Science
The Science Behind Orbital Massage
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At Get-Buffed, we don't ask you to take our word for it. The Get-Buffed Power Massager is backed by peer-reviewed clinical research in sports recovery, physical therapy, and pain management. Two independent studies conducted at Winona State University demonstrate measurable, statistically significant results — in as little as 60 seconds of use.
This page breaks down exactly how and why orbital massage works, what the research shows, and who benefits most.
What Is Orbital Massage?
Orbital massage uses a circular, sweeping motion to penetrate deep muscle tissue — mimicking the hands-on technique of a trained massage therapist. Unlike percussion massagers, which deliver rapid linear impacts, orbital massage works with your body's natural tissue response.
The result: Deep muscle relief without pain, bruising, or the jarring discomfort that percussion devices often cause.
Orbital vs. Percussion: Key Differences
Orbital Massage (Get-Buffed)
- Circular, sweeping motion
- Deep, gentle tissue penetration
- No pain during use
- Safe over bones, hair, and clothing
- Recommended by licensed therapists and physicians
- Clinically proven in independent studies
Percussion Massage (Massage Guns)
- Rapid linear impact
- Surface-level pounding
- Often uncomfortable or painful
- Not safe over bony areas
- Can cause bruising with overuse
- Limited clinical research at therapeutic settings
How Orbital Massage Works in Your Body
When you exercise or experience physical strain, muscle fibers develop microscopic tears. Your body repairs these tears through an inflammatory response — which is why you feel sore 24-72 hours later. This is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
The fastest way to resolve DOMS is to increase blood flow to the affected area. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to damaged tissue, and faster clearance of metabolic waste like lactic acid.
Orbital massage accelerates this process by:
- Stimulating circulation in the targeted muscle group
- Relaxing muscle tension that restricts blood flow
- Activating muscle fibers to improve flexibility and range of motion
- Reducing the nervous system's pain response in the treated area
The Research
Study 1 — Effects of Vibration Massage on DOMS, Using a Car Buffer
Researcher: Eric J. Weigel, M.S.Ed. — Winona State University (2014)
Published: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(2)
Study Design:
Subjects performed eccentric exercise to induce DOMS. The treatment group received one minute of orbital buffer massage to the hamstring. Range of motion, pressure tolerance, and perceived pain were measured before treatment, immediately after, and at 48 hours.
Results (treatment group vs. control):
- Hip flexibility improved by nearly 20° — from ~80° to ~91° after buffer treatment (p<.05)
- Perceived pain dropped by 50% — statistically significant reduction across multiple testing days (p<.05)
- Pressure tolerance increased by 4 lbs — from ~18 lbs to ~22 lbs, indicating measurable muscle readiness
- Results held at 48 hours — both short-term and sustained benefits confirmed
What this means: A single 60-second application of orbital massage produces clinically meaningful improvements in flexibility and pain reduction — not just immediately, but lasting into the following days.
Study 2 — The Effects of a Hand Held Buffer with Magnets on Blood Flow
Researchers: Eric Weigel, Phil Appicelli & Justin Geijer — HERS Department, Winona State University
Published: Winona State University Research Repository
Study Design:
17 college-aged subjects (8 female, 9 male, ages 20-30) were tested on 2 separate days. Baseline blood flow and artery diameter of the right brachial artery were measured via ultrasound. Subjects received one minute of orbital buffer treatment, then were immediately re-measured. A repeated measures ANOVA was used with significance set at p<0.05.
Results:
- Blood flow increased by 22% — from 10.15 cm/s to 12.39 cm/s (p<.05)
- Artery diameter increased — from 4.2mm to 4.25mm (p<.05)
- Results replicated across both testing days — confirming reliability
- Results achieved in 1 minute of treatment
Practical application (per the researchers): "Professionals can use a hand held buffer on their athletes/clients to reduce the effects of DOMS and increase local blood flow by using it pre and post-workout on their affected muscle groups."
What the Research Proves
Taken together, these two independent studies demonstrate that one minute of orbital buffer massage produces:
- ✅ Nearly 20° improvement in hip flexibility
- ✅ 50% reduction in perceived pain
- ✅ 4 lb increase in pressure tolerance
- ✅ 22% increase in blood flow
- ✅ Measurable artery dilation supporting circulation
- ✅ Results that are statistically significant and replicated across multiple sessions
This is not anecdotal. This is peer-reviewed science from an accredited university — applied directly to the technology inside the Get-Buffed Power Massager.
Who Benefits from Orbital Massage?
Athletes & Active Adults
Reduce DOMS after training, speed recovery between sessions, and improve pre-workout flexibility. Use it before exercise to prime muscles and after to accelerate repair.
Chronic Pain Sufferers
Clinically shown to reduce perceived pain by 50%. Gentle enough for daily use on sensitive areas including lower back, neck, and hips.
Desk Workers & Sedentary Lifestyles
Tight hips, lower back tension, and neck stiffness respond exceptionally well to orbital massage. One minute at your desk can restore range of motion lost from prolonged sitting.
Post-Surgery & Rehabilitation
Safe and gentle over recovering tissue (consult your physician). Helps restore range of motion and circulation during the rehabilitation process.
Older Adults
No painful pounding. Orbital massage is gentle enough for daily use regardless of age, sensitivity, or condition.
Massage Therapists & Physical Therapists
Used by licensed professionals to extend session effectiveness and reduce hand fatigue. Endorsed by therapists who recommend it to their clients for at-home use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Get-Buffed different from a massage gun?
Massage guns use rapid linear percussion — a pounding motion that can be painful and is not safe over bony areas or sensitive tissue. The Get-Buffed uses orbital motion — a circular, sweeping movement that mimics professional massage technique. It's gentler, deeper, and clinically proven.
How often should I use the Get-Buffed Power Massager?
Daily use is safe and recommended. Most users use it for 1-3 minutes per muscle group, once or twice daily. The clinical studies showed significant results in just 1 minute of treatment.
How long does it take to feel results?
Clinical studies show measurable improvement in flexibility and pain reduction after just 1 minute of use. Most users report noticeable relief within the first session.
Is orbital massage safe for everyone?
Generally yes. Avoid use directly over open wounds, acute injuries, or areas with known blood clots. Consult your physician if you are post-surgery or have a cardiovascular condition.
Can I use it over clothing?
Yes — the massage pad is specifically designed to work safely over clothing, hair, and skin without snagging or causing friction burns.
What muscle groups can I treat?
All major muscle groups — back, neck, shoulders, hips, quads, hamstrings, calves, and more. The orbital motion is safe near bony areas where percussion massagers cannot be used.
Does it replace professional massage therapy?
It's a powerful complement, not a replacement. Many licensed therapists use the Get-Buffed system in their practice and recommend it to clients for between-session maintenance.
How is it different from a foam roller?
Foam rollers require bodyweight pressure, only work on accessible areas, and deliver inconsistent pressure. Orbital massage reaches any muscle group with controlled, consistent motion — and delivers clinically proven results foam rollers cannot replicate.
What is DOMS and how does orbital massage help?
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is the pain and stiffness felt 24-72 hours after exercise. It results from microscopic muscle fiber damage and the inflammatory repair response. Orbital massage increases blood flow to the affected area, accelerating nutrient delivery and waste clearance — clinically reducing soreness duration and severity.
Experience It For Yourself
The science is clear. The results are proven. Two independent university studies confirm what thousands of users already know — orbital massage works.
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