Massage Tools

1. Four-Way Massage Tool

Favoured Massage Techniques: Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy and Sports Massage 

This product is a handheld tool, you would typically hold one of the heads and use either the other 3 or you can use as many as you like.

More specific pinpoint massages that target specific trigger points would benefit from a single head, especially as more pressure can be applied.

This tool can be used on the neck, shoulders and back but it can also be used on the upper and lower leg for self-massage. 

2. Thumb Tool

Favoured Massage Techniques: Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy Sports Massage 

This is another type of knobble tool used by therapists, unlike the previous one it only has one head that is designed to emulate a thumb.

It can be used with massage oils and it is useful for deep and stubborn knots or trigger point massage.

Like a thumb, you can target a specific area but unlike a thumb, you can apply a lot of pressure due to the ergonomic shape of the tool that fits perfectly in your hand.

This massage tool is a lifesaver for massage therapists and sports therapists.

3. Therapist Thumb tool

Favoured Massage Techniques: Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Soft-tissue Massage, Full Body Massage and Sports Massage 

This massage tool is useful for a range of treatments such as deep tissue massage and trigger point massage.

This makes it a good tool for Massage Therapists and Sports Massage Therapists who use these massage techniques quite often, especially because it is designed to help reduce the strain on a therapist's hand.

It can also be used for general massage because it is great for relieving muscle tension and working out tricky knots.

You can even use the Therapist Thumb with massage mediums such as Massage oils, lotions and creams which make for a more relaxing massage and can help provide extra glide if needed for massage techniques like full body massage and sports massage.

4. Thumper Massagers 

Thumper's range of massagers is perfect for both therapists and anyone who is looking for a massage tool that can relieve neck and back pain or muscle tension.

The Mini Pro is a great option for self-massage use because it has a great design that allows the massage heads to effectively reach any part of the upper back and neck, which can be done by holding it over your shoulder as demonstrated in the picture.

This means, unlike a massage gun, it is a neck and back massager that you can use on yourself with a much lower risk of hurting yourself but more effective and targeted pain and tension relief.

The Thumper Sport is a great option for sports massage but it is also a more affordable option for massage therapists, it is slightly less powerful than the other models as well which makes it another recommendable massager for self-massage and neck and upper back pain.

The Verve is better suited for home use, it is a small handheld massage device that is effective for muscle groups as well as more targeted pain and tension relief in the hard to get areas where knots can get out of control.

Please check out the rest of the Thumper range if you are a therapist.

5. Wavestone Massage tools

Wavestone is also has a very good range of massage tools, the original Wavestone which is shown in the picture is a very versatile tool due to its shape. It can be used for ankle pain (Achilles tendinitis), neck pain, tennis elbow and foot pain such as Plantar Fasciitis.

For more information on foot pain, please visit our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment buyers guide. The Wavestone's usefulness is really with Hot and Cold Therapy which is a very effective form of pain relief.

The Wavestone range includes other massage tools such as a white jade Facial Massage Tool and the black jade Wavestone Spheres which are effective for tense muscles and neck and back pain, they are typically used in conjunction with the massage tool for the best results.

If you know what a gua sha is, that is essentially what the facial massage tool is. 

6. Rockblades 2.0 and Mohawk

The Rockbaldes 2.0 and Rockblade Mohawk are massage tools intended for use by therapists. The Rockbaldes 2.0 have been expertly crafted to maximise the value gained in each treatment.

The two soft tissue massage tools are the Mallet and Mullet, the Mallet is perfect for tissue scanning and treatments and the Mullet is designed for soft-tissue manipulation treatments.

Both tools are made from surgical-grade stainless steel so they are reliable and very functional for treatments.

The Mohawk comes as a kit with three tools that allow for a fully IASTM system to be performed, Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a demanding yet effective soft-tissue treatment aided by myofascial release therapy. 

7. Spiky Balls and Massage Balls

These are some of the most important tools for both massage therapy and physical therapy, they are instrumental in trigger point therapy, myofascial release, pain relief and easing muscle tension.

Massage balls are usually distinguished by their characteristics, for example, Spiky Balls have little spikes or bumps and foam massage balls are made of foam.

Spiky massage balls are better suited for physical therapy and increasing blood circulation whereas smooth massage balls are effective for pinpoint trigger therapy and back & shoulder pain.

There is actually little difference between them though and it depends on what appeals to you or what you think will target your tense muscles better but try to avoid using the spiky ball anywhere near your spine.

If you would like more information on massage balls then please visit our Massage Balls section or read our buyer's guide on Massage Balls. If you are looking for Massage Ball Exercises that you can use for self-massage then why not check out our Massage Balls exercises guide which has loads of helpful videos. 

8. Massage Foam Rollers 

Foam Rollers are another product that has various uses in physical therapy and massage therapy.

In massage therapy, it is primarily used for self-massage techniques so you can use a foam roller for neck and back massages without the aid of someone else.

They are also particularly instrumental in easing Sciatica pain. As demonstrated in the picture, the different surfaces on the massage roller are meant to emulate the tools used by trained massage therapists with protrusions that mimic the finger, thumb, fingertips, forearm and palm so you can get a complete massage with one simple tool.

If you are looking for more information then please visit our foam roller fundamentals buyers guide or our foam roller exercises guide.

How to Use a Foam Roller for Massage