Do you have an elbow substitute?
I do (it’s a massage tool), but that wasn’t always the case.
I started my massage tool journey 25 years ago with one massage tool: The T-bar.
The T-bar was awesome. It allowed me to easily work deep muscles, like the rotatores and multifidus in the lamina groove.
The diameter of the tip was also perfect for arches of feet, shins, calves, hamstrings, TFLs, IT bands, forearms, rhomboids and traps.
BUT the diameter of the tip was too big for areas like the cervical erectors and too small for bigger muscles like the glutes.
Over the years I had developed some hacks for using the T-bar in areas where it was too small or too big. But it was never quite the same as having the best diameter-sized tool for the job.
Finger, Thumb, and Elbow Substitutes
There are 3 pressing tools with different diameter tips that go with me into the massage room every day.
The L-bar has the smallest diameter.
The T-bar is in the middle.
And a Round-Tip Bar or TheraPress Trigger Point has the biggest tip.
I think of these 3 massage tools as body parts substitutes.
The L-bar is an extra finger.
The T-bar is an extra thumb.
And the Round-Tip bar or TheraPress is an extra elbow.
Finger Substitute
Now I bet you’re thinking, okay, Mark, I can see how the T-bar can be an extra thumb, but how can the L-bar (smallest diameter) be an extra finger?
Here’s how: When the client is prone and you’re working the cervical erectors, try using an L-bar instead of a finger.
Elbow Substitute
Here Sarah is using the Round-Tip Bar as an elbow substitute:
Here’s a TheraPress used like an elbow:
Also, if I’m doing a two-handed hold with the Round-Tip Bar or TheraPress, I make additional contact around the tip of the tool. To the client this makes the tool tip feel broader than it is.
Below I’ve made a list of my favorite ways to use the different diameter tools.
| Finger
(L-bar) |
Thumb
(T-bar) |
Elbow
(Round Tip Bar or TheraPress ) |
| Cervical erectors | Thoracic erectors | Hamstring attachments |
| Levator scapular | Lumbar erectors | Gluteus maximus, medius, minimus |
| TFL | Upper trapezius | Hip rotators |
| Forearms | Foot flexors | IT band |
| Thumb adductor | IT band | Calves |
| TFL | ||
| Forearms |
Do you need all 3 tools to save your hands?
No.
But it’s nice to have all the substitute options, especially if you’re doing a lot of massage or if you’re having a busy day.
Okay, one more time. Try using these tools for body part substitutes:
1. Finger substitute: L-bar.
2. Thumb substitute: T-bar.
3. Elbow substitute: Round-Tip Bar or TheraPress.
Check out the videos in this article to get competent with these massage tools. If you’re new to massage tools, start here.
If you are looking to purchase a custom-made, wooden massage tool, I can make that happen.
Round-Tip T-bar with Contoured Edge – $20 plus shipping
T-Bar with Contoured Edge – $20 + shipping
T-Bar Small Tip with Contoured Edge – $20 plus shipping
All three for $45 plus shipping.
Just email me to order or if you have questions: mark@makethemostofmassage.com
Massage Tools Online, Home-Study CEU Classes
Massage tools have extended my massage career and increased my massage productivity. Specifically, I do more massages in a day/week/month/year in 50s than I did in my 30s.
I’ve spent years developing and teaching the massage tools techniques and strategies that have allowed me to effectively incorporate massage tools into any massage, from relaxation to deep tissue. Now, I’ve taken the lives classes and turned them into online, home-study classes with lots of videos and guides.
If you’re new to massage tools and want to be able to incorporate them into your massage quickly, I recommend: How to Use Massage Tools (Fearlessly and Effectively), 2.5 CEUs.
And if you’re familiar with using massage tools, but want to take your massage tool skill level up to the point where you not only save your body but also brand yourself as a massage therapist who is an expert with precise massage, check out this course: Advanced Massage Tools, 2.5 CEUs.
