Massage is perceived as a luxury but for many, it’s a necessity. While most massages at a clinic tend to be expensive, they’re often the only way to get out of pain and muscle discomfort. However, for millions of people, time is precious and there just aren’t enough hours in the day to visit a massage therapist on a regular basis.
That’s why self-massage tools are a good option instead, especially if you don’t have an extensive budget or your time is taken up with work commitments and family commitments. There’s no need to place having a massage at the bottom of your to-do list anymore, particularly if you really need to have regular massage!
Below we take a look at the latest self-massage tools and their applications and benefits.
The Benefits of Self-Massage
There are so many benefits of massage; here are a few of the main advantages to factoring in that massage as often as you can!
1. It’s a stress-reliever
Massage is a great way of reducing feelings of stress and promoting relaxation, especially if you have difficulty winding-down after a long day or you are experiencing a stressful period in your life. Perhaps you aren’t sleeping well, in which case, massage can genuinely help.
2. It’s great post-workout
Many sportsmen and women choose massage post-workout (and pre-workout) to reduce the build-up of lactic acid in muscles so preventing stiffness and injury post-workout or during workout.
3. It’s good for pain relief
If you experience pain, stiffness or tension in your body massage is great for improving the blood flow to the area and bringing fast relief. An experienced massage therapist or a good quality self-massage tool can get rid of painful knots too, so bringing you the comfort you’re looking for.
4. It’s excellent for healing
If you’ve suffered an injury (sports or otherwise) your medical practitioner might well suggest massage as a form of healing. It certainly boosts blood circulation which encourages faster soft tissue repair.
Self-massage tools guide: for neck & shoulders, for back, for legs, for athletes and runners
If you’d like to try self-massage, we’ve reviewed the top self-massage tools so you make an informed decision:
Body Back Buddy Self-Massage Tool
This extremely lightweight “S” shaped massager tool is a large, looped product designed to target any area of the back and shoulders (or other parts of the body) for a deep, effective massage. Retailing at $40 (depending on where you buy it from) it is USA made out of high density polyethylene (BPA free) and is completely hypoallergenic. Use it in the shower or out.
This tried and tested design has been in production for over 20 years and it’s strong, effective and easy to use.
It features 11 therapy knobs that apply pressure to any area on your body, relieving spasm, knots and tension and you set the pace, with either light pressure or a deep tissue massage.
The product also comes with a useful instruction manual that’s easy to follow so you get the best out of it.
Backed by medical professionals, it’s one of those tools that everyone should have for a complete self-massage experience.
With a 100% lifetime guarantee, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re making a good, effective purchase.
Dr Berg’s Massage Tool
Retailing at $49.95 (depending on where you buy it from) this massage tool is designed for use anywhere on the body. Completely portable, it’s hand held and comes with an instruction manual so you get the best results.
Using acupressure, you set the pace by applying the right pressure for your needs and with careful use; you can reduce tension, tightness and muscular discomfort. It takes just one minute of pressure to feel relief!
With 100% guarantee, the manufacture will refund you if you’re not happy within 30 days of notification.
The product is particularly designed for use if you have trouble sleeping just use it for a few minutes before you go to bed and sleep well.
Designed in the shape of the tripod by Dr Berg himself (well-known American chiropractor), it’s suitable for any body shape.
SKLZ Accustick Trigger Point and Tension Relief Self-Massage Tool
This budget product costs just $19.99 (depending on where you buy it from) and delivers a superior massage experience. Lightweight and portable, it’s an excellent solution to muscular discomfort and tension relief.
Gently curved and shaped to reach all points of your body, you can use it to target specific trigger points especially pre and post work out to loosen up muscles and prevent injury. If you suffer with regular pain and hard-to-reach knots, this tool’s unique design easily gets to those places for quick recovery!
Being so lightweight, you can take it with you wherever you go so as soon as you find your body tensing up, you simply take out your SKLZ Accustick and get rid of that pain! This is great for:
- Pre workout
- Post workout
- Injury relief
- General pain relief
- Sore and tight muscles
5 Billion Peanut Massage Ball
This specially designed massage ball is right for you if you need deep tissue massage and fast results. It specifically targets acupressure points for a comfortable experience and relief of muscular tension, so getting rid of pain in your neck, shoulders, back and any area of the body.
At just $11.99, the double massage ball is inexpensive and yet entirely effective. The product looks like two balls connected together and measures 5” in length and 2.5” in diameter, it only weighs 12 ounces and the design is such that it reaches all areas of the body.
For back pain relief, simply lay on the ball and apply pressure by moving up and downward along your spine.
Made out of 100% natural rubber, it’s durable so it will last for a very long time. The ball comes with a handy carry bag, ideal to take to the gym, to the office or travel abroad with.
Simply take it out and apply pressure to the rea of concern by rolling or pressing. Feel complete peace of mind that this product works as it comes with a 100% money back.
Health and Yoga Palm Urchin Massage Tool
At just $10.95 (depending on where you purchase it form) is the Health and Yoga Palm Urchin Massage tool by Soul Genie, small enough to fit in your palm but effective enough to relieve tension and pain.
This product features four legged massage nodes that gently knead and apply pressure on the areas of concern. The knobs are carefully angled to easily glide and target pain perfectly and you can use it in conjunction with massage oils and creams for a very thorough experience.
Entirely portable, you can keep it in your handbag and use whenever necessary. Washable too, just use a mild detergent.
Product is suitable for neck, head, back, chest, arms, shoulders and legs and the knobs are designed to stimulate blood circulation while providing soreness and relief to tired, stiff muscles.
IDSON Muscle Roller Stick
This massage stick by IDSON retails at just $11.99 (depending on where you buy it from) and gives you a useful tool to relieve muscular pain and tension. Simply roll it over the affected areas; it’s suitable for use all over the body (e.g. Hamstrings, back, quads, neck, shoulders, legs, arms etc.). Designed especially for pre and post workout, for use after injury it boosts circulation so that muscles feel revitalized.
Using high quality, industrial strength materials, this product should last a lifetime and is ergonomically structured for comfortable use. It features 9 ABS rollers on a steel rod core and yet is very small, 17.5 x 1.5” so it is entirely portable. Take it to the gym, to the office or abroad as it won’t take up any room at all.
An effective, small and lightweight mechanism that is inexpensive and delivers the relief you’re looking for. It comes with a 100% money back guarantee.
Master of Muscle Massage Ball
For those of you who are budget-conscious, this massage ball will only set you back $7 (depending on where you buy it from). Featuring an array of comfortable “spikes” it targets areas of discomfort giving you a deep tissue massage that gets rid of aches, pain and soreness.
Use it all over your body; back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs and even in your feet for powerful plantar fasciitis relief.
The strong but comfortable spikes roll away knots and won’t bend as they’re made out of solid rubber so they’ll withstand any pressure you want!
Apply light pressure or deep pressure to get the massage you want and stimulate blood flow to get rid of stiffness. It’s the ideal massager pre and post workout so you train longer and harder.
Small enough to slip into your handbag, it’s perfect to take with you wherever you go and abroad on vacation or for use on business trips.
Trigger Point Performance Collection
This is the ultimate self-massage set featuring six pieces for total body comfort. Retailing at $100+ (depending on where you purchase the set from) it is perfect for athletes or those of you experiencing muscular spasm, needing myofascial release.
The set comprises of a Quadballer, Footballer, Baller Block, 2 MB1 massage balls, TPS Ball Sleeve and an instruction set that is accessible via video to show you how to use each product.
The set targets twelve areas of the body including the back, neck, shoulders, feet, quads, arms, face, Achilles heel, Hamstring and more. Using a variety of methods including rollers, nodes, spikes and balls it’s an effective pack that will last you for many years and should work on any type of muscular or joint pain.