Which Massage Gun Head to Use? A Complete Attachment Guide

Massage guns have taken the fitness, wellness, and even office world by storm — and with good reason. They’re powerful tools for relieving soreness, improving recovery, and reducing tension. But if you’ve ever opened the box and seen a handful of strange-looking attachments, you might wonder:

Which massage gun head should I use — and when?

Each attachment is designed for a specific purpose, muscle group, or type of therapy. Using the right head can make your massage more effective, comfortable, and safe.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common massage gun heads, what they’re used for, and how to get the best results.

1. Ball Head (Round Head)

Best For:
Large muscle groups like quads, glutes, hamstrings, and back

Purpose:
The ball head is the most universal attachment. Made of soft foam or rubber, it offers a cushioned touch, making it ideal for general use and beginners. It provides a balanced level of depth and pressure without feeling too intense.

Use it for:
Post-workout recovery, warm-ups, full-body relaxation.

2. Flat Head

Best For:
Chest, back, quads, and other large flat areas

Purpose:
The flat head delivers a more intense and targeted massage than the ball head. It’s great for people who prefer deeper pressure or want to break up tight muscle fascia.

Use it for:
Muscle activation, recovery, and flushing out lactic acid.

3. Bullet Head (Pointed Head)

Best For:
Trigger points, knots, and deep tissue massage

Purpose:
This narrow, pointed head is designed for precision work. It penetrates deeper into specific areas, like a thumb in a deep-tissue massage. Be gentle — it can feel intense if overused.

Use it for:
Small knots, plantar fasciitis, or hard-to-reach spots.

Avoid: Bony areas, joints, or inflamed tissue.

4. Fork Head (U-Shaped Head)

Best For:
Neck, spine area, and Achilles tendon

Purpose:
The fork head is designed to straddle the spine or tendons, massaging the muscles on either side without putting pressure on the bones. It's ideal for sensitive areas that need relief without direct impact.

Use it for:
Neck stiffness, upper back tension, calves, Achilles area.

Never place it directly on your spine.

5. Cushion Head (Air or Soft Head)

Best For:
Sensitive areas, sore muscles, and beginners

Purpose:
This head is often made of softer, shock-absorbing material. It delivers a gentle, surface-level massage that’s ideal for tender muscles or people new to massage guns.

Use it for: Light recovery, first-time users, post-injury care.

6. Shovel/Blade Head (Optional)

Best For:
Shoulder blades, IT bands, and scapula region

Purpose:
A more advanced head, the blade or shovel head is shaped to scrape along muscle edges and contours, similar to a Gua Sha technique. It’s great for fascia release and muscle flushing.

Use it for: Upper back, shoulders, and side of thighs.

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Head

Pro Tips for Attachment Use

Start with the lowest speed setting to see how your body responds.

Use gentle pressure — let the massage gun do the work.

Spend no more than 1–2 minutes per muscle group.

Don’t use heads directly on joints, bones, or injured areas.

Clean attachments regularly to maintain hygiene.

Conclusion: The Right Head Makes All the Difference

Your massage gun is a powerful recovery tool — but only if you use it right. Matching the right head to the right muscle group ensures you get safe, targeted, and effective relief every time.

Whether you’re recovering from a workout, dealing with daily tension, or just starting out, this guide helps you make the most of your massage gun.