Creams, pills, and many other so-called miracle cures are advertised year after year in the fight against cellulite. Now massage guns are also being touted as just such a miracle cure. Therefore, I would like to tell you in the following article whether massage guns actually help with cellulite. For this purpose, I evaluate study results and go into the correct use of the massage gun.
Short Answer
Yes, a massage gun can help against cellulite. A study from the University of Ankera has shown that massages help to strengthen connective tissue, blood circulation as well as collagen production. As a result, cellulite is reduced. These effects can also be achieved by using a massage gun.
Long Answer
You have now learned in short form that a massage gun can certainly help with cellulite. I will explain what cellulite is and show you the results of studies on the effectiveness of massages against cellulite. I will also show you what to consider when you want to use a massage gun for cellulite.
What is Cellulite?
Before you can understand how a massage gun helps against cellulite, you need to know what cellulite is and what causes it.
Cellulite, also known as orange peel skin, is a fatty tissue that appears under the skin. It occurs mostly in women because they have more flexible, less tightly knit connective tissue. Due to this, the fatty tissue is no longer held back by the connective tissue. As a result, the structure of the fat stands out on the skin.
As already described, cellulite is thus primarily related to the structure of the female connective tissue. Orange peel skin does not occur only in overweight women or those who live unhealthy lives. Nevertheless, an unhealthy lifestyle has a negative effect on cellulite.
Does Massage help with Cellulite?
Muscle-strengthening activities, a balanced, whole-food diet, and also massages help against cellulite. The latter has been proven in a study with 60 women1. In this, three groups of 20 women each were formed. One group was treated with a conventional massage, one by lymphatic drainage or one with connective tissue manipulation.
It was shown that the greatest reduction of cellulite was achieved by manipulation of the connective tissue. In these, special massages loosened the adhesions of the fascia, strengthened the lymphatic flow, and stimulated blood circulation.
However, the other types of massage were also successful. This is also shown by the result of the study:
“All the treatment techniques are effective in decreasing the regional fat values of the patients with cellulites.”
Can these Results also be achieved with a Massage Gun?
As explained before, any massage helps to reduce cellulite. So you can also effectively treat cellulite with a massage gun. This loosens sticky fascia through quick, deep strokes. In this way, it also stimulates blood circulation as well as lymph flow – just like manipulating connective tissue.
However, it is important that the massage gun is used correctly. Otherwise, it can damage the connective tissue instead of strengthening it. That’s why in the next section, I’ll tell you how to use your massage gun correctly for cellulite.
How do I use a Massage Gun for Cellulite?
When using a massage gun against cellulite, you should first start with low intensity. As already described, you should not use the full force of the gun so as not to damage the connective tissue but to strengthen it. Only after you have worked on the orange peel skin with the massage gun for a certain period of time you can consider using a higher power level.
During the application itself, run the massage gun over all the areas affected by cellulite. You should not hold the gun only on one spot but move it in different directions. Work on each area for 30 to 60 seconds. In the meantime, take a short break and repeat the process two to four times.
You should also massage the orange peel skin about two to four times a week. In the beginning, you should leave longer breaks between the treatments because the connective tissue has to get used to the massages and needs enough time to regenerate. Especially during the first massages, the treated areas may feel like sore muscles, as the tissue has been overstrained.
As an attachment, you use either a ball or a flat head attachment when massaging the connective tissue (read more here: Massage Gun Attachment Guide – which Attachment to use for each Muscle).
Tip: Have a second person help you when massaging the glutes. This will allow you to treat this area more effectively.
Which Massage Gun is recommended for Use on Cellulite?
In principle, almost any massage gun can be used against cellulite. The most important thing here is that the massage gun has power levels with a low impact frequency, as these are especially suitable for massaging cellulite.
If you do not have any experience in using a massage gun, you should choose a model with a pressure sensor. This prevents you from pressing too hard and damaging the connective tissue. The Hyperice Hypervolt, for example, has a pressure sensor. Accordingly, I can recommend it for massaging orange peel skin.
Conclusion – Can a Massage Gun help with Cellulite?
Massage guns are advertised as a hope against cellulite. And indeed, to some extent, massage guns can help reduce cellulite. Massage guns are not as effective as a special massage by an expert. On the other hand, they can be used for inexpensive self-treatment of orange peel skin. You have learned everything you need to know in this article.
I hope that I could help you with it!
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