Massage Gun Heads Explained: a Guide to Selecting the Right Attachment

The type of attachments, also known as heads, used with a massage gun can help customize your massage experience and target specific areas or types of muscle pain. From flat to forked heads, discover which massage gun head is right for you in this comprehensive guide.

Maximize the Effectiveness of your massage gun with the right head attachment

Selecting the right massage gun head is important because different attachments are designed to target specific areas of the body and provide different types of massages. Using the wrong attachment can lead to less effective results or even cause injury. Some attachments are designed to be softer or harder, which can be beneficial depending on the area being massaged and your individual preference.

Why use different massage heads? When you select the right attachment, you maximize the effectiveness of the massage and target specific areas that need attention, thus getting the best results possible.

Flat Attachment

Flat massage gun heads work best to provide a more general and widespread massage to larger muscle groups such as the back, shoulders, and legs. These attachments typically have a wide surface area, which allows them to cover a larger area at once and deliver a massage over a broader area of the muscle.

The flat attachment is best for a more relaxing massage, overall muscle tension, and soreness, as well as for people with low pain tolerance. Benefits: Improve blood circulation, and reduce stress. Use the flat attachment on the back, shoulder, and legs. Avoid using the flat massage head on bony areas as it may lead to injury.

Fork Attachment

The fork head is designed to massage the area on either side of the spine. To use this attachment place the fork head attachment in a way that the ends rest on either side of the spine and slowly move the massager up and down. Focus on the middle and lower back areas.

Use the fork head attachment for the area on either side of the spine and do not attempt to perform a self-massage on your spine. It is important that you have someone assist you when massaging the spine area. Avoid the neck area.

Ball Attachment

Use the ball head attachment for a deep-tissue massage. The small, round shape provides an intense massage, ideal for working out knots and loosening up tight muscles, or breaking down scar tissue.

The ball head massage provides firm pressure, use it to massage the glutes, hamstrings and quads. Because of its intense pressure level, avoid using over bony areas, and avoid applying too much pressure in one spot. Use the ball massage head with slow movements and light pressure, especially when starting out a massage routine.

Bullet head attachment

The bullet head attachment provides a targeted massage that reaches deep into tight muscles and is great to work on specific trigger points to release tension and pain.

The bullet head attachment works well on hands, feet, and shoulders, and is also great to get into knots and tight areas in other parts of the body. Avoid using for more than 15 seconds over the same area per session.

It is important to use the bullet head attachment with caution and avoid applying too much pressure in one spot, as its small head size can be more intense. Start with lower pressure and gradually increase as needed. Avoid using over bony areas.

So, How do You Know What Massage Gun Head to Use?

Massage Gun Heads Explained

When it comes to selecting a massage gun head attachment, always consider the specific area of the body you plan to target. Different attachment heads are designed to provide different types of massages as we saw above.

The type of massage you want

For a more general massage, the flat head attachment is a good choice. For a more deep-tissue massage choose the ball-shaped attachment. The bullet head works great to target specific trigger points or knots, and the fork head is ideal to use on either side of the spine.

How much pressure

Some attachments are designed to be softer, and others harder. Consider the level of pressure that you are comfortable with and choose a massage head that best suits your needs. Always start with the lower pressure level and increase it when needed.

Size and shape

Always choose an attachment head that is suitable for the area of the body you want to target. For example, a larger head attachment would be more appropriate for targeting a larger muscle group, while a smaller head attachment would be more suitable for targeting a smaller muscle group or specific areas of the body.

Experiment responsibly

Experiment with different attachment heads and to find one that best suits your needs, again this will vary depending on your goals for each type of massage and area of the body targeted.

Don't have a massage gun yet, and just researching your options? Read our list of recommended massage guns.

Your Questions Explained: Massage Gun Heads

Which attachment head is best for deep tissue massage?

The bullet massage head attachment is specially designed for targeted deep-tissue massage and is ideal to work on specific trigger points to release tension and pain.

Which attachment head is best for general muscle soreness?

The flat massage head is ideal for a more general and relaxing massage, particularly suited for releasing general muscle tension and soreness.

Which attachment head is best for massaging larger muscle groups?

The flat head is best to deliver a widespread massage to larger muscle groups such as the back, shoulders, and legs.

Which attachment head is best for massaging smaller muscle groups or specific areas of the body?

The Bullet attachment targets small muscles and specific body areas for deep tissue massage, addressing chronic pain, and working on trigger points.

Remember to consider the specific area of the body you want to target and the type of massage you want to receive, it's also important to consider the pressure level of the attachment head and choose an attachment that matches your comfort level and needs.