CRISP. caught up founder of the Theragun (now Therabody) Dr Jason Wersland to discuss his brand, the future and Percussive Massage.
For those of us that somehow don’t know about Theragun already, let’s start at the top. Where did this journey begin for you?
The idea was created out of necessity. I founded Theragun in 2008 after a severe motorcycle accident, as I was left in constant and debilitative pain. In order to treat my injuries, I searched for a handheld device to provide deep muscle relief, but I was unable to find anything on the market. As a result, I made something for myself and it worked.
It worked better than I could have ever imagined. I then spent the next 8 years developing and refining 5 different versions which led to our first consumer launch of the G1 in 2016.
You’ve come a long way in such a short space of time, how to your products differ now from when you first started in 2016?
The new 4th generation devices are enhanced with QuietForce Technology, reducing noise up to 60%, without compromising on power of performance. We have also upgraded our devices with SMART Bluetooth technology, enabling the user to pair their device with their app and receive real-time feedback on their recovery.
This works to create a bespoke treatment experience to the individual. Our new PRO and Elite models include OLED screens for feedback in your hands.
With Gen4 we have also unveiled our big game-changer: Theragun mini. An agile, pocket-sized device that people can take anywhere with them. It’s perfect for when you’re on the go and can’t necessarily carry your main device.
How broad is your reach today, what kind of institutions are using your product?
We’ve worked tirelessly to sustain our position as the world leaders in percussive therapy.
Theragun is for everybody – not just athletes and trainers but everyday people. In terms of institutions, the Theragun is used avidly by leading athletes and fitness professionals around the globe, not to mention some of the biggest profiles in the health and wellness space.
We are sold in over 50 countries. Our presence in the UK sports market comprises uptake from the leading sports clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and the England rugby team.
This is clearly a product to suit the fitness enthusiast, what benefits can it offer the “everyday” person?
Our mission at Theragun is to help people reconnect with their bodies. Our devices literally put recovery and tension relief in the hands of those who use it.
Whether you’re a stay at home Mom that deals with back pain, a 9 to 5er that deals with tech neck, or a professional athlete, Theragun is literally for everybody. The Therabody app has protocols for every type of person, regardless of activity level.
Theragun Percussive Therapy has a variety of benefits from aiding in preventing body aches and pains, greatly reducing muscle tension in seconds, increasing mobility and range of motion, increasing blood flow to the area to reduce soreness, tightness and pain, and can assist with accelerating the repair and growth of tissues.
What’s the difference between Percussive Massage and Vibration Therapy?
A percussive massage device touches and then leaves the body at multiple times per second, therefore reaching 60% deeper into the muscle tissue than a vibration massager. This depth causes an increase in blood flow and oxygen sufficient for effective recovery treatment. While a vibration device will make contact and alleviate some stress with a small boost to blood flow, percussive massage therapy reduces pain through deep tissue recovery.
Can you tell us a bit more about TheraOne and your move into CBD?
I have used many different brands of CBD products for several years, and I understood the therapeutic benefits it can offer. However, it was difficult to find a brand with consistent deliveries and trustable farmland where it is grown and harvested.
A few years ago, as I started researching CBD products on the market, nothing met the standards of quality and efficacy I was looking for – so I didn’t feel comfortable using it on my patients.
At Therabody, we spent over 18 months researching and developing a line of USDA Certified Organic CBD products that are toxin-free and provide the maximum therapeutic benefits, every time you use it. TheraOne is dependable, effective, natural and easy to use
Find out what we thought of Theragun in our Full Percussive Massage Gun Review.
