RENPHO Massage Gun with Bluetooth, Fathers Day Dad Gifts, FSA HSA Eligible Portable Percussion Massager for Back and Neck, Handheld Device with Carry Case, Active+

***Just got the RENPHO Heated Handheld Massager (December 2020) so I am updating my review of the RENPHO Massage Gun (from June 2020). I will indicate where updated.***I have been working out my entire life and never really bought into the whole idea of foam rollers and post-workout massage and all that nonsense. To me, you worked out, you stumbled home on sore legs and the soreness was an indication of how effective your workout was. However, now that I am in my 40s, soreness tends to linger a little longer and gains are a little harder. Not fun. Someone at my gym a few years back was telling me about the wonders of "massage guns" and it sounded too good to be true (less soreness, faster recovery, faster gains in the gym). Anyway, I tried one in a store back then and was not impressed. It just felt like a powerful massage that, for the $600+ price, was not worth it. As time passed, I read a lot about the great physiological benefits but never invested in one because they still cost hundreds of dollars. Fast forward a few years, trickle-down economics has kicked in and this year I happened to be looking at massage guns again and the prices were very enticing. There seemed to be a lot of good options for about $200 (less than half the price of what good ones used to be) and this particular RENPHO unit for less than $200.I heard about RENPHO a few years back when I was looking for one of those scales that measures weight, BMI, bone mass, etc. and all the reviews I read online pointed to them as the best value. As a shopper I am all about value. I am willing to forego one or two bells and whistles if the reviews are solid and the price is considerably less. Anyway, I bought that scale and it was (and still is) awesome and ever since then if I see RENPHO is selling something I am looking for, I get it. I have never been let down by the company and this massage gun is no different.First, you should know that this is not the type of thing you are going to use for a relaxing backrub. This can HURT. But not in a "stop, stop, stop" kind of way, more like a "wow, it's really effective" kind of way. Massage guns are for breaking up scar tissue, releasing lymphatic fluid back into your bloodstream, increasing bloodflow to the muscle and interrupting the pain cycle in the brain. At most you will use them for 2 minutes per muscle group, not 15-30 minutes like you might with a "relaxing" massager. (UPDATE: I just bought one of their heated massagers which is a better alternative for a light, relaxing, unknotting of your muscles. I will upload a pic and describe it at the end in case that's what you are looking for.)OK, second thing you should know is that this massager *really* is for people who are personal trainers and physical therapists to use on others. It even comes with a handy little carrying case (pictured) so that you can take it from appointment-to-appointment. The reason I say it's not for "solo" use is because even though you can probably target your own chest, quads and calves, you would have to be Stretch Armstrong or Plastic Man or Mr. Fantastic (these are all people with really stretchy arms) to be able to use it on your own upper back, lower back, triceps, glutes, rear delts and hams. So keep in mind you will need a husband, wife, significant other or a really good friend who is willing to help you with your DOMS for a few minutes a week. Tell them you only need them for a minute or two per muscle group and they might help you out. Other wise, bribe them by offering to use it on them. Anyway, it's a tool you need but you also need someone else to do it for you (unless you are doing muscle groups on the front of your body. (UPDATE AGAIN: Something like the RENPHO handheld massager that I just got is PERFECT for reaching your own back, butt, neck, etc. but please understand that a personal massager is not going to do the same type of thing that a massage gun does)So, with all that said, how does it work? Lots of videos out there online but make sure to know your gun tips: Flat head is for pretty much any body part, bullet is for severe areas as well as trigger points and the thick soles of the feet, the bullet is also PERFECT for getting inbetween muscles such as running it down the side of you leg where the quads and hams meet, keep in mind if you use the bullet attachment--or any to be honest--and you hit bone, it might hurt so start with a low speed and be careful, the round head is for large muscle groups and the ridge head for going up and down the spine and getting the muscles around it without hitting the actual spine. I haven't used the air cushion head but it is supposed to be for sensitive muscles. Supposedly different speeds are for different therapeutic effects but I just go with what is tolerable.What else? As with all things that have a rechargeable battery, make sure to charge fully before your first use. All subsequent uses will be limited by how much charge you gave it the first time so don't be tempted to charge it for 15 minutes, then try it. Your future standby and use-time will be limited. It's really sturdy, and heavy and STRONG. The case (not that it matters to me) is handsome-looking but more importantly, a way to keep all your stuff together.So...final conclusion? If you workout or have chronic pain issues like sciatica, YOU NEED THIS. These things used to cost $600 and now you can get this awesome little portable, cordless, rechargeable, handheld massage gun for less than $200. You'll probably need a friend or loved one for your back areas but use it on them as "payback" and they won't complain. It is NOT a relaxing back massager that you're going to use for long, relaxing massage sessions but it IS an important and surprisingly effective tool for chronic pain as well as post-workout recovery.***UPDATE DEC 2020*** Okay, so as much as I love this, I was looking for something this week for general muscle relaxation. Post-workout recovery is one thing but sometimes you get home and you have a sore neck from watching your co-workers do nothing or your back hurts from carrying the company on your back. These types of aches require something that can give you a soothing massage, not something that is like a pocket jackhammer. I picked up a RENPHO Back Massager with heat. I'm not gonna' write a review here but I will say that if you are looking at this massage gun and considering it as an option for your day-to-day pains, that might be a better option. It's great to come home and be able to use it to reach your own back and it's got heat so it's better at relieving tension. Find my review here on Amazon if you want more info. But for massage that is related to sports, workouts and chronic pain needs, I can still say six months later that I whip out the RENPHO Massage Gun at least 3x a week. It's a totally different feeling. Like I said in my original review it is *almost* painful if used right but what it does is apply pressure to a sore area, intensifies the pain for a minute and then, makes it go away. Magic. I am really sold on massage guns and I am definitely sold on this particular one. It's got all the power you need, all the heads, a lot of charge time, it is solid and it works.

I'm an aging athlete in his 60s. Lots of aches and pains from old injuries and the general wear-and-tear that comes with getting older. My wife and I bought this massage gun after trying a different, much more expensive one at a vendor booth at our county fair. We are delighted with our purchase.It works wonders on sore necks and backs, massaging thighs, calves, and muscles of the rotator cuff, and it gets regular use by both my wife and myself. Having a handle makes it easier to reach spots on our backs and my wife is happy I can give her regular back and neck massages, something I used to do almost daily, without wearing my hands out. The massager has a nice, big battery that can handle two weeks of daily use before needing to be recharged.The reason I'm happy with this purchase, though, is how it has helped me recover from my rotator cuff surgery 2-1/2 years ago. It was an extensive and successful surgery but, despite religiously doing my physical therapy exercises twice a day for well over a year, my shoulder had noticeably less flexibility and mobility than it used to.Using this massage gun every other day to dig into the muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff to break up stubborn adhesions has helped increase my range of motion. I'm not quite there yet but, after getting stuck for a few months with little to no progress toward my goal, I think I'll recover enough range of motion that this old gymnast will be able to do handstands again. That's something I want to be able to do again and it's finally coming into reach.There are a few other things I'd like to mention.The first is we appreciate being able to charge this massager via a USB-C charger instead of having a dedicated power brick and cable. We had a clutter of chargers and cables around the house and have been looking for devices that use a common household USB connection to clear the clutter and hassle of matching different bricks and cables to this and that device. We nixed several other massage gun choices because they did not support USB charging.Like most massage guns, this massager comes with a good and versatile set of massage attachments. The bullet-shaped one is great for digging into a knot, the broad cushioned head is for areas where there's not a lot of flesh before hitting bone, and for people who want a softer massage. The head between the bullet and the cushion head is our go-to for the upper shoulders, low back, and either side of the spine, quadriceps, and other thick muscle masses. The two-tine fork head pulls on muscle, tendons, and connective tissue to stretch adhesions. (Update May 2023:) The only attachment I wish this massager came with is a "wedge" type head, something the newer version of this massager includes. Rather than buy the upgraded massager I ordered a $20 set of massage heads that fit Hypervolt massagers, which are the same size.The round ball . . . I think that's more of a "personal massager" attachment that doesn't make sense on a device that is designed to beat sore muscles into submission. maybe look for a mini-massager with a shorter stroke length, if that's what you're into. That said, it can work on necks, too.Pros:* A nice balance between the shallower stroke depth of higher-powered mini-massage guns and the longer, more aggressive stroke of the more expensive units used by physical therapists.* Great for massaging necks, backs, and any other achy muscles you might have.* Useful set of massage heads.* Quiet.* Long battery life between recharges.* Nice case.* Under $100.Cons:* Its stroke length is closer to 10mm, not the 12mm stroke depth claimed in their listing. (All massage guns we tried seem to exaggerate their stroke depth by a couple mm or more.) So, not as advertised but it's enough for us.* Not a great travel size, but we missed having it with us when we went on a 3-week trip without it. We bought a second "SlimPal Store mini massage gun" for when we travel. (Updated May 2023:) It's not as good as our full-size massager but, it is still a welcome addition to our travel gear. It's great once I'm at my destination, but also wonderful to have while waiting for an international connection. I'll pull it out and get the kinks and tight spots out of my neck and shoulders and give my legs, back, and butt a quick massage.

Just started using this I have neck issues due to lots of computer and artistic work and my neck tightens up too much. Comes in a nice neat little box with like 6 different heads for different things I guess. I have only used the ball one so far and it makes my neck better. I can sit even at my desk and use this nicely and it's fairly quiet.

This one meets my expectations. However, it’s hard to handle if you hold it for a few minutes — your arm easily gets sore.

Possibly the best investment I've ever made for my health.It has everything you need, and the battery lasts a long time. We've only used it on power level one, and it's enough to relieve a lot of pain.

Great price. Very effective and the different attachments are fabulous for your various parts. Charges easily. Nice carrying case. A physical therapist recommended it over some of the more expensive brands. It's been great.

This is the 2nd one we own. The 1st one had been used for quite a number of years on a daily basis. My husband has a physical job and it helps a lot with aching muscles. The one we just purchased is even better. It’s smaller but works just as good as the other one.