Triathlete1031 wrote:
Been having a lot of trouble with my lower calf muscle, tried a lot of different massagers, stretches and rollers... anyone had any success with the Theragun or any of the “gun” style recovery tools? Or are they just an expensive gimmick. As always thanks for the help and advice in advance.
I'll tell you what I tell my patients...
The likely theory on why rollers, balls, massage guns, etc feel good is neurological in nature...meaning the pressure from said roller, ball, etc is giving a "perception" of loosening things up. No, it doesn't break up "scar tissue" or "release fascia". No it doesn't fix injuries and there really is no evidence to say it prevents injury either.
There are a lot of things that can be causing lower calf trouble in a runner (assuming you're a runner), Pounding it with a massage gun is low on the list of helping it.
CB
Physical Therapist/Endurance Coach
http://www.cadencept.net