Post-workout muscle recovery and pain relief have found a new staple in massage guns. But did you know manufacturers design massage gun attachments for specific needs?

Most massage guns come with various attachments, like round, flat, bullet, and fork heads. These target specific muscle groups with varying levels of pressure and coverage. Larger heads work best for huge muscles, while smaller ones are perfect for tight spots.

In this article, we’ll explain what each massage gun attachment does and how to use them for the best results.

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Why Do Massage Gun Attachments Matter?

Massage gun attachments aren’t just extras. They make a big difference in how well your massage works.

As different massage heads offer varying pressure, intensity, and coverage, you achieve better results on muscles of any type or size.

Below, we’ll cover each attachment design, ideal muscle groups, and how to maximise its use in your massage gun routine.

What Are the Common Massage Gun Attachments and Their Uses?

Massage guns come with several attachments, each designed to treat specific muscles. Here’s a look at the most common massage gun heads and how you can use them to get the best results.

1. Round (Ball) Head

The ball attachment is soft, usually made of foam or plastic. It’s a great all-around head for many muscle groups.

  • Purpose: General-purpose massage for warm-up and recovery; helps increase blood flow and ease soreness
  • Best For: Large muscle groups like quads, glutes, hamstrings, and back; also ideal for general use on smaller muscles
  • Benefits: Offers a gentle, broad massage that balances pressure and coverage; perfect for beginners and sensitive areas
  • Proper Use: Drift it over larger areas using low to medium-speed settings
  • Considerations: Smaller round attachments can target more specific spots

2. Flat Head

The flat head has a wide, smooth surface, usually made of firm plastic or silicone. It delivers a steady, even massage across your muscles.

  • Purpose: Provides uniform pressure for relaxing tight muscles, easing trigger points, and supporting recovery
  • Best For: Medium to large muscle groups like the back, shoulders, pecs, glutes, and calves
  • Benefits: Distributes pressure evenly, improves blood flow, and helps with deep muscle relief
  • Proper Use: Use on flat muscle areas with steady strokes at low to medium speed for best results
  • Considerations: A bit more intense than the round head, making it great for people who want a deeper massage without it feeling too sharp 

3. Bullet Head

The bullet head is small, firm, and shaped like a cone or pointed tip. It’s made for precise, deep-pressure work and is perfect when you need to tackle those stubborn knots.

  • Purpose: Targets deep muscle tension and trigger points; great for myofascial release and scar tissue
  • Best For: Knots, trigger points, and small areas like hands, feet, and around joints
  • Benefits: Delivers a focused pressure that helps break up tight spots and improve mobility
  • Proper Use: Use gently on tight or painful spots; start on the lowest setting and apply light pressure
  • Considerations: Avoid using this powerful attachment on bony areas or sensitive muscles to prevent discomfort or bruising

4. Fork Head

The fork attachment has a two-pronged, fork-like shape that’s specially designed to glide around bones without hitting them. It’s a smart choice for working along your spine or in narrow areas.

  • Purpose: Targets muscles on both sides of the spine, neck, and Achilles tendon without touching the bones
  • Best For: Spine, neck, forearms, calves, and areas with bony edges
  • Benefits: Great for easing tension in the upper back and neck; helps relax tight muscles safely near bones
  • Proper Use: Gently move it along either side of the spine or other narrow muscles at a low to medium setting
  • Considerations: Avoid pressing directly on the bones; use slowly and carefully around sensitive areas

5. Pneumatic/Air Cushion Head

The pneumatic or air cushion head is soft, designed to absorb impact and deliver a gentler massage. It’s ideal if you’re new to using massage guns or have sensitive muscles or joints.

  • Purpose: Delivers a cushioned massage that’s gentle on sensitive areas and bony parts
  • Best For: Tender spots like the spine, shoulders, wrists, feet, or any area that feels too sensitive for firmer attachments
  • Benefits: Softens the intensity of the massage, reduces discomfort, and helps with overall muscle recovery, even for sore or delicate areas
  • Proper Use: Use on low to medium speed and glide slowly over sensitive zones; great for warm-ups or easing into massage therapy
  • Considerations: Ideal for beginners or anyone with conditions like arthritis or heightened sensitivity; not meant for deep tissue work, but excellent for comfort and safety

The Bob and Brad C2 Massage Gun has five interchangeable attachments, including an air cushion head. Check out our review of this massage gun and see how quietly it operates.

6. Hot/Cold Therapy Heads

Hot and cold therapy heads are attachments that let you take your massage to the next level. They’re designed to either warm up or cool down your muscles while you massage, giving you extra relief and recovery power.

These massage heads give the best of both worlds: heat to relax and cold to refresh, depending on what your body needs most.

Heated Therapy Head

  • Purpose: Uses warmth to relax muscles, improve circulation, and ease stiffness or chronic pain
  • Best For: Sore or tight muscles, stiff joints, and conditions like arthritis or rheumatism
  • Benefits: Expands blood vessels to boost oxygen flow, loosens tight areas, and can reduce overall pain
  • Proper Use: Use on low to medium settings; apply slowly over tense muscles or stiff joints
  • Considerations: Some models allow essential oils with heat heads for a more soothing experience, but always follow your device’s instructions

Cooling Therapy Head

  • Purpose: Provides cold therapy to reduce inflammation and numb sore areas
  • Best For: Swollen muscles, post-workout recovery, and minor injuries
  • Benefits: Constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling; helps numb pain and refreshes the muscles after intense exercise
  • Proper Use: Gently massage the area in quick sessions to avoid over-cooling
  • Considerations: Great for quick relief after a workout; avoid using cold therapy for too long or on already cold or tight muscles

The Hydragun Atom Mini Massage Gun includes attachments with metallic tips for cold massages. Our product review has more details.

How to Choose and Use Massage Gun Attachments

The best massage gun attachment for you will depend on the body area and the intensity level you need.

For example, big muscles, such as your back and legs, respond well to flat or ball-shaped heads. Smaller, trickier spots, like knots or your spine, are better treated with a fork or bullet attachment.

Then, always start with a low intensity and increase it slowly. Don’t forget to drink water after using your massage gun to help your muscles recover.

Here’s a quick guide:

Step 1: Identify the Target AreaStep 2: Choose IntensityStep 3: Use Properly
Large muscles (back, legs, chest): flat or ball headsDeep tissue massage: bullet or steel flat headsStart slow and gentle  
Specific spots (calves, forearms): bullet or fork headsGeneral relief: ball or plastic flat headsMove smoothly over muscles
Sensitive areas (neck, bones): air-cushioned or soft headsGentle massage: air-cushioned headsAvoid pressing too hard

Boost Muscle Recovery with the Right Attachment

Using the right massage gun attachment makes your massage more effective, safe, and comfortable.

Don’t be afraid to try different heads to find what works best for your body and needs. Each attachment uniquely targets muscles, helping you recover faster and feel better.

Be sure to check your massage gun’s manual for specific advice and listen to your body to avoid discomfort. If you need personalised guidance, talk to a physiotherapist or trainer.

Ready to find the perfect massage gun? Check out our massage gun reviews to get started!

1. Is there a difference between cheap and expensive massage gun attachments?

High-quality attachments are typically better built, ergonomically designed, and made with more durable, comfortable materials. Budget options also work, but the lifespan and overall experience may vary. See our advice on choosing a massage gun for additional help.

2. Are there attachments for facial massage?

Most standard massage gun attachments are too intense for the face. Some brands offer softer, specialised heads made for delicate areas, though. Still, always use your gun at the lowest speed setting, check the manual, and consult a professional to avoid injury. This article lists other body parts and conditions where not to use a massage gun.

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