How to Choose The Best Self-Massage Tool

The most important thing to look for in a massage tool is one that will leave you feeling better than when you started. Just how much better determines how effective the massage tool is. In Part III of this series of posts called "Massage Tools that Work," we’ll take a look at some alternatives to the foam roller, in search of the perfect massage tool, or at least my idea of one.

Here’s what I look for in a massage tool:

Power: Does the massage tool let you control the intensity of the stroke?
Precision: Does it enable you to direct pressure to the precise muscle that needs it?
Reach: Does it empower you to reach your back body and the bottoms of your feet?
Relaxation: Does the tool let you relax while delivering intensity?
Release: Does it enable you to effectively release trigger points?
Portability: Is it easy to carry around? The smaller the better.
Aesthetics: Is the tool cool looking or frightening?
Ergonomics: If it’s meant to fit comfortably in your hand, does it?
Versatility: Can you use it to massage everything from your toes to your head?
Final Test: Does it leave you feeling better than when you started?

Massage Tools that Work
No doubt, hands down, the best massage tools are your hands. The tools listed below are intended to make your hands even more effective. Here are some of the massage tools I’ve tried with varying degrees of success:

The®Stick is the best marketed massage tool on the market but fails my first rule. It doesn’t make my hands more effective. The stick suffers from many of the same problems the foam roller does. It lacks precision, and unlike the roller it does nothing for my back body.

The Trigger Wheel® is powerful and precise. I’ve found it effectively releases trigger points. It’s a little short on reach and style.

The Dolphin massage tool is aesthetically pleasing and can be used to effectively release trigger points, it too lacks reach. But its snout, fins and tail make it fairly versatile, powerful, and precise.


The Knobble II® is a pleasant looking tool that comes in bright colors. It feels good in your hand and can be used to effectively resolve trigger points. It fits in your pocket so you can take it any where. And while you can rest it on the floor and lean your back into it to release trigger points it is not as effective as other tools for delivering a back massage. On the other hand, it can be extremely precise and powerful.

The Bongers are a fun drumming massage tool used to deliver a pleasant stimulating stroke. I don't find it a particularly effective tool for releasing trigger points, but it leaves me filled with energy. It feels good to bong yourself or a friend.


AccuMassage: This tool has by far the most interesting design and is surprisingly effective at releasing trigger points in the neck and shoulders. And if that is your only purpose in owning a massage tool this is the one for you. But it won’t do much for your back or feet. Use this tool in public and you’re guaranteed to attract attention.

The Ma Roller is a terrific tool if all you want to massage are the muscles on either side of your spinal column. It will also work on your hamstrings, calf muscles, and glutes but it’s less effective on your front body and certainly not on your face or hands. It suffers from many of the same drawbacks as the foam roller, but I like it better than the roller because it can be much more effective on your erector spinae muscles and it’s more powerful.

The Foam Roller lacks precision, isn’t particularly portable, and is not effective at releasing trigger points. I think of it more as an exercise tool than massage tool.


The Theracane® has reach, power, and precision. You can relax while using it, and it effectively releases trigger points. But it looks like a weapon and is not particularly portable.


The Body Back Buddy™ is like the Theracane®, it has reach, power, and precision. The large one I have looks like the Theracane® on steroids so it too lacks portability.


The Backnobber II® may have it all: reach, power, and precision. You can relax and allow your body's weight to press into the tool. It does an excellent job releasing trigger points on your back, the bottoms of your feet, pretty much anywhere you've got them. Its “S” design is simple and pleasing to the eye. And because it snaps into two smaller pieces it’s more portable than the Theracane® or Body Back Buddy™. Its two halves can be used independently of each other if you’re in cramped quarters. It’s only drawback: it won’t fit in your pocket.

*If you know of any tools I should try please let me know.

Conclusion
While no massage tool is perfect, there are many good ones to use depending on your needs. The ones I find myself using most often are the Knobble II® and Backnobber II®. Try them all, find the ones that you like best, and let me know what works for you.

This is the third of a three part series called "Massage Tools that Work."