Today’s massage and bodywork enthusiast has a number of self help tools that can be used at home. These tools vary in shape and size as well as their technology – from nature-based to machines.
While self help tools and massagers cannot replace the therapeutic touch of a skilled practitioner in the field they can be very beneficial at home. Anyone with specific health conditions should seek advice from his primary care physician before purchasing massage tools. Bodywork practitioners and massage therapists can recommend tools for specific trouble areas: the back, the feet, or the shoulders for example.
Manual Tools for the Back
These tools are used primarily on the back and require the user or a friend to employ pressure:
- Cane and C Shaped Self Massagers – these tools are shaped so that the back pain sufferer can reach the back without straining. The ergonomic designs give the user a way to apply pressure to the shoulders, upper and lower back without reaching the arm around.
- Roller Massagers – popping up in department stores everywhere these plastic devices feature a rolling ball within a cradle. Can be used for self massage, or by a friend as a backrub.
- Knob Massagers – come in very unusual shapes, see image below for example, and can be used for localized tight muscles or over the back and shoulders.
- Foot Tools – available as foot rollers, soft and hard balls, and massaging sandals.
Mechanical Massagers
An electronic massage tool ranges from a handheld device to more complex systems involving chairs and pads. Here are some of the most common mechanical massagers on the market:
- Foot Massagers – available in platform styles that vibrate and heat to enclosed massagers that knead the feet and calves.
- Massage Wands – this is a popular style of electric massager because it is easy to store, is the length of a forearm and has a smaller vibrating head. The versatility of this type of handheld massage tool makes it great for family use since it is lightweight and easy to wield.
- Back Massage Cushions – vibration, heat and tapotement are common features in these pads that are placed in office chairs or on the couch. This is a budget and space friendly device compared to the cumbersome massaging chairs.
- Chair Massagers – large leather chairs are equipped with rollers and kneaders to provide a relaxing environment at home. High end models come with music, customizable settings and plenty of bells and whistles.
- Hand Held Back Massagers – these percussion based handheld devices feature large massage heads with two to four nodes that apply vibration in various speeds.
Relaxation and Wellness Devices
These tools are used for ergonomics and circulation:
- Cervical Support – a cradle that helps to restore the natural curve of the neck which in turn relaxes the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Circulation Machine – the user lies flat on a mat and places the ankles on a massager. Goes by names such as Chi Machine and Healthy Circulation Machine.
Choosing a Massage or Bodywork Tool
When shopping for a bodywork tool or massager consider the versatility and restrictions each item has. Some devices would require a nearby electrical outlet, others can’t be used without assistance from another person in the room.
Read product reviews and complaints thoroughly. In a December 17, 2008 report by Gizmodo Blog [Evil Foot Massage Machine Kills Three People, Gizmodo.com, by Jesus Diaz] three people were reported killed by a foot massage machine that was inappropriately used on the necks. This is a sobering lesson in using electronic massagers in a safe manner according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
