What Getting Rid Of Childhood Stuff Taught Me About Growing Up

What Does The Theragun Do?

The Theragun (more specifically, the Prime model) claims to provide a multitude of benefits. According to Therabody, the Theragun Prime can:

• Relieve pain and soreness
• Reduce tightness and tension
• Accelerate recovery
• Improve circulation and flexibility

All great stuff, right? After seeing and reading lots of rave reviews about this beloved percussive therapy tool, I just had to put it to the test.

Can The Theragun Help With Back Pain?

More than anything, I was concerned with two major problems – back pain and muscle soreness – I hoped the Theragun would help with. I attribute a majority of my back pain to a slight bout of scoliosis along with an unfortunate compression fracture I experienced a couple of years ago. These two reasons are likely to have exacerbated my tech neck aches, too. I’m talkin’ stiffness around my entire neck and some chronically achy traps.

Piling on my passion for indoor bouldering only adds to the discomfort: sore forearms, lats, and calves and sharp knots along my shoulder blades. The sport requires that I put my body in all sorts of odd positions, use my muscles to sustain those unnatural stances, and brace for 6-foot falls (albeit safely, on well-padded floors). Needless to say, it all takes a physical toll.

After just a week of use and 5- to 10-minute-long sessions a day, the Theragun Prime has significantly lessened that burden and provided my back and upper body muscles with some super satisfying relief.

Here’s my full review, including what I loved and everything I didn’t.

Day 1

My trial began with lots of sharp pain between my shoulder blades, which I was worried about not being able to reach with the Theragun on my own without someone else to help me. My worries instantly melted away after giving it a go, though – the patented triangular handle design (which claims to help you reach “80% of your body with multiple hand positions”) helped me quickly locate the most painful points in between my shoulder blades. Not only was I able to accurately pinpoint my discomfort, even the lowest of the 5 available speed settings delivered immediate relaxation. I was shocked at just how powerful this tool was!

I felt like a crazy woman in my apartment, groaning alone out of relief, but it felt so good. I also noticed that my back felt warmed after use, which I observed as the improved circulation the Theragun claims to encourage.

Days 2-4

My shoulder blade pain carried on into day 2, along with some insane forearm soreness from bouldering. I took the Theragun to my arms at the lowest speed and found the same instant relief I did with my shoulder blades.

I repeated a routine of running the tool along my shoulder blades, entire back, and arms for days 3 and 4, too. By day 4, I could tell that the most painful points weren’t as sore as they were before I started my Theragun trial.

Day 5

Day 5 was quite the opposite, though. I had attended a concert the night prior, and I think standing hours on hard floors reawakened every stiffness, soreness, and sharp pain I had been experiencing before. I woke up feeling geriatric as ever (I’m freakin’ 25, for crying out loud!) and knew I’d have to try out the Theragun on my screaming lower back and sore calves.

My neck felt extremely tweaked, too, likely from sleeping on it in a less-than-ideal position (tummy sleepers, unite). I went at all of these areas with the Theragun’s wide-set dampener attachment as I had the 4 days before, but turned the tool up to a higher speed. Oh, it felt like heaven! Again, I was surprised by how powerful of a punch the tool provided. It felt like a luxe massage technique, all possible by my hands.

Targeting my body more globally felt really nice at the faster setting, up until I was hitting my neck. The tool had a very heavy vibration that viciously rattled my teeth, ears, and eyes, which honestly distracted me from the relief I was looking for in the neck and traps area.

Days. 6-7

I was met with sore legs from a long bike ride and even more bouldering-induced stiffness on days 6 and 7. I found similar relief to what I experienced the week prior and was able to relax really well after a long, activity-filled weekend. I also tested out the multiple attachments the Theragun Prime came with on my neck and traps, like the thumb and cone toppers, which are sharper-shaped to hit more specific trigger points. I found these more-targeted attachments way more effective than the rounder dampener and ball, which didn't do as great a job at getting into the deep-set knots I deal with.

Theragun Review: The Results!

While I can’t claim my back pain and sore muscles are entirely gone with the help of the Theragun Prime, I can say that they’re noticeably lessened after 7 days of consistent use. I think it’s a very effective way to relieve any pains and aches you may be dealing with, especially if you have tried all other avenues of pain reduction.

It was easy and intuitive to use myself, and I really enjoyed the range of relief I got from the tool, thanks to the customizable attachments and varying speed settings. The only quirk I didn’t quite like was the intensely distracting vibration that occurred in my head when I brought it up to my upper neck and traps.

Theragun Prime

At an original price point of $299 (it’s also HSA and FSA-friendly!), I certainly understand it can be a steep investment for some, but given that the average cost of a massage or chiropractic visit hits around $100 (sometimes more), I believe the Theragun offers comparable relief to those methods.

Plus, you can use it anytime you like, as opposed to having to wait weeks for an appointment. It definitely is not a dependable replacement for more serious structural or muscular issues (which experts can better address), but it’s certainly appropriate for tackling everyday tightness, soreness, knots, and more.

A recent study conducted by Harvard University and Mass General Brigham found that people who consumed more butter had a 15% higher risk of early death compared to those who used it in moderation. On the flip side, people who preferred plant oils had a 16% lower risk of mortality.

The results shed light on the ongoing question of whether butter or plant-based oils are the better choice for your health. Sadly for butter lovers, the findings suggest that replacing even two teaspoons of butter with the same amount of plant oil could lower the risk of early death by approximately 17%.

For the study, the research team examined dietary data from three major studies: the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. They tracked over 220,000 Americans' butter consumption, including for both cooking and spreading, as well as their intake of various plant oils, like olive, soybean, canola, corn, and safflower oils.

Over the course of 33 years, the researchers gathered this information via food surveys every four years. Then, they used the data to calculate averages and gain a clearer picture of eating habits.

A total of 50,932 deaths occurred throughout the study, with 12,241 from cancer and 11,240 from heart disease. The team adjusted for variables such as age, physical activity, weight, alcohol consumption, and smoking, which revealed a distinct trend.

Higher butter intake was associated with increased death rates; meanwhile, higher consumption of plant oils was tied to lower death rates. However, not all plant oils had the same effect, as corn and safflower oils showed no significant benefits.

Still, increasing plant oil intake by roughly two tablespoons a day was linked to an 11% reduction in cancer death risk and a 6% decrease in the risk of dying from heart disease.

"Replacing three small pats of butter (approximately 15 grams) with one tablespoon of plant-based oil (approximately 15 grams) in the daily diet could contribute to lowering the risk of premature mortality," the team wrote.

Now, this doesn't mean you need to cut out butter entirely. In fact, the study actually found that butter used for baking or frying wasn't strongly linked to mortality risk. This may be because it's used in smaller quantities or less often.

Butter being spread directly on foods, like bread, showed the strongest connection. So, the researchers suggest making small switches, like swapping out butter for olive oil or canola oil, to maintain taste and enhance your health.

"Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits," concluded Dr. Daniel Wang of Harvard's Department of Nutrition.

The Best Polka Dot Tops

Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Tie-Front Top

Not only are polka dots popular, but tie-front tops are also trending! Putting both together has to be the work of a marketing genius who knows we're looking for the least complicated tops to wear during spring.

LOFT Dotted Everyday Relaxed Shirt

If you'll be logging more hours at work and want to participate in this trend, LOFT's relaxed polka dot shirt help you avoid FOMO. It's lightweight and breathable, so you won't have to worry about sweat stains ruining your business casual OOTD.

Old Navy V-Neck Button-Down Crepe Top

Give your crew neck tops a break and reach for Old Navy's take on polka dots. Though it's hard to tell, they're actually navy instead of black so you can almost treat it like a neutral that pairs well with a bright red or butter yellow bag!

MAJORELLE Joy Bodysuit

Have dinner plans with your girls or that sexy guy you bumped into at Trader Joe's? We suggest you wear this off-shoulder polk dot bodysuit that shows the right amount of skin. Think of it as a peek-a-boo piece that gives you the freedom to add your favorite fragrances near your neck without ruining your top.

ELOQUII Satin Bubble Top

Say yes to that party invite you just received because we've found the most breathtaking top for you to wear! This satin bubble top feels as flirty as it looks and is guaranteed to have all eyes on you most of the night.

P.S. Don't be surprised if you get a hot stranger's number while wearing this!

Ashley Stewart Polka Dot Poplin Blouse

If you need another workwear top that aligns with the polka dot trend, reach for Ashley's Stewart's poplin design. It features elasticized cuffs that sit perfectly on the wrist and the overall top has enough stretch in it to keep you comfortable all day.

The Best Mini Polka Dot Dresses

The Reformation x Devon Lee Carlson Cher Dress

In need of a cute, but uncomplicated spring dress? Reach for this mini polka dot dress that can be worn with flats or sneakers. Besides being pretty, it's also made of organic cotton, lyocell, and other fabrics that cut back on waste.

P.S. Of course it's possible to be stylish and sustainable!

Ghospell Ruched Asymmetric Polka Dot Mini Dress

Where are you going to wear this mini dress? The choice is yours, but we have a few solo date ideas geared towards inspiring you to romanticize your life.

If you want our honest opinion, we think it's the perfect dress to wear to an art gallery followed by dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Hollister Crepe Mini Dress

Not a fan of a brown or deep tan polka dot piece? We understand which is why we came prepared with Hollister's mini dress. All you need is a slightly oversized denim jacket, a pair of Adidas Samba, and your favorite clutch.

The Best Midi Polka Dot Dresses

Abercrombie & Fitch Women's Dipped-Waist Midi Dress

Slip into a similar, yet longer version of the above mini dress if you're worried about the back of what you're wearing rising up every time you sit or bend over. You'll be saved from accidental exposures should the wind decide to blow strongly the day you decide to wear something that has a shorter hemline.

ASTR The Label Eirene Polka Dot Midi Dress

Do we spell wedding bells for someone you know? It's only right you wear this polka dot midi dress that has a lace bodice and shoulder straps. It won't take away from the bride's gorgeous gown, but you'll nice and stylish!

Lulu's Black Polka Dot Satin Midi Dress

On the contrary, this contrasting polk dot dress is another great date night option. Though it seems simple, we know that your outfits don't always have to be over-the-top. Just slide into a great pair of black heels and grab a clutch that has a black strap or gold hardware clasp on it!

The Best Maxi Polka Dot Dresses 

Pretty Little Thing White Polka Dot Corseted Dress

We can totally imagine someone taking their proposal pictures in this polka dot corseted dress! It's more structured than most bandeau tops, so your "girls" won't spill out when you bend over slightly to pretend you're fixing your shoe in your pictures!

Princess Polly Marguerite Halter Maxi Dress

You don't need a reason to wear a polka dot maxi dress during vacation, so we won't give you one. The only thing we'll say is you'll be able to adjust the halter so that it doesn't unravel at the worst possible moment.

Reformation Naira Dress

Someone may look at this dress and worry it'll make them look like a "trad wife," but not all traditions are bad. You can pretend you're living in a modern version of Breakfast at Tiffany's whenever you wear it because you are the main character.

The Best Polka Dot Swimsuits

Club L London Sheer Bliss Black Polka Dot Swimsuit

This has retro Betty Boop all over it! From the perfect polka dot print to the organza shoulder ties, we just know you're going to enjoy wearing this. It doesn't matter if you're taking a dip in the ocean or in your own background, we know you'll look amazing in this.

For Love & Lemons Denim Dot One Piece Swimsuit

While you're at it, give this denim polka dot swimsuit a chance. It's equally as gorgeous as the above option and exudes the kind of "vintage" appeal that someone is bound to appreciate.

J. Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau One-Piece

Take the biggest risk ever and wear this bandeau one-piece swimsuit. The polk dots are slightly bigger, but it works because they give the illusion of a longer torso if you don't have one. Plus, you'll look similar to the 1950s swim Barbie!