Why use Massage Tools?

[chris b]

I was just wondering what everyone's opinion was on using massage tools. I am trying to find the reasons, benefits, downsides, and what tools have proved to be the most useful. Please help.

 

[jd59]

Why use Massage Tools?

I use the "Hand-L" on my clients that need extra deep friction. It's good to use on the erectors, rhomboids and Lev. Scap. It can also be used everywhere else, but I've found it a little to tough to maneuver on the larger muscle groups. I need the sensitivity of my own finger tips.I also use "Bongers" on my larger clients and for 90+ minute sessions. I don't normally do tapotement or percussive techniques with my hands. I like the bongers for this.If $$$ is tight, you can use a smooth rock. Be inventive and ask for feedback. It took me a long time to introduce "tools" into my practice, but now I have confidence with new hardware. It takes practice after massaging with your hands exclusively for as many years as I did.Have fun!

 

[Bejo]

Why use Massage Tools?

I LOVE Bongers!!! It's the only massage tool that I own and use. My business thrives on relaxing massage so I don't use them much at work but they are great to have around. My bongers arrived during the Thanksgiving holiday and they were popular with young and old alike. They were literally a big hit! Everyone should have a set of bongers (you can get them at massagewarehouse.com)

 

[Victoria]

Why use Massage Tools?

In school we did not talk much about tools . Ive seen the bongers but how do you encorprate them in to a massage.Are they used as tapotment ?How bout some ideas or mabye a book or two.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Why use Massage Tools?

Yes, Bongers are used for tapotement. Towards the end of working a body part, I use them to relax the muscle group if I have done some deep work. I have also used them during a treatment if the area is "frozen". It can bring alot of blood and lymph to the area, releasing the spasm, and allowing my pressure.The best book I've read on Massage practices has been the handbook from ABMP. They give it to all newbies when you sign up for the coverage. It has alot of tips on Insurance, Advertising, Incorporation, Taxes, etc.

 

[Kazandra]

I am a big fan of the Knobble to save my thumbs from any sort of direct pressure.  It is comfortable to hold and I can wrap the "L" made from my left hand (pointer finger and thumb) around the base of the knobble to diffuse the pressure and help stabilize the tool over an especially slippery taut band. I am also very into the Thera-cane and Yamuna Zake's Body Rolling balls for self-care.  I know that's a bit off the topic, but I've introduced those products to a couple of my clients to incorporate into their own self-care routines as well.  Before introducing any tool into your practice, do a trade with someone and have them use it on you.  It will give you some great insight into how it should be used in your own practice.

 

[Jara-Lee]

Why use Massage Tools?

Hi again, Lorilee.I was wondering about the Yamuna Balls. I am interested in them for myself, and possibly for use in a self-care class. Are the instructions, etc that come with them clear & helpful?Thanks for any feedback on those specifically.Jill/sagetherapist

 

[MissyV]

You can go to Yamuna Zake's website at http://www.bodylogic.com and check out all the different size balls, the book, the video etc.  In fact, I don't think she will sell you any balls unless you purchase either the book or the video.  Probably legal reasons...similar endangerment sites for deep tissue massage as with the body rolling (ie:  over floating ribs etc).  I bought the book and balls after going to the AMTA convention two years ago.  She was one of the speakers.  Unfortunately, I did not attend that workshop, but all my friends did and I soon wanted in on all the fun.  Honestly, I don't like her writing style.  A bit self-indulgent...kinda like she's just trying to fill up space to make a thicker book...but the pix are good and it's pretty intuitive stuff anyway.  I hear the video is better...but if you can go to one of her workshops, do it.  She is an amazing person.  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BODY-ROLLING!!  I find that I've adapted it a bit for my own body...but just learning to listen to my body, feel it relax into the balls...has been really empowering for me.  In two minutes of use, I corrected a two year knee problem that hasn't returned since.  Check it out.  Definitely.

 

[Nev]

Why use Massage Tools?

Thanks everyone for the great replies, but I still want to dig deeper if possible. I'm really trying to find out the WHY and BENEFITS of using massage tools in general versus what tools to use, although I think I may get a pair of Bongers since they come so highly recommended. Thanks again :-/

 

[ya_staff]

Reason to use tools:  *Prevent over-use injuries to thumbs, fingers, wrists etc.*Additional perceived value to client*Keeps things "interesting"...It's always fun to have a new toy*can apply deeper pressure in a direct spot with less effort*Clients often become interested in the tools you use...and you can incorporate them into the client's self-care routine...and, if it's your cup of tea, become a distributor for the items you believe in and make some extra cash selling them to your clients and network of therapists.*Some tools incorporate magnetic therapy (ie: the Magnasager).  If you believe in the benefits of this type of therapy...that adds a whole new modality to your treatmentReason not to use tools:*extra cost*extra bulk (storage and to carry with you if you do outcalls)*diminished ability to feel the changes in tissue quality due to your work with a tool (with use you can get pretty good at sensing how effective your placement is...but it's nothing like using your hands)*with any new toy, eventually you tire of it and then it just sits around (unless it ROCKS...in which case you've added a wonderful new aspect to your practice)*the possibility that you will become dependant on your "tools" and lose touch with good hand, wrist and finger alignment.  Prevention of injuries is key...but good habits are lost if they are not maintained.My Favorites (as mentioned earlier)*the Knobble for deep tissue/trigger point work*Theracane and Body Rolling Balls for self-care*the Magnasager for over-all feels good...clients love it*I am very interested in the Acuforce 7.0...but I do not own one.  It sounds like it would be great for trigger point work...7 pounds of weight incorporated into a wand with a point.  But 75 bucks is a bit out of the range I want to spend.Hope that helps more.  Sorry for the side track.Lorilee

 

[TheDeathMessage]

Why use Massage Tools?

Yes! The Acuforce is a tool I have been interested in learning more about without buying it first. Of course I want to save my thumbs, so the knobble, jacknobbers, etc., are options, but the acuforce uses its own weight.Anyone have feedback about this tool?Red

 

[lamby]

Why use Massage Tools?

Thank you Lorilee. That is exactly what I was looking for. ;D

 

[quakiss]

I've concidered the acuforce 7.0 also, but I know another therapist who bought it and used it for a while and has now went back to his thumbs.   It's a tough choice that I still haven't made.

 

[Venkat]

Why use Massage Tools?

Yeah I was at the massagewarehouse.com showroom and fiddled around with the acuforce 7.0--a bit too heavy for me to deal with. The 2.5 was much better. I can imagine using around the scapula and on certain trigger point's but not much else.

 

[D.Russell]

mimi- thats funny!  

 

[Roman Legion]

[quote author=Redhands link=board=mass_tech;num=1050167701;start=0#10 date=04/21/03 at 07:44:07]acuforce uses its own weight.Anyone have feedback about this tool?Red[/quote]Never bought or looked into one after my NMT instructor said they are basically a joke.I do use a beveled bar when working Erectors.  I also use it on the soles of the feet and achilles.Robyn

 

[Intern Jessica]

[quote author=mimi link=board=mass_tech;num=1050167701;start=0#14 date=08/14/04 at 21:42:19]omniballs, آ  [/quote]I have an omniroller.  I use it on my legs when I am nowhere near a fellow MT for trade.My legs ache constantly.  I like it well enough but I can't ever see it replacing hands for massage.'Robyn

 

[Abby A]

omniballs? I just picked up a couple.  I agree I would rather have another MT handy... but I do think they're nice for self-massage.

 

[cutseypututaypie88]

Love the Theracane for self care, and have recommended it to customers.  Bought the Knobble, but use it seldom. I may try it for trigger points if my hands are tired, but usually,  I put it down soon.  Of all the massage tools, I do like how it fit in my hand, and the broad part can also be used for stripping the muscles, but my forearm can do that too with even less wear and tear on my fingers.  

 

[jif]

Why use Massage Tools?

on some of the larger clients that come in to my work and human touch is not deep enough for them we use an endermology machine. they like it because it is enough pressure since they have been through every therapist at the spa.