Therabody – Theragun Prime Handheld Percussive Massage Device (Latest Model) with Travel Pouch – Black
Original price was: $299.99.$229.99Current price is: $229.99.
Last updated on August 22, 2024 3:31 am Details
Photos: Therabody – Theragun Prime Handheld Percussive Massage Device (Latest Model) with Travel Pouch – Black
8 reviews for Therabody – Theragun Prime Handheld Percussive Massage Device (Latest Model) with Travel Pouch – Black
Show all
Most Helpful
Highest Rating
Lowest Rating
Add a review
Therabody – Theragun Prime Handheld Percussive Massage Device (Latest Model) with Travel Pouch – Black
Original price was: $299.99.$229.99Current price is: $229.99.
Rhostam –
Theragun – Prime Handheld Percussive Massage Device – Black
Summary:
A substantial hand-held massage device that provides relief to tired and knotty muscles.
Pros:
– The Theragun Handheld is an interesting shape. Not bulky and comfortable to wield at various angles.
– The unit comes with several types of percussive “heads” and a carrying bag.
– There are several intensities which can be used to adjust your experience.
– If FIRM pressure is applied to the messaged area, then the noise of the device seems reasonable for one of its size and capability.
Cons:
– The unit comes with a proprietary charger. Not-a-fan. Thankfully, chargers all seem to be made in the same place and possibly company, so finding a replacement laying around at home is likely. I would preferred the more ubiquitous USB, a stand, or even inductive charging.
– The carrying bag isn’t all that useful – unless you have a preference for a specific head attachment; in that case, its fine. I would have preferred a box that could more securely store the individual heads.
– If the pressure applied to the message area is light or just hovering (i.e. non-constant contact with body), the device seems to emit significantly more noise. Again, it may be designed to expect resistence and more firm contact and noise is only something to consider.
Use:
I recently executed an interstate move. It was the perfect timing for this theraputic massage gun. My muscles were sore and achy in ways I had forgotten. It was the first time I and my family performed a move in its entirety including the 1000+ mile drive in a bouncy as heck truck!
This device worked wonders around my neck, lower back, and every other place that was aching and/or experiencing muscle tension. I am partial to a specific head attachment, but I am sure the others will find their uses.
Note:
I have an electrical muscle stimulator that I use for simulated massages. I liked it. But it was unwieldy, the sticky pads were hard to keep clean/reuse, and didn’t work as effectively as this Theragun which applies physical pressure to the affected areas. I’m looking forward to regular use of this device.
CraigB –
Pros
Powerful and near impossible to stall
Longer stroke distance than others
Quiet Motor
Includes travel bag
Includes the 4 most used tips
Convenient method of changing tips
Polished app with routines
Apple Health integration
Multiple power levels
Allows firmware updates to improve/fix
Pressure coaching via app
Cons
Sometimes rattles
Grease from shaft can get on clothes
Shut off a few times unexpectedly
Coach does not pause when changing body locations
Design
The design is still the similar triangle shape that Theragun has used in the past. One could be forgiven for thinking it is not new. The handles are made of a rubberized finish that aides with grip allowing 3 different positions to hold the device to try to get to where you need. Included are 4 tips which are quick and easy to swap out. Depending on the usage, some tips are made of a foam rubber where others are firmer to get deeper to those hard to reach muscles, like the cone. On the top are three buttons which control power on, percussion on, power up, and power down. The power levels are indicated by 5 led bars and the battery life is indicated by 3 round leds. Included is Bluetooth connectivity to allow the Prime to work with the included app. All accessories can comfortably fit in the included travel pouch which keeps the whole package very light and compact.
Usage
You might be wondering why a percussive massaging device needs an app. The answer seems to be to help guide those with less experience than a physical therapist on how to properly use the device. It can integrate with Apple Health and suggest treatments based on your activities as well as record your treatments back into Apple Health. The app is well polished and offers you different options for the type of pain you are having or what activity you are needing to recovery from, such as jogging. The app will prompt you to turn on the Theragun. After this, there is a brief pause where it shows you were to place it and in which direction to move it. If you look quickly enough it also shows you which tip to use and which grip to hold with. This is a great start, particularly for those less experienced, but it would be better if the app started with a full screen showing the location on your body and movement so you could see it better as well as a graphic of the particular tip to use as well as the best grip to hold with. Then once you tap ok it should proceed with treatment. It would also be helpful if in between changing positions or sides it paused, prompted you where to go next, and then let you choose the next position. Instead it just rushes though the different positions. Initially the only prompt you received was the phone, which you are likely not holding, would vibrate but recently a firmware upgrade added a studder vibration when it is time to move. This is a great first step but unless you a professional, who would not need the app in the first place, and automatic pause to read the screen would be helpful. It’s still a nice touch but you can tell Theragun was originally targeted at professionals. Hopefully with time they will refine the process for the less initiated. It would also be nice to see all the extra treatments on their YouTube channel added to the app as well. The app doesn’t seem to have a coach for certain hip issues but their YouTube channel as a tutorial specifically covering it.
The underdog in this is having Bluetooth connections allows firmware updates. It sounds unneeded but the additional of the studder vibration for changes has already show shut a feature is helpful in adding value. Another nice feature for those less experience is the pressure indicator. While using the app, it will show dark gray with too little pressure, blue with ideal pressure, and red with excessive pressure. This comes in hand because the included graph is hard to reach at times because the power of the percussion causes your eyes to vibrate as well. An improvement could be made here as well because with excessive pressure it shuts off immediately instead of giving maybe a vibration warning which would allow to adjust and continue instead of thinking the unit died and having to unpause the app. This issue has cropped up on occasion and the device will shut off in the middle of treatment when switching between areas without being triggered by the excessive force shutdown. It has been with a fully charged battery. It hasn’t happened enough times to warrant concern although it is still worth mentioning.
Performance
One thing Theragun seems to have plenty of is power. Just one power level bar showing and you can get deep into the muscle but if bump the power bar to light up all 5 leds you have enough power and speed to rattle your eyes and teeth. Although not officially recommended for this purpose, the power is even enough that during a back massage it can effectively help you clear out chest congestion as your entire body cavity feels the effects. This force might also means as you treat one area, the pressure helps you realize you had another trouble spot that needs attention. The stall force is well above what most people need. If you use the app it will turn the unit off, but you operate it directly you can push it into your leg with likely more force than is healthy without any signs of stalling.
A surprise change from older Theragun devices is the noise level. You can still hear it, but instead of sounding like a power tool it’s more of a low hum. In fact, the motor noise is less noticeable than the rattle that happens if you put the device in certain positions on your body. It’s not apparent if the rattle sound is normal, maybe because the changeable tips, or a defect in this unit but it has an occasional plastic rattle when used on certain parts of the body. The operation of the motor feels very solid so even if it is a defect it isn’t one that would cause problems with operation. That said, at the loudest you can still comfortably carry on a conversation.
Final Thoughts
Besides what seem like minor issues making a professional grade device more available to the average fitness enthusiast, the Theragun Prime seems well suited for active types whose regular job doesn’t isn’t in fitness. If you either have a lifetime of ailments hindering your performance or are a younger athlete needing to keep inflammation under control the Theragun Prime can really help. It is good recovery tool for those who have want some of the functionality of the professionals in a simpler, more affordable package. If Theragun continues to refine the software and firmware, the Theragun Prime could prove to be even more of a value.
Mitch –
The Theragun is a great product except the attachments are poor quality. Within 3 weeks of minimal use (use 3x a week), the Dampener attachment started peeling apart.
royale192 –
I will start off by saying yes this is not inexpensive massager but is well worth it.
The power the intensity and the battery life are amazing.
This does not have heat but it has four different tips to broaden or pinpoint the pressure needed.
I didn’t even charge it up fully the first day and used it for about 20 minutes and I can definitely tell a difference so I charge it overnight and use it a few times on different spots of my body that had been aching.
Aside from a little bit of noise it is very easy to hold of one hand and to get two spots on your back with most tips and without needing a lot of dexterity. In my line of work I’ve needed Chiropractic Care and heating pads and massagers. THIS TAKES over the heating pad and massages because it gets so deep that it allows the blood flow to reduce pain and discomfort. If you are serious about getting discomfort and relief through muscle pains that can be massaged i woukd definitely give this a try. This si very powerful just becareful.
Ponskippa –
Let me start by saying that this is the first home therapy device I’ve ever owned and it could not have come at a better time. I used to treat myself to a massage now and then, but since everything is closed currently because of Covid, having one of these in my home right now is essential. I have a physically demanding job and I try to exercise often. The Theragun Prime is very easy to use and the free downloadable app guides you every step of the way. The app has a plethora of activities and guided therapy tutorials and presets for you to choose from and explore.. Got lower back pain? or want to wind down and release some tension before sleep? The app has you covered. The app will set a timer and you can quickly adjust the speed within the app. It provides helpful directions with photos of where to pass the machine along your body.You can even save a daily routine from the start of your day til you’re ready for bed. I downloaded the app on my iPhone and connecting the device via bluetooth is simple and quick. The app will find and pair the device for you automatically. The design of the theragun is genius and handles well whether you’re a lefty or right handed. I do find that I have to juggle it a little still for working on my back and lower back but the rest of my body is easy to reach with this. I just get someone to help me with the harder to reach areas. I’m 6 foot tall and not the most flexible person lol. Your mileage may vary. This particular model comes with 4 attachments. A dampener, a “thumb” , a ball, and a cone. It also comes with a charging cord. Battery life is excellent.This is the very first theragun I’ve ever owned so I can’t comment on whether it is quieter than previous models. I don’t find the machine to be too loud, the hum is somewhat relaxing for me but it is quite strong and makes me feel like the whole room is vibrating lol. Personally I find the full speed setting to be a bit much, I have to turn down the speed a little when doing my upper back or neck and shoulders. It made my teeth rattle when i pressed it on the side and back of my neck while standing up. I personally decided to shove a rag between my teeth to bite on while massaging my neck and shoulders so I don’t clank my teeth together too much. Laying in a prone position on the bed helps damper the vibrations also. Would I recommend this to a friend? YES. Now more than ever. Will it replace a professional masseuse ? Probably not.But being able to massage and soothe myself at home or on the go whenever I am achy or sore has been awesome. Whether you work in an office, are an athlete or just want to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain your muscles, bones and ligaments. I think you will find this therapy gun to be a great investment.
MIke –
I know this thing might be a little pricey, but just get it. It is awesome. It really loosens up stiff muscles. I’ve never had anything like this, so I can’t compare it to other brands that might cost less. I can’t say whether you might be able to get something just as good at half the price. I can say this particular one is awesome!
NinjaTard –
I work in an industrial setting 10+ hours each day walking, kneeling, crawling, and contorting myself to get in or under machines. I have the expected aches and pains as a result and tried a chiropractor a year or two back but wasn’t impressed as the pain didn’t seem to lessen and the procedures were uncomfortable to painful. When I saw the Thereagun Prime unit I thought it would be a stop gap at the least, something I could use after a long day to ease the pain in my back, neck, legs, etc.
Inside the box is the gun with default head attachment (round dome), a charger, a pointy head, a shorter round head, a wider round head, and a cloth/velvet bag to store the gun and attachments. The gun will last nearly two hours on a charge according to the box but I usually get done after 15 minutes or so and just charge between uses. This is because the speeds go from intense to tenderizer, there are five of them and none are what I would call gentle. This is designed to work your deep tissue and it will pound the aches from you! While you can take it out and turn it on right away to begin working yourself over the product seems to be designed around downloading their app and following a diagram how to hold and move the massage gun. You can pick from a menu what is bothering you (carpal tunnel, Tech Neck, Jet Lag, Sciatica, etc.) and follow a series of massages to give yourself to help ease pains or cramps. Alternately you can pick a body region to work on just that or tie it into your daily workout by selecting post yoga, stairs, strength training, etc. massages to ease you down. You can set a routine so you can avoid menus and just do the massages you add to your “playlist”, or so it seems I didn’t get into this much. Whatever you pick it will show a diagram of the area to work and where to begin and finish (moving in a sweeping or back and forth motion) as well as tell you which tip to use and how to hold the gun. The app will time you and tells you if you’re pressing too hard or not enough.
For me this is a neat thing to have around and use when I get sore but it’s a little more intense than I really enjoy. For example on the hand exercises they advise you to use the pointy tip and work from the center of your hand up each finger and not only is that difficult but it hurts pressing as much as it tells you to. My wife took it away from me after a couple days and loves it, it’s been an excellent treatment between her chiropractor appointments and she’s downloaded the app and set it to her profile. While I complain about it being too intense she says its great and feels wonderful….maybe I’m too much of a baby for it. To me the biggest feature they advertise and actually fulfill is the noise it makes when using it. To me it was akin to a handheld blender we use for hot chocolate in the winter, it’s loud enough to notice when you’re next to it but nobody next door or even in the other room will know you’re using it.
I would recommend this for anyone who is really into the body therapy or chiropractic mindset but give it a pass if you’re just a sore maintenance tech looking to unwind after a day of turning torque wrenches.
Loveit –
My wife and I loved it. It’s powerful, efficient, and makes an immediate improvement in soreness and mobility. It has long battery life based from our usage and it eases the soreness specially on the back and legs.