• Hand massage tools make massaging easiermassage image by Anthony CALVO from Fotolia.com
  
  Hand massage tools take the strain off using hands exclusively for massage work. Though massage is most often performed with the hands and forearms, many tools are widely available to make massage easier to give and to allow for deeper penetration into tight muscles. Because of the vast array of hand-held massage tools, there are plenty of options available to suit the specific needs for everyone from novice to professional while also fitting any budget.
  
  

Mechanical Tools

• Some mechanical hand massage tools include smooth sea and river stones; pressure point tools; and rubber, wood or plastic rollers. These types of tools are easily used for massage by moving over the skin with applied pressure to the muscles beneath the surface area, releasing tension and relaxing the muscles of the body.
  
  

Motorized Massage Tools

• Hand-held motorized massage tools are also called percussion tools. They are generally operated by electricity, and have operational buttons or switches located on the handle for the massage practitioner. Percussive tools are designed to relieve muscular tension by transferring vibration through the tool to the recipient's body with optional heat or infrared light for additional relief for tight or sore muscles.
  
  Some percussive tools are produced for industrial use for the professional massage, occupational or physical therapist while other, lighter-duty styles are designed for the layperson and can be found in local retail markets.
  
  

Self-massage Tools

• Hand self-massage tools can be simple objects found within the home, or purchased where most health and beauty products are sold. These types of tools include tennis balls to roll behind the back or other hard to reach areas to release muscle tension; golf balls or a baker's rolling pin to roll under the feet to reduce fatigue;or a walking cane with a curved handle applied to the tops of the shoulders to relax the muscles.
  
  S-shaped tools to apply pressure to specific points on the back, textured body rollers that can be used on any part of the body, and hand-held scalp massage tools are all readily available for purchase.