Massage tools
I’ve been a practising massage therapist for 12 years now and it’s been an interesting journey, learning new skills at courses and workshops, and meeting other therapists who have been a great source of support and knowledge.
About a year ago, a sports therapist I was swapping treatments with used a massage tool on one on my calves, as they were very tight and the usual techniques weren’t helping. Using a flat tool, with bevelled edges, he worked all the surface fascia and it made such a difference. I was rather impressed by this, so started to incorporate a massage tool into some of my massage treatments, too.
In my other blog posts, I talk about fascia, the marvellous connective tissue that runs throughout our body. This type of massage tool works on fascia to help loosen it. It’s is a great complement to massage as sometimes you can’t tell if the muscle is tightening the fascia or the other way round. You can work fascia with your hands but these tools can give very quick results.
Massage tools are great for general stiffness and tightness, working around scar tissue, as it can help break it down and make it more flexible. It’s also helpful in treating tendinopathies, ligament pain and entrapment syndromes.
FHT Member, Julia Urquhart, is the owner of Mobile Massage Cardiff
For further information about massage tools and a sample of what’s available, read ‘Tools of the trade’ (International Therapist, Issue 87)
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