Percussion/Vibration Guns - How to use for inhibition
Channel: Fluid Health and Fitness
Date: 2022-10-13

Schedule a biomechanical assessment at https://info.fluidhealthandfitness.com/core-6-landing-page

While percussion guns provide multiple benefits (including activation of muscles, neural inhibition of muscles, increasing blood flow, and reducing pain), knowing what technique to use will impact what outcomes you're going to achieve. 

That being said, the focus of today's video is on how to use the gun to reduce neural muscle tension (we refer to it as percussive inhibition). This technique reduces the muscle's overactivity and natural resistance to stretch (which is partially controlled by the nervous system). This allows for a temporary increase in the range of motion around a joint, especially if the nervous system is what is limiting the movement. Often this technique is paired with self-massage if mechanical issues are also present.

The gun possesses several qualities that you can use to achieve the desired effect. Percussion speed, duration, depth, and force need to be considered, as well as the placement of the gun, which head to use, and the state of the muscle when the technique is applied. 

To achieve an inhibition effect, you'll want to use a soft head attachment just above the muscle-tendon junction, at a slow speed, for 90 seconds, with light pressure, just on the surface of the skin. The muscle should be in a flaccid or neutral state when you apply the technique. 

Typically you'll find that the muscle stops tensing, and you'll feel a warm sensation during the application. Make sure not to use too much force as this will overstimulate and counteract what you're trying to achieve. 

If you have any questions on today's session or want to learn more about where you should use the gun based on a functional movement screen, reach out to admin@fluidhealthandfitness.com or schedule an appointment at https://info.fluidhealthandfitness.com/core-6-landing-page


Remember, think globally not locally. Your body is designed to move, so stay in motion, and we'll see you next time.