When you don’t take the time for recovery, you’re just setting yourself up for failure, too. “The result is often delayed onset muscle soreness,” says physical therapist Nancy R. Kirsch, PT, DPT, “Ignoring recovery can [also] result in muscle imbalance, which increases the chance of sprains, strains, or other injuries.”

Muscle recovery tools are a broad category that includes everything from percussive massage devices to red light therapy. And, the benefits are way more than relieving pain. “The tools can increase the recovery of muscles by helping to both recondition fatigued muscles, increase blood flow to fatigued muscles, and help to remove toxic buildups of muscle damage after workouts,” says Dr. Rahul Shah, MD, an orthopedic surgeon.

Whether you’re focused on a specific area of recovery or want to build a stellar lineup of post-workout gear, the right tools will help your muscles recover properly. But, first, it’s important to consider size, features, and price before taking the plunge on a purchase.

What To Consider

Size

Most muscle recovery tools can be stored in a drawer or closet, while some are tiny enough to toss in your gym bag. For example, percussion massagers, such as the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 (our best overall), are the perfect compact gadgets to alleviate aches and pains.

Features

Kirsch says the right features in a muscle recovery tool ultimately depend on what you’re trying to achieve. A foam roller is a good investment if you’re plagued with tight IT bands or quads, while a percussion massager is great if you regularly struggle with sore shoulders or a tense lower back. Portability and adjustability also matter, Kirsch says, and your muscle recovery tools should be durable enough to stand up to regular use. jf

Price

While some muscle recovery tools are more expensive than others, you can still get a quality tool at nearly any price point. Also, paying more for a tool doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better—the important thing is finding gear that fits your needs. “It’s not worth beating yourself up over the fact you don’t have red light therapy in your house or that you can’t afford cryotherapy,” Beebe says. “Just like with your workouts, you want to find things that you enjoy doing and that you can comfortably afford and have regular access to.”

How We Chose

I tested some of the most popular muscle recovery tools on the market, putting each through at least five post-workout routines to see how they held up to everyday use. Additionally, I consulted with a personal trainer, a physical therapist, and an orthopedic surgeon who treats muscle injuries. Using their advice, I narrowed down the list of important features to look for. Each product was ranked based on size, features, and technology, and I made sure to keep a wide variety of price points in mind to suit different budgets.

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