It’s rare for a product to be so innovative that it truly disrupts its category, but that’s what Therabody did to recovery with their original percussive massage gun. Handheld massage devices had existed before, but the Theragun quickly became considered as much of a recovery staple as an essential like the foam roller.
Since the original Theragun was released, Therabody has expanded its collection of products to include the TheraFace Pro, which brings percussive therapy (combined with a cleanser, LED light, and heat therapy) to a facial tool; the Theragun Sense, which incorporates breathwork elements; and even non-percussive products like their vibrating sleep mask. The latest addition to the Therabody family? The Theragun Prime Plus ($399), which includes a heated temperature attachment.
Therabody sent me the Theragun Prime Plus, and as a strength and conditioning coach, I was curious to see how the brand has been able to improve upon their classic percussive massage gun. I used it as a supplementary tool while warming up before resistance training, dance classes, and practicing martial arts. I also used it during cool downs after working out or just while winding down in the evening. Here are my honest impressions.
What’s the Criteria For A Good Massage Gun?
A good percussive massage gun should be durable, have a long enough battery life to last for multiple massage sessions before needing a recharge, and be customizable (offering multiple intensities and attachment heads, for instance).
It should also be comfortable to hold during a session. If the grip is awkward, or if the shape is a bit weird, it might cause a potential cramp or general discomfort. And a massage gun that’s quiet is a huge plus. Some people consider a loud percussive device to be a total dealbreaker; even if you’re not that worried about noise, one that’s easy on the ears is appreciated.
What I Like About the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus
The Therabody Theragun Prime Plus massage gun feels surprisingly lightweight and sleek. I have an early model of another type of percussive massage gun on the market, and it’s bulky and large by comparison. I like the ergonomic, triangular shape of the Theragun Prime Plus, which makes it easy to change your grip when targeting certain areas without triggering any pain in the wrist, forearm, or shoulder girdle.
One of my favorite aspects of the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus is the fact that it can administer heat. It seems like a small thing, but using a massage gun that’s cold against the skin isn’t always the most comfortable experience. I liked the warmer temperature option, especially when using the Theragun to warm-up or to ease post-workout pain.
The Theragun Prime Plus is also much quieter than some other massage guns out there, making it a more seamless experience. And although the marketing promotes a drop and scratch-resistant design, no, I did not in fact drop the gun intentionally to test that claim (…my precious!).
What to Consider Before Trying the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus
If you’ve never used a massage gun before, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with massage gun safety before your first session. Therabody University has educational resources. The Therabody app also includes step-by-step guided instructional videos that are helpful for beginners, and includes guided self-massage routines suited for those warming up or recovering from a variety of activities, including running, hiking, combat sports, and surfing (I love the fact that they have a separate section for Strength & Conditioning). In the app, you can also adjust the speed settings and enable a lock-feature to avoid any accidents.
The Therabody Theragun Prime Plus comes with four attachment heads, including the Heated Percussive Plus Attachment, Standard Ball Plus Attachment, Dampener Plus Attachment for tender or sensitive muscle areas, and Wedge Plus Attachment for specific areas around the shoulder blades and the iliotibial tract (IT bands). (Each attachment can be purchased separately if you need to for whatever reason.) Other compatible attachments, like the Cold Plus Attachment ($89), Vibration Plus Attachment ($89), Micro-point Plus Attachment ($20), and Thumb Plus Attachment ($20) can be purchased separately. The heating element can only be used with the Heated Percussive Plus Attachment.
Finally, it’s important to note that there’s no magic bullet when it comes to recovery. Percussive massage does offer a cheaper, more convenient alternative to traditional massage, and there’s research supporting its benefits. A systematic literature review from the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy suggests that percussive therapy from massage guns may help decrease experiences of muscle pain related to delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS. It may also improve range of motion, according to a small study of 26 college students published in the Journal of Exercise Science. But finding ways to improve sleep, reduce stress and anxious thoughts, and possibly even trying out breathwork, in addition to steps like stretching and foam rolling, are all strategies that can also help the body recover from a workout.
Who Is The Therabody Theragun Prime Plus Is Best For?
The Theragun Prime Plus would be a great match for someone who is looking to support their typical recovery routine with percussive massage therapy. It would be an ideal tech-savvy gift idea for anyone who loves getting frequent massages, like an athlete, a weekend warrior, or anyone who enjoys living an active lifestyle. I can see friends and family members that workout and train, or love being outdoors – hiking, stand up paddle boarding, surfing – enjoying having this type of device to help reduce feelings of pain-related soreness after strenuous activity.
Everyone, from dancers to martial artists, would likely see benefits from the combination of percussive massage and heat. While I definitely wouldn’t opt out of a complete dynamic warm-up, the one-two punch seems like a fantastic way to elevate your usual pre- or post-activity routine, increasing blood flow circulation, and reduce muscle stiffness and DOMS.
Is the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus Worth the Splurge?
Overall, while the introduction of massage guns like the Theragun Prime Plus is helping to make percussive therapy a lot more accessible to the general public, the cost of this particular style – $399 – may be a financial barrier for some. Ultimately, how important percussive massage is to your warm-up or cool-down routine is going to factor into whether this product earns its spot in your collection of at-home gym equipment.
Worth noting: Therabody sells discounted certified refurbished devices on their website. Plus, some health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow for spending on Therabody products. Visit the Therabody website to learn more about eligibility.
Additional Details About the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus
- The Theragun Prime Plus includes four attachments, including the Heat Percussive Plus, Standard Ball, Dampener, and Wedge, and four other attachments – Cold Plus, Vibration Plus, Micro-point Plus, and Thumb Plus – can be purchased separately.
- The Theragun Prime Plus also comes with a USB-C charging cable and travel pouch, along with QuietForce Technology oil to use for cleaning and overall device care maintenance.
- The Theragun Prime Plus massage gun is approximately 8.4 inches by 6 inches by 7.8 inches, and it weighs 31.2 ounces.
- The Theragun Prime Plus has an expected battery life of 150 minutes, although it varies by the type of attachment used.
Where Is the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus Available?
You can buy the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus ($399) from Therabody, Amazon, Target, and Best Buy.
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Jade Esmeralda, MS, CSCS, is a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.
