembled, the HoMedics Massager is about 1.81 pounds, making it easy to hold for the recommended 15-minute massage time.
Attachments
Simplicity is the name of the game for the HoMedics Percussion Massager. This basic massage gun only comes with one single ball attachment for full body use, but it’s appropriate for small and large muscle groups.
Key Features
We like how the one-touch control button allows you to quickly cycle through the five intensities. Plus, it’s equipped with an LED light, so you know when the massager is on. It’s also equipped with a 15-minute auto-off feature to help conserve its battery. The box includes a HoMedics Prime Percussion Massager, one USB charging cable, and one ball attachment, making it easy to get started.
Battery Life
The HoMedics massager will provide 2.5 hours of power on a full charge and it only takes about 3.5 hours to charge. It has a handy battery charge light indicator to let you know when it’s time to recharge. The massage gun comes with a USB-C cord for charging, but it doesn't come with an adapter, so make sure you have one on hand. You can also charge it with a USB-C phone charger.
Warranty
This massager comes with a two-year limited warranty. HoMedics warrants that its products will be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by misuse or abuse, alteration to the product, neglect, and many other issues around handling the massage gun. Be sure to read the fine print on the warranty to ensure you’re taking proper care of your device.
PROS
- Affordable
- 5 different speeds and intensity levels
- Easy to use, good for beginners
- 30-day risk-free returns when purchased from the HoMedics website
- Automatically shuts off after 15 min. of use
- LED light indicates when on and off
- Automatic shut-off
CONS
- Comes with just one attachment
- Might be too entry-level for people with experience using massage guns
- Doesn't come with a carrying case
- Only comes with a USB-C cord, not an adapter
BUY: HoMedics Percussion Massager
Final Thoughts on the HoMedics Percussion Massager
Whether you're a competitive athlete, avid exerciser, or someone simply looking for a way to relieve tightness, a massage gun is a helpful tool. Not only can tight muscles land you on the couch for the day, but they can derail your progress.
If you're new to the massage gun world or just looking for a basic starter massager, we think the HoMedics Percussion Massager is a great choice. Its simplicity, minimal set-up time, and ease of use helps you enjoy looser muscles in no time. However, the HoMedics Percussion Massager might not be the best choice if you're looking for a more advanced massage gun with various attachments. But if you're just starting out, don't want to blow your budget on a recovery tool, or only require a basic device, the HoMedics Percussion Massager might be right for you.
HoMedics Percussion Massager FAQs
What are the benefits of using a HoMedics Percussion Massager?
Working out in excess with minimal recovery time can lead to fatigue, persistent achy muscles, and an increase in soreness after a workout—all signs of overtraining. By combining adequate rest with regular use of a HoMedics Percussion Massager, you can reduce overtraining, enhance workout performance, and improve recovery. Not to mention, they're an excellent tool for relieving tension, improving circulation, and boosting flexibility.
Which is better, a percussion or vibration massager?
Deciding between a percussion or vibration massager really depends on your goals. If relieving sore muscles, tightness, and improving blood flow is your goal, a percussion massager is the way to go. That's because a percussion massager is better for pre and post-workout muscle relief and recovery since it can go deep into the muscle tissue, something a vibration massager is not able to do. Use them alongside a foam roller, and you'll ease muscle soreness and reduce recovery time.
How long should I use a percussion massager?
One of the perks of using a percussion massager is how fast they work: You can reap the benefits of these recovery tools with just a few minutes of use. Some people like to use them on different body parts two to three times a day, while others like to have longer sessions targeting all muscle groups. That said, percussion massage guns are not meant for extended use. You should limit your time for one massage session to less than 15 minutes. The HoMedics Percussion Massager makes this easy with an auto-off feature that shuts down the massage gun after 15 minutes of continuous use.
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