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Thanks to my sedentary job and body-wrecking hobbies (hi, rock climbing!
Original images by SELF staff / Laneen Wells
I even have ahandheld scraping-and-kneading toolthat looks more like a paperweight than anything for muscular relief.
But at least in my case, more often than not, they make a huge difference.
That much variety can simultaneously make it easierandmore overwhelming to find the right one for you.
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Do you mainly deal with concentrated knots?
Try something that can target specific points on the body, like a therapy ball.
Do you want to loosen up large muscle groups in one swift motion?
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Consider a high-density foam roller.
If you want a more intense sensation than general pressure, opt for a tool with vibration or percussion.
Whichever tool you settle on, it should be easy to use, Dr. Fata-Chan says.
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
The more therapeutic it feels, the more relaxing benefits youll reap, he adds.
The best massage tools
Here are the massage tools youkneadto know about (heh).
Levine says percussion therapy is key for both pre-workout warm-ups and post-workout recovery.
It comes with five interchangeable heads, many of which are designed for specific areas and uses.
It definitely feels intenseI often stick to the lowest settingso I recommend gradually increasing the massage speed.
One thing to note: You shouldnt use a massage gundirectly on your neck.
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Levine says these major muscle groups are exactly where afoam rollerworks best.
Thats thanks to the strategically placed heads along the length of the cane.
In my experience, that makes them great for tender spots and tougher areas alike.
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
More great options
Still not sure which tool will hit the spot?
Here are even more top-rated, editor-recommended massagers to consider.
And it can connect to the Hyperice app, which includes automated controls and recovery routines.
This thing kneads me like a slab of dough, our reviewer writes.
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Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
Original image by senior commerce writer Sara Coughlin
