Massage Gun Heads or Attachments: Which One Should You Use?

Massage Gun Attachments Guide

If your massage gun came with a handful of different heads and zero explanation, you're not alone. Most massage guns ship with 2 to 5 attachments, and the right one depends on what you're treating, your body type, and how much intensity you can handle. Bob and Brad break down the most common massage gun attachments, what each one is actually built for, and how to match the right head to the right muscle — so you stop guessing and start recovering smarter.

Quick Tip Before You Start

Regardless of which attachment you use, always start on the lowest speed setting and work your way up. Most guns offer 2 to 5 variable speed levels, and easing in helps you find the right intensity for your body type and tolerance without overdoing it.

The Massage Gun Attachment Breakdown

Big Round Head — The go-to for larger muscle groups like the glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Its wider surface covers more ground with a moderate level of intensity.

Small Round Head — A gentler option, especially helpful for tendonitis when used sideways across the tendon.

Air-Filled (Pneumatic) Head — The softest attachment of the bunch. Ideal for bony areas and sensitive muscle groups, and a great choice when the goal is simply relaxation.

Bullet Head — The most aggressive attachment, designed to dig into trigger points and stubborn knots.

Plastic Flat Head — A moderate-intensity head that works well on the IT band, pec major (where rib is close to the surface), and plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot.

Steel Flat Head — Moderate to aggressive, with the bonus of being heatable or coolable before use for added therapeutic effect.

Knobby Attachment — Built for larger muscles that can handle a more aggressive touch.

Field Goal Head — Designed to glide along both sides of the spine, and also used by some on the Achilles tendon.

Bottom Line

There's no single "best" massage gun head — there's only the best head for what you're treating. Bigger muscles generally call for bigger, firmer attachments, while bony areas and sensitive zones call for something softer like the pneumatic head. Match the attachment to the area and your comfort level, start slow, and adjust from there.

This guide is part of Bob and Brad's full self-massage series. Explore more videos and download the printable guide sheets for each topic on our Massage Program page.