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.
In my opinion, the best massage gun for cellulite is the Ekrin B37. It is one of the best massage guns on the market and combines an amplitude of 12 mm with a powerful motor and good operability and handling. ↳ Buy here and save 20% (Code: MGG20)
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.
What are the best Massage Guns for 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.
I myself have already tested over 30 massage guns myself. Here are my 3 picks for massaging cellulite:
#1 Ekrin B37
Ekrin B37 is one of the best massage guns on the market. Accordingly, it is not a surprise that it is at the same time one of the best massagers for cellulite. For this, it has optimal features.
On the one hand, the depth of impact is 12 mm. On the other hand, the B37 has a stall force of approx. 40 lbs. This makes it very suitable for a deep-tissue massage.
The different speed levels are also very well thought out. So they already start at a low frequency. This allows for a fairly light massage, which is also suitable for beginners. On the higher levels, on the other hand, the massage is very intense and loosens even the hardest muscles.
Furthermore, the massage gun has a rather narrow, long handle. This is not only very easy to grip but also allows massaging hard-to-reach places (e.g., the lower back).
Specifications
- Number of Attachments: 4
- Motor Power: not stated
- Amplitude: 12 mm
- Speed Levels: 5
- RPM: 1,400 to 3,200
- Noise (from 40 cm Distance): 47 to 64 dB
- Weight (without Attachment): 2.13 lbs (965 g)
- Battery Capacity: 2,500 mAH
- Battery Life: ca. 4 to 6 h
- Battery changeable: no
Scope of Delivery
- 1 x Ekrin B37
- 1 x Ball Attachment
- 1 x Flat Head Attachment
- 1 x Fork Attachment
- 1 x Bullet Attachment
- 1 x Carry Bag
- 1 x Charger
- 1 x Manual
Pros of the Ekrin B37
- space-saving transportable
- carrying bag included
- simple operability
- appears stable and of high quality
- well thought-out power levels
- 4 attachments included
- very well processed
- long, narrow handle
- fair price with discount code
Cons of the Ekrin B37
- rather high weight
- battery not replaceable
- no pressure sensor
- comparatively loud on high settings
View on ekrinathletics.com* Read the reviewSave 20 % with my code MGG20
#2 Ekrin Bantam
The Ekrin Bantam is the mini massage gun from Ekrin. Accordingly, it is cheaper than the other devices of the brand. But this is not its only advantage. It is also very compact and lightweight. So you can take it with you everywhere. So nothing can stop you from massaging your cellulite several times a day.
Although the massager is very compact, it has quite a lot of power. Specifically, a stall force of up to 35 lbs can be achieved. Also, the impact depth of 10 mm is sufficient to reach the deep tissue, although there are better models here.
The scope of delivery of the Bantam includes, among other things, a ball attachment and a fork attachment. Thus, the most important things for massaging the legs are included. Especially the fork attachment is helpful to leave out the Achilles tendon during the calf massage.
Specifications
- Number of Attachments: 4
- Motor Power: no information
- Speed Levels: 3
- RPM: 2,000 to 3,200
- Noise (from 40 cm Distance): 53 to 63 dB
- Weight (without Attachment): 1.08 lbs (490 g)
- Battery Capacity: 1,600 mAH
- Battery Life: ca. 3 to 5 h
- Battery changeable: no
Scope of Delivery
- 1 x Ekrin Bantam
- 1 x Ball Attachment
- 1 x Flat Head Attachment
- 1 x Fork Attachment
- 1 x Bullet Attachment
- 1 x Carry Bag
- 1 x USB-C Cable
- 1 x Manual
Pros of the Ekrin Bantam
- light and compact
- space-saving transportable
- easy to operate
- very good handling
- stable and valuable
- well thought-out power levels
- perfectly processed
- powerful motor
- deep, intensive massage
- comes with 4 attachments
- fair price
Cons of the Ekrin Bantam
- battery not replaceable
- quite loud
- unpleasant smell on some attachments
- only 3 power levels
View on ekrinathletics.com* Read the reviewSave 20 % with my code MGG20
#3 Achedaway Pro
Like the two previously mentioned devices from Ekrin, the Achedaway Pro is also supplied with the necessary attachments for a leg massage. Among other things, a ball attachment, a flat head, and a fork attachment are included.
Of course, this is not the only reason the Achedaway Pro is on my best list. It is also one of the strongest massage guns on the market. Thus, it achieves a stall force of up to 80 lbs. The impact depth is 16 mm, which is an absolute top number. This ensures a particularly intensive massage of the deep tissue.
If I had to name a downside, it would primarily be the high weight. This makes transport and handling unnecessarily strenuous.
Specifications
- Number of Attachments: 4
- Motor Power: no information
- Speed Levels: 5
- RPM: 1,700 to 2,800
- Noise (from 40 cm Distance): 52 to 71 dB
- Weight (without Attachment): 2.63 lbs (1,194 g)
- Battery Capacity: 3,200 mAH
- Battery Life: ca. 2 to 4 h
- Battery changeable: yes
Scope of Delivery
- 1 x Achedaway Pro
- 1 x Ball Attachment
- 1 x Flat Head Attachment
- 1 x Fork Attachment
- 1 x Bullet Attachment
- 1 x Carry Bag
- 1 x Charger
- 1 x Manual
Pros of the Achedaway Pro
- space-saving transportable
- carrying bag and pouch included
- simple operability
- appears stable and valuable
- well thought-out power levels
- 4 attachments included
- very well processed
- strong motor
- good impact depth
- exchangeable battery
Cons of the Achedaway Pro
- very high weight
- handle too wide
- very loud on high levels
- comparatively “expensive”
- unpleasant smell at the beginning
View on achedaway.com* Read the reviewSave $25 with my code MGG20
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!
References