Deep-tissue massage a vital part of recovery for runners

Henry Howard
Aug 16
3 min read

The Bob and Brad A7 Pro Massage Gun provides deep-tissue relief with options for both heat and cold therapy.

By Henry Howard

I have probably tried a half-dozen or more massage guns to soothe my sore muscles from running. While they generally provided deep-tissue massage benefits, none of the previous ones had options for heat and cold therapy.

That is until I tried the Bob and Brad A7 Pro Massage Gun ($100, available on Amazon). Powered by an 11mm amplitude and up to 40 pounds of stall force, the A7 Pro Massage Gun delivers deep-tissue massage with precision. It is lightweight, offers a compact design and slips into any bag for on-the-go relief.

Previously I have had the opportunity to test the Bob and Brad C2 massage gun, as well as the Bob and Brad Air 2 Massage gun.

(For full disclosure, a company rep reached out to offer the Bob and Brad A7 Pro Massage Gun

for a review. Even so, I offer the following review as informational purposes for runners and other endurance athletes looking for recovery tool options.)

A massage gun with heat and cold therapy

The A7 Pro massage gun, designed by physical therapists, redefines portable recovery with advanced heat and cold therapy for targeted relief. Heat boosts blood flow to melt away tension and soothe sore muscles, while cold reduces inflammation and swelling for rapid recovery.

You can get both benefits by using the specialized arc head, which contours to arms, calves and thighs. An LED light system provides precise pressure feedback across five adjustable speeds (1600-3000 RPM), ensuring a tailored experience.

Enhanced by a durable metal accent and a vibration-damping silicone handle, it ensures lasting comfort and reliability.

How to use the hot and cool head:

First make sure the arc head is charged, using the same cable for the massage gun. A two-hour charge equates to one hour of use time.
Once the head is on the massage gun, look for the buttons indicating cool or hot and press the desired one. One press will make it a bit cooler (or hotter), the second press will make it even more cool (hot) and a third press will shut it off.

Six reasons to try the A7 Pro Massage Gun:

Heat and cold therapy: The A7 Pro provides versatile relief with both heat and cold therapy options. Heat therapy is ideal for pre-workout sessions, enhancing blood flow and flexibility. In contrast, cold therapy is perfect for post-workout recovery, helping to soothe muscles and reduce swelling.
Multiple options: There are five total heads in all, each with a specific purpose. For runners, the attachment with four rubberized nubs is great for providing relief on the calves, quads or other leg muscles.
Compact portability: Unleash profound muscle relief with a high-torque brushless motor, delivering an 11mm amplitude and up to 40 pounds of force for deep-tissue penetration. Designed for ultimate convenience, this sleek, mini massage gun balances raw power with portability, slipping easily into its travel-friendly carrying case for professional-grade relief on the go.
Personalized recovery: Elevate your muscle recovery with a sleek massage gun featuring a vibrant LED light system for precise pressure feedback and five adjustable speeds (1600-3000 RPM), plus an auto-speed mode for dynamic therapy.
Low battery indicator: The button to power up the massage gun also indicates how much juice is left. If it’s yellow or orange, you are good. Once the light is red, it means there is less then 20% battery left. Time to charge it.
USB-C charging: Power up quickly and conveniently with USB-C fast charging, compatible with your phone adapter or laptop, ensuring your massage gun and arc head are ready for use anytime, anywhere.