Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager review

Is it good for Plantar Fasciitis? You can monitor current speed and force on OLED screen, access any speed between 1750-2400 PPMs via Therabody app. Theragun PRO is the advanced, professional-grade recovery tool of choice for professionals and everyday people worldwide. All it takes is a quick 30 second sweep over muscle groups to increase circulation, release tension and soreness, and enhance performance. Explore more in Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager review.

In the box

• Theragun PRO
• Protective Carrying Case
• 6 Attachments with Travel Pouch
        • Supersoft
        • Dampener
        • Standard Ball
        • Wedge
        • Thumb
        • Cone
• 2 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries
• Lithium-ion Battery Charger

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to use
• OLED Display
• Bluetooth and Therabody app
• Force indicator
• 20-speed levels
• Ergonomic silicone handle design
• High-torque 24V brushless motor provides a quiet operation
• Force Meter

Cons

• Extra Weight
• On/off button can be awkward to use
• May overheat at times
• Noise

Specs – Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager

• Smart Features: Smart App Integration via Bluetooth®, OLED Screen, Customizable Speed Range, 3 App-Guided Preset Routines Saved on Device
• Speeds: 5 built-in speeds (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 percussions per minute) and app-controlled customizable speed range (any speed between 1750-2400 percussions per minute).
• Amplitude: 16 millimeters
• Attachment Compatibility: All 4th Generation attachments
• Accessory Compatibility: PRO Wireless Charging Stand, Multi-Device Wireless Charger, World Travel Charger
• Dimensions: 10 in x 7.1 in x 3 in (25.5 cm x 18.0 cm x 7.6 cm)
• Weight: 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
• Battery Life and Charge Time: 300 minutes total, 150 minutes per battery; 75 minutes
• Battery Type: 2 16V External Lithium-ion Batteries

Compare Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager vs Theragun Elite

Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager review

Build

It’s made of quality plastic, with the handles rubberized. But just like the Elite model, only the outside of the handle is rubberized. It has a colored ring on its arm, the Pro has a colored circle on the part enclosing the motor. There are two color variations for this part; blue and (RED). The arm is glossy and shiny. It’s a fingerprint magnet.

Design

The Pro has the same triangular design. It has an OLED screen so you can easily see the level of force, and it’s the only Theragun to come with a foam tip for sensitive areas (called the Supersoft). The Pro has two external batteries

The various hand grip and arm positions add to its flexibility. Most other guns have just one handle, making it harder to access difficult-to-reach areas.

Lightweight for easy use

It weighs 2.6lbs. That is slightly heavier than both the Elite and the Prime – actually 0.4lbs. heavier. Well, firstly it feels great in the hands. Its weight has been well considered, and whatever position of the application arm you choose (others guns do not have this versatility), you are able to use the weight/shape of the Pro to deliver the directional control required. 

The Pro is the only Theragun with an adjustable arm. The arm can lock into 4 different positions to make the massage experience even smoother. The adjustable arm will probably be a huge plus to chiropractors and therapists who may need more options as they massage different people.

Control

The mode of operation is similar to the Elite model:

• Press and hold the power button to turn on/off the device.
• Press + or – to change the speeds.
• Press < and > to cycle between custom preset routines that are saved in the device (more on this later).

Head & attachment – Specs – Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager review

The attachments are made from quality rubber. The new added attachment (Supersoft) has a soft foam attached to it. The foam can be easily detached for cleaning. Each different massage head offers specific applications such as plantar fascia, etc. 

Dampener – The dampener is meant to work on bony and tender areas. It can also be used for a quick overall massage.

Standard Ball – This one is perfect for large and small muscle groups. You can also keep it attached on the device for a general massage.

Thumb – It’s meant to work on trigger points and the lower back.

Wedge – This works on shoulder blades and IT bands. It’s also the perfect attachment for flushing and scraping when you need to increase blood flow and decrease tension in muscles.

Cone – It’s recommended for pinpoint muscle treatment. You can use it on ligaments around the hands and feet.

Supersoft™ – This is a new attachment that comes only with the Pro. It has a soft foam attached to it and it’s meant to work on tender, sore, bony, and joint areas.

Speed & Percussion

The Pro has the 16mm amplitude, and as in other full-sized Theraguns, this is still the longest amplitude you can get. The Pro is the strongest Theragun with 60lbs stall force. This is often more than enough stall force to get the job done. 

Just like the Prime and the Elite, the Pro has the same percussion range of 1750-2400rpm. You can cycle through these using the 5 built-in speeds as below:

• 1750 – first speed
• 1900 – second
• 2100 – third 
• 2200 – fourth
• 2400 – fifth/ highest

You can also get custom speeds using the Therabody app 

Percussive therapy is described as “the rapid and repetitive application of pressure perpendicular to the body.” This stimulus causes both pressure and vibration. Larger amplitude produces a deeper muscle treatment, and the Theragun’s measured non-stall 16mm amplitude provides consistency that its current competitors cannot match. Scientifically, this helps to reliably repeat application. 16mm amplitude reaches 60% deeper into the muscle than (at 40 times per second) than the average electronic massager to stimulate circulation, generate heat, and release your deepest tension.

Battery life & charging

The two wireless batteries have acceptable longevity – just over an hour per battery max (albeit not as long as the claimed figure of 1.5 hours), and the fact that you have the extra battery is helpful. The wireless charging station is available as an accessory and can be useful if using the Theragun clinically.

Therabody app

The PRO is smart device enabled with Bluetooth® connectivity, designed to pair seamlessly with the Therabody app. When you download the app, you’ll be guided through a step-by-step setup and shown how to pair your device. Once paired with your device, the app can remotely adjust speed, activate guided treatment presets, and make real-time recommendations based on your usage. The PRO’s OLED screen supports your app experience by displaying the current speed and force to help guide your treatment.

Noise

They actually claim that compared to the third generation devices, the fourth generation devices are 55% quieter. Luckily we could test this for ourselves. In the test, the Pro gave us 71dB at the highest speed. While it’s not that bad, it is 3 dB louder than the Elite – the most quiet of all three.

Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager How to use

Using the PRO

1. Insert the lithium-ion battery fully before turning on the PRO.
2. To turn on the PRO, firmly press and hold the center button for 2 seconds on the button pad.
3. Press the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons on the button pad to increase or decrease speed.
4. Press the left (<) and right (>) arrows on the button pad to toggle between the PRO’s pre-loaded treatment presets.
5. The PRO should be used with the attachment making perpendicular contact with the skin. Only the attachment of the device should make contact with the skin or area you are treating. Do not use the device at an angle that puts the percussive arm of the device in contact with the skin.
6. To turn off the PRO, firmly press and hold the center button on the button pad until the device shuts down.

Connecting the Attachments

Align the attachment with the tip of the rotating arm and push to connect. To remove, grip the attachment, placing 1 finger on each side of the plastic connector. Pull off the attachment.

Using the Rotating Arm

The PRO’s rotating arm adjusts to 4 positions. To adjust the arm, push the rotating arm button on the underside of the PRO and move the arm to the desired position.

Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager Performance review

It uses high-amplitude pulses to work your muscles after a workout and reduce recovery time, meaning you can get back into the gym sooner getting them #gainz.

It’s not a device you should sit with on the couch through a whole season of Netflix, however. Therabody – the company behind Theragun – recommends you don’t overuse your device. You’re meant to use your Theragun for a minimum of 15 seconds and a maximum of two minutes per muscle group. A full-body session, Therabody says, shouldn’t exceed 15 minutes.

Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager Customer review

An essential tool for muscle / body well-being

Verdict: The Theragun Pro is awesome! The total package is everything you need; battery life is amazing; and the noise level is unobtrusive for most situations.

Initial impressions. I had been eyeing one of these for a while now, but never pulled the trigger. After receiving the Theragun Pro, I am realizing how much I missed out in terms of muscle prep, muscle recovery, and injury therapy. I keep thinking about how the Theragun could have helped my year-long recovery from a rotator cuff tear and subsequent impingement pain. The price for the “Pro” version is significant, but I would say that what you get is well worth the money. When unboxing the Theragun, I was continuously impressed with the whole system. First it is packaged beautiful, and conveys a premium feel and ultra-quality. Then, the contents of the package leave nothing wanting: the carrying case is beautiful and functional; two batteries provide ample charge; and the various attachment will address any therapy requirements you may have.

Setup. Setup is very easy… just slide a battery in and press the button to turn on the Theragun. The instructions are clear and eliminate any confusion. My batteries arrived partly charged so I could start using it immediately while the second battery charged. Changing the attachment tips is quick and easy by just pulling them off the percussion rod firmly.

App. I also immediately downloaded the Theragun app to customize the use of the Theragun for specific activities and for specific muscle groups. While the app is well made and it easily connected with the Theragun, I was a little disappointed with the “routine” offerings within the app. Perhaps it is because the app is new and more content will be added later. I was also disappointed that I could not reduce the speed of the Theragun when inside of a session in the app. I understand the session aims to guide you through specific actions, but if the speed of the gun is too high because of tender muscle or an injury, I would like the option to still follow the program in the routine, but at a reduced speed! Given the lack of routines in the app, I turned to YouTube which has a ton of videos on how to use it on different muscles, so that was an easy fix until the app improves. The app also keeps the Theragun software up to date, with two completed updates in just the first week of ownership.

Noise Level. Upon turning on the Theragun for the first time, noise level never crossed my mind, which leads me to think that the noise level in general is widely acceptable. To test the limits of the noise level, I walked into my wife’s office when she was on a work call, and I turned it on… She gave me a glare… So, it is too loud to use if you are on an important phone call. I also turned on the Theragun when the family was watching a movie and no one even looked up, so I was able to use it for 30 min while we watched a movie without annoying anyone. Ultimately, the gun is not quiet per se, but it is not loud by any means. I find the noise level absolutely acceptable, even for an extended time and using it near the ears (I use it extensively on my shoulders and neck). And if you are noise sensitive, the tradeoff of potential noise for a powerful commercial motor that can handle up to 60 lbs of pressure is well worth it.

Attachments. The Theragun Pro includes six attachments: supersoft (for sensitive areas), dampener (for tender or bony areas), standard ball (for any muscle group), wedge (for shoulder blades and IT bands), thumb (for trigger points and lower back), and cone (for pinpoint muscle treatment). The attachments make the Theragun an incredibly powerful therapy tool to target any muscle group, issue, or injury. I use the dampener, wedge, and thumb the most.

Features. The Theragun Pro features adjustable speeds (1750, 1900, 2100, 2200, 2400 percussions per minute), adjustable percussion angles to use it effectively on any part of your body, one pre-loaded program that rotates through all the speeds continuously, lots of attachments, and a good app. The OLED screen actually shows you the level of pressure you are applying when using the Theragun, which is really useful when using it on other people. The app will also display the amount of pressure used, and when inside of a routine, the app will tell you to apply more pressure when needed. The weight of the Theragun was never brough up by the family, including my wife and teen daughter, indicating to me that the weight is not an issue at all. The ergonomic triangle-shaped handle allows many different grips to position the Theragun just write; this is one of the greatest features of this tool. As the “pro” label implies, this percussion gun will do it all and comes with all. I have been using it for hours a day for more than a week now, and there is nothing more I could ask from a percussion gun (but please add more routines in the app… there is significant untapped potential there).

Things I like:

It looks sleek and beautiful, and the overall system is nicely packaged with a carrying case

While the carrying case doesn’t have slots for every item that came with the same, everything does fit in the case, including the charger and all the attachments

Incredibly useful ergonomic triangle-shaped handle

Attachments that allow you to use the Theragun for all purposes

Built-in versatility with adjustable angles means you can use it anywhere on the body by yourself

Adjustable speeds allow you to use the Theragun for pre-workout, post-workout, injury recovery, relaxation, etc.

The noise level is absolutely acceptable. It has never been an issue during use, or a characteristic that was noticed by members of the family during normal everyday use

The app adds nice features, and packs unlimited potential for the future use of the Theragun

Long battery life: 300 min, and you can charge a battery while using the other one, so really, you could go all day non-stop.

Things I don’t like:

The app should include more routines and other programs for injury recovery, pre-workout routines for specific sports, post-workout for specific sports, etc.

Overall, the Theragun Pro is a phenomenal tool for athletes, and for general care and relaxation. I can’t speak about the other versions of the Theragun, but I can say that if you can afford the Theragun Pro, it is well worth it in my opinion. Considering the whole household wants to use every day and loves it, the Theragun easily rates five stars.

By AllAboutTech at Best Buy

Theragun Pro 4th generation percussive therapy massager alternative

Theragun Elite

Best overall

SPECIFICATIONS

• PPM: 2,400
• Noise level: 60-70 decibels
• Battery life: 120 minutes
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

REASONS TO BUY

+Ergonomic multi-grip design

+Closed-cell foam attachments are less painful

+QX65 motor allows for 40lbs of pressure without stalling or recoiling

+Comprehensive Therabody app

+Two hour battery life 

REASONS TO AVOID

-Carrying case is bulky

One thing we loved about the Elite is that it can be held in various ways, allowing users to apply pressure more efficiently and comfortably. Our tester found this multi-grip design especially helpful when targeting hard-to-reach spots, like the lower back and hamstrings. 

The Theragun Elite may be costly, but it’s a worthwhile investment that can help anyone to move — and feel — better.  The Theragun Elite is a Porsche among massage guns, with a price that’s topped only by another Theragun model (the Theragun Pro).  

The Elite, its five attachments, and a power adapter come boxed inside of a hard shell carrying case with various storage compartments. It’s bulky and would take up a considerable amount of room in your gym bag or suitcase.

The battery life is also pretty impressive on the Elite — one full charge of the battery can get you up to two hours of operation. We also found it doesn’t take the Elite long to fully charge, making it a handy option for anyone using the massage gun as a regular part of their recovery routine. 

That being said, if we’re paying almost $400 for a massage gun, we’d prefer to have a case that’s bulky and protective over one that’s flimsy and compact. If you’re looking for a massage gun with better portability, take a look at the Theragun Mini. 

You might think a hefty price tag would indicate that the Theragun Elite should be reserved for those ready to run their fifth triathlon, but we would argue the opposite.

Because of the Therabody App, which provides step-by-step guidance and personalized programming, the Elite is an excellent choice for someone who hasn’t thought about their muscles since high school anatomy class. 

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