The Truth About Recovery Tools: What Works and What’s Just Hype?

If you’ve been to a gym lately or scrolled through fitness social media, you’ve probably seen people touting high-tech recovery tools. From massage guns and foam rollers to infrared saunas, cold plunges, and blood flow restriction (BFR) bands, recovery gadgets are everywhere. As a physical therapist, I’ve noticed this surge in popularity too. So why the hype? In part, it’s because recovery has become a buzzword – everyone wants to feel less sore and get back to training faster. Professional athletes share their recovery routines online, and the wellness industry has jumped in with devices promising quicker healing and less muscle pain. For general gym-goers, these tools are exciting and feel like cutting-edge solutions. But do they actually work? Let’s break down the evidence behind some of the most popular recovery tools and separate fact from fiction.