Why You Should Never, Ever Use A Massage Gun On Your Neck

There's a big risk you shouldn't ignore.

Massage guns have surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reason: They actually work. According to a 2023 systematic review, massage guns can help improve short-term range of motion, flexibility and recovery.

This likely comes as good news to anyone who deals with a lot of muscle stiffness. “I used to think they were just gimmicky things that might feel good in the moment but were not that useful,” admitted physical therapist Ingrid Anderson, founder of Intown Physical Therapy in Atlanta, Georgia. “Now, I believe they have a place for pain relief and treating certain conditions.”

But before you whip out that massage gun, are there any parts of the body where a massage gun will do more harm than good? The answer is yes.

You should avoid using a massage gun on your neck.

If you’re one of the 30-50% of adults in the U.S. who suffer from chronic neck pain, please don’t use your massage gun regularly to remedy it.