looking for a good hand tool

[AliL]

Hi-
I have been an LMT for 9 years with a solid practice. Lately I have been experiencing some pain in my thumbs, even when I am not massaging! I imagine that this is just some kind of repetive stress injury developing, and I want to stop using my thumbs, particularly in my deep work. Do you have any hand tools that you use/recommend? I've never used them before, and I want something that is easy to use (on my hands) and feels comfortable/natural for the client. Any suggestions will be appreciated! Thanks!
PS Working less isn't really an option at this time, although obviously if I can't find another solution...

 

[Morgan Babes :P]

I know this isn't what you are looking for, but I use my elbows a lot for deep work that would hurt my hands. It takes a little practice, but soon you will be feeling everything with your elbow that you've ever felt with your thumb.

 

[udaya k]

In addition to elbows, which I agree is a fantastic tool, you can use your "open fist" which is kind of like making a flat surface with all your phalanges and learning how to work with that, also your knuckles, medial phalange, forearm, and thenar eminence (although that could still aggravate your thumb, depending on how it hurts)

You can also go in with your fingers, NOT using your thumb. Any deep tissue video series worth it's weight should cover this. I'm pretty sure Art Riggs Deep Tissue DVD series does.

You may already know all this, having been in practice for so long. But a refresher never hurt. Once we establish bad habits (overusing thumbs!) they can be hard to break.

In my experience with most hand tools, you still have to grip it with considerable force using your thumb. For me, the better way to go is to learn to work with other parts of your body, although I'm sure tools also have their value. I just haven't yet learned to work with them effectively. I'm know someone will be posting soon about them!

 

[Omar]

I agree with everyone else that you should use the other "tools" of your body such as elbow, fist ect.... but if you're looking for a tool to help when you still need to use your thumb, these are great: Thumbsavers

When they've been used on me by one of our therapists, I couldn't tell at all that she was using a tool.

Angie

 

[Turkey Man]

what about that "star" thing? Sorry, can't remember the name, is it accustar? I remember there being a post about it, I think Breathe uses it, it sounds wonderful, am thinking about getting one for myself. good luck! Keep us posted..

 

[Mr_University]

Here's a thread where people give experienced reviews of hand tools -- both positive and negative. It's worth a read:

http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=83

 

[kaiserthegreat]

Hi!
Thank you so much for responding to my question. I do use my elbows, knuckles, forearms etc. all the time. I find them very useful, but I also have trouble maintaining good body mechanics. I find my self hunching over the table...I save my thumbs, but hurt my back! I guess I get so involved in what I'm doing (intuition, watching client response etc. ) that I just compromise myself. That is why I thought I would like to try a hand tool-it's another option! I think I'll try the accuforce 2.5-It looks like it would work for me, and I read some good reviews. Thanks again!
Nicole

 

[Cold]

what about that "star" thing? Sorry, can't remember the name, is it accustar? I remember there being a post about it, I think Breathe uses it, it sounds wonderful, am thinking about getting one for myself. good luck! Keep us posted..

the company is Acuforce 888-228-7030

they make great tools!

 

[nibinaearr]

The tool is called the massage star, I have taken an advanced class in orthopedic massage and the star was reccomended by the instructor.

 

[Africa Renee]

Yes! I finally have the massage star, and I really like it..I use it on myself! How did your Instructor suggest you use it?

 

[Sudhakar B]

I think the thumb saver is a good purchase also.

Does anyone happen to have a link or article that discusses the in's and out's of how to properly use a t-bar?

Thanks

Patrick

 

[americ.adian]

Does anyone happen to have a link or article that discusses the in's and out's of how to properly use a t-bar?

i learned how to use my pressure t-bar while in NMT training, so i recommend you, at the very least, find someone (hopefully an instructor or experienced MT) who can SHOW you the appropriate use of the t-bar.

this is from my NMT book:

A beveled tip is used in grooves and crevices when arteries and nerves are not present, such as the lamina (except cervical region), on the sacrum, between metacarpals, on surfaces of the palms and soles of the feet, and to scrape tendons. A flat tip can be used in muscle bellies to apply static pressure or to glide where bony prominences do not threaten bruising.

also:

DO NOT USE Pressure Bars:
on the face
in the cervical region
on arteries or veins
in the abdomen or other vulnerable parts of the body
under the posterior base of the cranium
above or under the clavicle
behind the knee
anywhere nerves are exposed on a bony surface (such as the head of the fibula)

 

[Alive&Well]

Thanks for the reply. I will be taking an NMT course in the future, so I guess they will go over that there.

Patrick