Best products from r/massage
We found 41 comments on r/massage discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 120 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Orthopedic Physical Assessment (Orthopedic Physical Assessment (Magee))
- Thank you design on white bag
- Ideal for use at the checkout counter
- Made out of hdpe film
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2. Save Your Hands!: The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists
- Used Book in Good Condition
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3. Thera Cane Massager: Green
Cane-shaped massager for easing aches and painsEliminate painful knots in your muscles on your own6 treatment balls for total body massageIdeal after long work days or strenuous activitiesMeasures 24 x 15 x 1 inches (W x H x D); Lifetime Guarantee
4. EARTHLITE Massage Table Face Cradle CARESS - Self-Adjusting, Innovative Massage Platform with Luxurious Strata Face Pillow (NEW MODEL), Black
- ELIMINATES PRESSURE POINTS & REDUCES SINUS PRESSURE: The patented design features 8 independent sprung rubber coated Soft-Petal suspension pads, which deflect according the shape of your client’s face.
- LUXURIOUS STRATA MEMORY CUSHION: Includes gel-infused Cloudfill cushioning on a memory foam base for supreme softness and comfort. The Strata cushion is double stitch upholstered in supple, environmental friendly 100% PU Natursoft upholstery.
- PERFECT CLIENT POSITIONING: The patented design uses an innovative three-bar linkage to offer the greatest adjustable range of any headrest platform for perfect positioning.
- DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL USE: Designed for use with professional massage tables with 8” on center face cradle outlets. Platform is crafted with super strong, carbon-fiber infused molded frame with curved dowels for a snug fit.
- THREE YEAR WARRANTY: From EARTHLITE, the industry’s leading manufacturer of massage products since 1987. Headquartered in Vista, CA, EARTHLITE stands behind all its products and is easy to reach.
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7. Somatics: Reawakening The Mind's Control Of Movement, Flexibility, And Health
- Da Capo Press
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8. Muscles: Testing and Testing and Function with Posture and Pain (Kendall, Muscles)
- Used Book in Good Condition
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9. ForPro Premium Flannel 3-Piece Massage Sheet Set, Natural, for Massage Tables, Includes Massage Flat Sheet, Massage Fitted Sheet, and Massage Fitted Face Rest Cover
- Premium Flannel Massage Sheets: Made with double-brushed, 100% pure cotton for exceptional softness. Premium 150 gsm fabric is lightweight and breathable for year-round comfort
- Fits Standard Massage Tables: Fitted sheet and face rest cover are professionally hemmed with all-around, extra-firm elastic to provide a tight fit on massage tables with rounded or square corners
- Stain Resistant Massage Sheets: Double-combed cotton flannel sheets protect massage tables from makeup, lotions, creams and oil stains. Stains easily wash out of sheets
- Designed for Commercial Use: Extra-durable fibers maintain original softness and fit after repeated washings. Heavy-duty elastic retains shape and elasticity after multiple uses
- Complete Sheet Set: Includes oversized flat sheet (63” x 100”), fitted sheet (36” x 77” x 7”) and fitted face rest cover
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10. Heaven Massage Two Fold Burgundy Portable Massage Table - PU Leather High Quality
- Table Adjustable Height: 26" to 36", 450lb Capacity
- Table Dimensions: 77" Long (without face cradle) × 27" Wide
- PU Leather (Water and oil resistant) Color: Burgundy
- You get a FREE CARRYING CASE, ADJUSTABLE HEAD REST AND REMOVABLE ARM RESTS
- 2" Ultra Comfortable Thick Padding with Birch Hardwood Construction
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11. Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Back Massager, Full Body Muscle Pain Relief, Handheld Massage Stick, Massage Cane, Instructions Included (Blue Marbled)
- The Original Trigger Point Tool - Trigger points are tight, tender, contracted muscle fibers, which cause pain. Using a Body Back Buddy to apply sustained pressure to a trigger point can interrupt the pain-spasm cycle. When you release the pressure, you will feel the muscle relax as fresh oxygenated blood flows in.
- 2 Hooks Are Better Than 1- The 2 hooks and 11 knobs (in 3 different shapes) were created to alleviate pain and soreness across the entire body. Unlike single muscle hook designs, the two hooks on the Body Back Buddy let you apply more leverage to more parts of the body. The 3 different shapes include acorns for deep tissue, round for gliding over larger muscle groups, and nubs for the lower back.
- Full Body Pain Relief - Designed to be the only massage tool you need to achieve fast, simple relief for your whole body. More than just a shoulder massager, the Body Back Buddy is built to directly target pressure points throughout the body located in the back, neck, shoulders, legs, feet, and thighs.
- Won't Bend or Break - The sturdy one piece construction is lab tested to be up to 30% stronger than other therapy canes. You can see and feel the difference. No assembly required. Ships to you ready to use out of the box.
- Proudly Made in the USA - Every Body Back Buddy is made in Knoxville, TN from materials sustainably sourced in the U.S. Built to last, every Body Back Buddy is backed by a Lifetime Guarantee. If not completely satisfied, contact our U.S. based support team.
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12. A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, 5th Edition
- HD 1080P + 2-WAY AUDIO - This Wi-Fi IP camera comes equipped with full HD 1080P recording and a 115° wide-angle lens to ensure you capture important moments, 24/7, with clear picture quality. Built-in 2-way audio allows you to communicate in real-time from wherever you are. Both audio and video capabilities transmit from any location via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection.
- ENHANCED IR NIGHT VISION - IR Night Vision provides an enhanced view up to 25ft in the dark. The optimized IR sensor automatically activates in low light conditions to ensure clarity in your picture quality. This guarantees sharpness in the fine details no matter when you view your real-time footage or recordings.
- MOBILE ALERTS - Motion detection alerts you to movement in your camera’s field of view with push notifications sent directly to your mobile device. This keeps you connected to your live stream anytime, anywhere. Record continuously or only when motion is detected to optimize your storage capacity.
- MULTIPLE STORAGE OPTIONS - Cloud Storage provides safe and secure storage for all your important data. You’ll be able to access your recordings from anywhere with a reliable Wi-Fi connection. This gives you full control over your security to view your Wi-Fi camera’s footage from wherever you are. A microSD slot supports up to 128GB (microSD card not included) for extra storage directly on the camera.
- MOBILE VIEW ON-THE-GO - The LaView ONE App bridges the gap between you and your Wi-Fi security camera. It acts as your all-in-one control center for your camera’s settings and storage. With quick and secure access to your Cloud storage data and instant viewing of your live stream footage, you will stay connected to your home 24/7.
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13. Travell & Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (2-Volume Set)
Lww
14. Deep Tissue Massage, Revised Edition: A Visual Guide to Techniques
- North Atlantic Books
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15. Anatomy of the Moving Body, Second Edition: A Basic Course in Bones, Muscles, and Joints
- North Atlantic Books
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17. Master Massage 30" Coronado Therma Top LX Portable Massage Table Package, Royal Blue
- 30" width x 84" length x 24" to 34" adjustable height, the table itself only weighs 34lbs.
- 3" thick cushion of Multi-Layer Small Cell foam (higher density than standard foam); oil- and water-resistant, CFC-free, PU upholstery in Royal Blue color.
- Exclusive patented ThermaTop adjustable heating system is ETL-certified and EMR-safe.European imported beech wood with hi-gloss Natural Colored Dura-Seal Protected Finish,
- 1,500lbs. aircraft-grade steel support cables gives the table a working capacity of 750lbs.
- Free Accessories Include: Master Innovated ErgonomicDream adjustable face cradle, memory foam face cushion, four-pocket carrying case, fully padded armrest shelf.
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18. Lausihay Metal ShoeHorn, 2Pcs Stainless Steel Shoe Horns with Cow Leather Strap 5.9" Long ,Portable for Travel Use (brown)
Lightweight But Durable Material: Length:5.9"-Width: 1.9"-Thickness:2mm. Made from high quality solid stainless steel and leather. Thicker and more durable than others ,so it is strong and won't bend.Easy To Use Design and Ergonomic: Smooth and rounded edges, no sharp edges , perfect angle for slidi...
When I was fresh out of school, still working a full time job and doing massage on the side, I ended up here. I went to a local therapist who had been practicing massage alongside her husband for over 20 years. While she did amazing neuromuscular work on me I asked how they had been able to practice for so long. Did they trade with each other often or what? Her answer surprised me, and honestly changed my life. She said they actually hardly ever worked on each other and both depended on daily yoga practice to keep them in good condition. She said 2 hr a day would be her ideal but anything on a daily basis helps.
I took her words to heart, found Yoga With Adriene on YouTube and never looked back. Personally I find a mix of strength training using the Stronglift 5x5 program and yoga to be very effective. I work at one of the best paying, busy places in my area, yet I cannot afford to get massage and bodywork except when I absolutely need it, maybe 4x per year. So I really do depend on staying healthy on my own. However it take a lot of time and dedication and sometimes life gets in the way. So here's what I've found for crisis times when I'm not able to do my regular self care:
Edit) apologies for formatting as I'm on mobile. If anyone can tell me how to add breaks between bullet points I'd be grateful.
Zhitface has the best answer in so far as you're going to get a quick answer to this. To elaborate on something he brought up and a couple things he didn't mention:
4.)always go from broad to smaller surfaces. Start with the palms (thenar eminence is your best tool, spread and separate muscles, move to forearm, and transition through an entire stroke from the fingers, ulna, to the elbow if you are going to use them. Youh can use the elbow to apply static pressure after you've done a few stroke s to a knot - but that is trigger point therapy, don't think of that as neuromuscular. I tend to find that the side of Palm and fingers is more than sufficient for that pointed pressure. Finally - save your thumbs. You'll have to use them to fit some crevices of the body, but 9/10 times there is a much better option that will give you a natural fit.
This is only the surface. I highly recommend reading art Riggs to begin to understand deep tissue and neuro work - this book is an easy read and has great pictures. You can only gain so much about an entire system of massage from tips here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1556436505?pc_redir=1413775382&robot_redir=1
I think you should find out exactly what he is, if you can get your hands on a business card that would be great, or if you can search him on the internet. There are many different practices that are similar to chiro.
Most of the careers involve a good length schooling program, they aren't just something you can go an apprentice in.
And if you can go somewhere with a longer/heavier course load, the better. Body work is one profession where I think it really pays off to get as much information as possible.
If you're really interested about going down this path, whether its dealing with muscles, bones, soft tissue, energy patterns.. whatever, I recommend you get a book and start to get familiar with your human anatomy. If you can have a firm grasp on high school cellular biology.. that is great too.. if you suck at bio, maybe get some tutoring or just brush up on it.
Here are 2 good little books that can help to build your knowledge base, i recommend getting them :) They aren't filled with a bunch of medical language so they are easy to interpret. They are good for newbies
Book #1 - helps to understand human anatomy, and a good grasp on some medical terminology
Book #2 - explains all the systems in the body - their structures fuctions ect. As well as great pictures
Check EBay for massage tables, I got one for around $120 and it's great! It folds away for easy storage and has really upped my massage game. Massaging each other on the bed is fine but you can't get the real traction needed for real kneading and stroking. When I know my wife has had a long day you have to see her eyes light up when she comes home and sees the bedroom all set up with candles and the table is out and set up. She can't climb on fast enough. Since you both are into it you can take turns treating each other to a good massage and other things as well. Wink Wink Nudge Nudge! My advice is go to different spas and talk about the massage you just had, what you liked and didn't like. Also you can start going to the Spa shows that pop up around the country and see the things they have going on there. Here's a link http://www.iecsc.com/ We go and picked up the towels, oils as well as a ton of other stuff they offer there. These are the vendors where the nail salons and spas get their stuff from. We picked up a hot towel steamer for $100 bucks and had to buy the special towels that go with it online but it was so worth it. On a cold morning I go to the bathroom first press a button and in less that ten minutes we have hot towels and they are so refreshing on a cold winters morning. Wow I wrote alot but if you have any questions just reply. Good luck. I just checked and wow they got cheaper https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Massage-Burgundy-Portable-Table/dp/B00IXWE1HK/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1504572073&sr=1-5&keywords=massage%2Btables&th=1
In that case I implore you to take body mechanics very seriously and take responsibility for figuring it out on your own. In my 14 years of doing this I've watched a lot of people crash and burn. With poor body mechanics, a good chunk of therapists only last 2-5 years.
Save Your Hands is a great book. It's a little pricey, but well worth the info. If you buy it used just be aware that the 2nd edition is 333 pages vs 159 pages for the first edition (I only have the 1st ed so I can't really comment on the updated content)
If you're a member of ABMP there are a few free courses dealing with body mechanics (not sure about AMTA)
Having a full length mirror where you can see yourself while working can be helpful as well as asking a experienced therapist to observe you while working on someone.
Don't overuse your thumbs! It's easy to do and will become an issue faster than a lot of other body parts. Use your leverage and body weight to your advantage (try leaning your fingers into your table while raising your front leg off the ground and see just how much pressure you can get with little effort)
Make sure your table is the proper height! For me a good rule of thumb is when making a fist with my arms straight down, my knuckles are at table level.
It's ok to jump out of good body mechanics from time to time, but you need to be aware of what you're doing.
If something is painful while doing it, Stop! Find a different way of doing it or accept that that particular move is not good for you.
Be well rested and well nourished before your sessions and have quick, healthy snacks on hand. If you're tired or hung over, your body mechanics are the first thing to go out the window. It's normal to feel a bit tired after doing a bunch of sessions, but if you're feeling completely wiped/energetically drained you probably need to work on your grounding and centering. It's normal to be a little tired/sore at first as your massage muscles start to develop. Hope this helps!
I was actually about to make a very similar post. Great minds think alike!
I am starting out soonish, and I am trying to get an idea of what I will be needing, and paying attention to prices. A friend of a friend wants to sell me her table; it was originally $700 and she's asking $350. A friend of mine who started MT about 2 years ago said that it is a good table, but since I am just starting out, I don't need one that nice. She then sent me to a link for one on Amazon, let me grab the link
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Massage-Coronado-Portable-Carrying/dp/B000EN6NPY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
This one has a built-in heating pad which sounded pretty fancy to me. At $265 that seems like a pretty good price, right? Again, I am not even in my first class yet, so what do I know. Just trying to help! :)
Just a few random things I do in no specific order.
I keep my room extremely clean and wash the floor between every client. That way my room always has a great scent. I only use sheets and face cradle covers that have absolutely no blemishes. I always use a table warmer in the cooler months and use a smart plug so I can turn it on 30mins before I get to work. I keep myself in very good shape and am always well dressed with clothes that fit me properly, thanks to my tailor. My hands and fingernails are always clean and manicured. I installed acoustic sound panels on the walls to give the room a more intimate and cozy feeling. I run a white noise machine on very low setting that creates a subtle background drone. Everything in my room is of good quality, including furniture, decor and even lotions. I drape perfectly always making sure my clients feel secure, which includes pulling the sheet and blanket up a bit if drops too far past their iliac crest when face down. I only talk when spoken to. Quite a few more that I can’t think of as I’m on my way to work now!
edit: Ok, went to work and have some other 'touches' to add. I keep two small decorative bowls filled with hair ties and moist towelettes. I also provide a small leather handle shoe horn similar to these. Between every treatment I disinfect and clean the face cradle, arm rest, lotion bottle, bench, door handle and light switch.
If you haven't already, you could consider yoga-style exercises. Anything that's basically big stretches and breathing. Hold a pose and breath into it. The breath is key for relaxation. Longer exhales than inhales will cue your body to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the auto-pilot process for resting and digesting (think opposite of fight/flight). So breath is a way to have your body tell your muscles to chill, which makes them easier to stretch, which helps give you the relaxation and results you want. Massage is all about engaging the parasympathetic system and encouraging and facilitating the body's natural healing processes.
If you're talking about the theracane, I know plenty who love it. They're great. I've used one and plan to get one, but I don't own one yet so I can't speak for long term use. I have good results with tennis balls between my back and the wall, or on the floor. If you're curious about self care options, google 'self myofascial release' and check out foam rolling stuff. There's some really cool stuff you can do for yourself just by rolling around on the floor for a few minutes each day. :]
I've always heard it's because it is just like a workout to your body. You drink after a work out, so drink after a massage. The toxins line is a total and complete myth, along with several other ideas that hang around the massage world.
article # 1 here in massage today
Article #2 here from Save Yourself. awesome link! He has some incredible write ups on massage and I highly recommend reading all of them if you can. Yes some of them are highly skeptical but we can all do with a little reality check now and again. It's healthy. ;)
Article #3 (video) from Laura Allen. She is a nationally certified massage therapist and body worker, and an approved provider of continuing education under the NCBTMB.
I've recently read some chapters in Job's Body that encourage me to come to the conclusion that massage works a lot like Yoga does in stretching the muscles and keeping the skin and connective tissues healthy. I've yet to start my program but am a bit of a reader so...
Massage is a wonderful, holistic and therapeutic practice on it's own. I'm not sure we need to go around adding mystical properties to it. ya know?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-3-Padding-Folding-77-PU-Portable-Massage-Table-w-Free-Carry-Case-Bed-Spa/223588638982?hash=item340eebe106:g:ywcAAOSwOIJdLDNz
I got this one 5 years ago @ $119. Has held up well. Heaviest client 250lbs. As an additional test, I stood at the head, client at the tail and we both jumped up and down for a good 20 seconds for a dynamic weight of about 300lbs, no issues.The only thing to be careful of is clients putting their hands into the table's hole when flipping over. This usually won't be an issue if u have an extra sheet/table warmer on it, but they can easily destroy the platform holding the pillow if directly pressuring it, giving it a permanent hole. They've updated the design a little bit so I can't fully vouch for the quality today. The included half bolster is great for tiny people, but on the softer/flatter side. You'll probably want to get a full round one for supine work/bigger clients. Keep in mind this model is 77" long 30 " Wide 3" thick. Most standard tables are ~73/28/2 so you can save another 20 bucks if you don't need the extra size/weight.
The headrest/pilow is a piece of crap so I paired it up with this (I know, it's the price of the table lol)
https://www.amazon.com/EARTHLITE-Massage-Table-Cradle-CARESS/dp/B01LN2KAM6/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=head+cradle+strata&qid=1566106904&s=gateway&sr=8-2
There's also a flexrest model so if you can find that for cheaper go for it. The caress version is just a gimmick that I was curious about. The strata pillow is the important part.
So you'll spend about 250 or less
I think most massage tables today will hold up fine, it's the face cradle/pillow that can make or break a session imo so I didn't skimp on that. Good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/STRONGLITE-Portable-Massage-Chair-Package/dp/B07146LRMB
Stronglite Ergo Pro, it’s a little bit pricey but it is so worth it. One of the most comfortable chairs I’ve ever tried, every single client I’ve had on it has commented on how comfy it is. It is super adjustable to accommodate any type of body. Very sturdy and reliable and surprisingly light, I’ve carried it up stairs and walked with it (it also has wheels). I highly recommend it, I love mine and it has more than paid for itself.
I don't have any advertising books since my clinic kinda does that for me and I'm not hardcore enough to do it myself, but this is my favorite book.
Magee! Massage therapy in a large, heavy nutshell.
When you do get some good resources, could you share them? Eventually I'd love to start my own business, but the start up costs aren't there yet what with saving for a wedding and stuff.
Yeah, I'm also willing to show some techniques to any clients willing to listen. I see several couples (not simultaneously...), and I'm trying to get them to work on each other more. If every trained MT got their clients giving some massage, the world would be so damn full of massage it would be amazing.
OP: I heartily recommend The Massage Book by George Downing. Super hippie-ish and super awesome. Some MTs hate it because everyone seems to be naked all the time, but it was the '70s. C'mon.
It takes you through basic Swedish philosophy, gives techniques and routines, and helps you figure out ways of changing the massage based on if you're on the ground or floor. And it's freaking charming.
Yeah, some tai chi teachers focus too much on the effortlessness part. If you were to do Push Hands with them, you'd find they actually don't have much power. Effortlessness without power is impotence. Power with effort = strain and drain. Power without effort = Tai Chi Chuan ("grand ultimate fist")
For the obliques, Pilates can help you learn to activate them. Also, Thomas Hanna's "cat stretch" has done me wonders for learning to use my obliques:
(Do this!) Full body "Cat Stretch" demonstrated by Eleanor Criswell-Hanna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0ZY-2uGj70
(Optional theory) Thomas Hanna explains the cat stretch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cWnoZqJZ8g
The KEY to these exercises (and pretty much any therapeutic exercise) is to do them much more slowly than would be your natural tendency. You should experience no pain while doing them, or afterwards. Only move as far as you can without pain, even if it's a very tiny movement. If you feel pain that you can't relieve, stop doing the exercises and give your doctor a call.
The exercises might seem "too simple" at first glance, but trust me, it's the cat's meow, pun intended! If you want to read more about how and why it works, Thomas Hanna's book is a very good read. The first 75-or-so pages are the essential pages to understand his methods. https://www.amazon.com/Somatics-Reawakening-Control-Movement-Flexibility/dp/0738209570
I get mine on Amazon. They're flannel and wash really nicely. They also have several different colors you can choose from or get different ones if you like. They're nice and warm too! Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Premium-Flannel-Sheet-Natural/dp/B00E3RYZF2/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1485142656&sr=8-3&keywords=massage%2Bsheets&th=1
A good book is The Massage Book. It was written in the seventies so it has illustrations of naked people, but if you just disregard the parts about being naked it gives some pretty good tips for the layperson.
I suggest Kendall et al.
http://www.amazon.com/Muscles-Testing-Function-Posture-Includes/dp/0781747805
It's an amazing book! Along with Rattray (this should be like a bible to you).
Choose a male therapist. As a bonus you will probably get a better massage. If you have back pain, I recommend this tool for self massage:
http://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-10100000003-Buddy/dp/B0006VJ6TO
I purchase one of these a few years back so I could work on my husband at home. It works great, but is a tad narrow. 100% worth the money and when I bought it, it was $130. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IXWE1HK/ref=twister_B00PHK1G5Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use a hot-cold contrast bath at the end of a day where I'm feeling like my hands have been stressed, and that's been effective for me to avoid injury. It sounds like you've already incurred some injury to your fingers/hands from the work you've been doing. Long term rest might be what you really need for the injuries to heal.
Deep tissue work is hard work. And it's way too easy to find yourself in the territory of overuse and repetitive stress injury. Practicing multiple deep tissue sessions with no break between is a recipe for injury. And it sounds like you've got some injury, especially with the sharp pain in the knuckles.
"Save Your Hands!" by Laurianne Green is a pretty good book about dealing with injury and injury prevention for massage therapists. I've been reading the original 1995 edition, but it's since been updated.
Treat this pain seriously. It's a signal that you've used your body too much and you need to rest and heal. In the long term, you might need to change the way you practice so that you can continue deep tissue work in a sustainable way (e.g. take some damn breaks).
The protocol I use for hot-cold contrast bath:
The hot-cold contrast bath has worked for me pretty effectively. That said, I've done it as soon as I feel any stress in my hands, and so far haven't experienced any long term pain issues. Your mileage may vary. Void where prohibited. Ask your doctor if hot-cold contrasts baths are right for you.
This should keep you busy for a minute or two... I'm about finished with volume one, and it has given me more info than I could ever ask for. Enjoy!
Try this stretch, then this one, and this one.
These should help stretch out the muscles around your scapula (shoulder blade). Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds, repeat 10x each. do them 3x day. Follow by doing shoulder rolls in both directions.
If this doesn't help, or its too much work, get a massage. You can also buy a theracane in the future.
https://www.amazon.com/Body-Back-Companys-Trigger-Therapy/dp/B0006VJ6TO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497016164&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=back%2Bbuddy&smid=A1IP6NWLSWHZ3Q&th=1
Try this tool out instead. :)
Here’s a pathology book that may be useful.
You can exchange massages with a coworker, get something like a thera cane/back buddy. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PRMCJU/?tag=toppppp111-20
Try and use a hot pack on your shoulders before you start working with a thera cane.
Invest in a TheraCane. And bringing your shoulders all the way forward, as far as you can, then all the way up, then all the way back, then letting them drop, can help them loosen a bit.