Abstract: The present invention describes a device used for deep-tissue massage and in particular for trigger point therapy. The invention further describes methods of providing deep-tissue massage or trigger point therapy. The deep-tissue massage or trigger point therapy devices and methods disclosed herein can be used or performed on oneself or with the assistance of another.

Abstract: A massage tool and method for the treatment of trigger points and other soft tissue disorders on the human body is claimed. The tool comprises a plunger slidingly and sealingly disposed within a hollow sleeve. When the sleeve is held against a trigger point or otherwise affected area on the human body and the plunger is withdrawn, a negative or vacuum pressure of variable intensity and duration is created within the sleeve. When the plunger is depressed, the user can apply direct variable momentary pressure on the trigger point or otherwise affected area. Repeated cycles of direct momentary pressure and vacuum pressure help to resolve the soft tissue disorder and alleviate associated pain, which facilitates healing.

Abstract: Muscle treatment devices and methods are described for applying pressure to and facilitating the stretch of muscles in a body. The muscle treatment device preferably includes an elongate shaft, an intermediate member engaged to the shaft, and at least one muscle treatment member engaged to both the shaft and intermediate member such that in use, the at least one muscle treatment member is prevented from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In a method if using the device to facilitating the stretch of muscles in a body, a patient preferably shortens the muscle being treated, applies angular pressure to the muscle by contacting skin tissue such that it directly affects and/or pins the underlying targeted muscular structure of the muscle with the outer surface of the at least one muscle treatment member, and then lengthens the muscle.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow includes a flexible body with mated inner and outer layers. Such an inner layer has an outer perimeter that terminates inwardly of an outer perimeter of the outer layer. The apparatus further includes a plurality of spherical objects removably situated within the body and directly abutting an inner surface of the inner layer. Each of the spherical objects has a unique diameter. The body has right and left ends selectively folded along a centrally registered latitudinal axis registered orthogonal to a longitudinal length of the body wherein the right and left ends are directly engaged in such a manner that the spherical objects are prohibited from escaping beyond the respective outer perimeters of the inner and outer layers during operating conditions.

Abstract: A deep acting topically working facial care appliance includes a dual action facial puck having a rotating and counter rotatable facial implement that is dually effective both to clean, massage, apply compositions and otherwise topically work the skin and to deeply act to penetrate below the epidermis and into the dermis massaging and deeply passivating and enervating the dermis and dermal collagen.

Abstract: Device for massaging the fingers, useful for being used, mainly, by those people suffering from an articular degenerative disease, such as arthrosis, or inflammation of the joints, such as arthritis, to activate the blood circulation in a passive way favoring the nutrients arrival to the affected joints and removal of waste substances that cause pain and inflammation of the joints, the device (1) being defined by a central body (2), of generally cylindrical shape, provided with a threaded central axial hole (7), which by one of its bases embodies a grasp handle (8), while presenting on its opposite base, at least, two radial protrusions (9) to which respective arms (3) are, rotatably joined, which, on one of their ends, are restrained by a spring (4) and on their other free end mount respective rotating wheels (5).

Abstract: A flexible exercising and massaging apparatus formed from tubular, flexible, web-like material and having a plurality of internal pockets, along with an exercise regimen that includes the apparatus. The pockets located at opposite ends of the tubular material may hold objects such as resilient, hand-graspable orbs, including tennis balls, that aid in gripping the apparatus, and which have also been found to be conducive to self-massage therapy. The objects located within an intermediate pocket or pockets may be removed, and alternative objects inserted, through openings that allow access to a preselected pocket or pockets. The openings may be enclosed with resealable fasteners.

Abstract: A massaging device includes a support base, a drive member rotatably mounted on the support base, a rotation disk rotatable relative to the support base and provided with a driven member which is detachably mounted on and rotated by the drive member to drive the rotation disk to rotate relative to the support base, and a massaging head mounted on the rotation disk to rotate in concert with the rotation disk and rotatable relative to the rotation disk. Thus, the massaging head is directly attached to the rotation disk, and the rotation disk is directly attached to the support base without needing aid of any hand tool.

Abstract: A method and device for relieving muscle tension and spasms in a user's head, neck, shoulders and back is provided. The method and device may be used by an individual to apply pressure to specific pressure points on the trapezius muscles of the user's shoulders, sub-occipital area of the user's neck and rhomboid and thoracic paraspinal region of the user's back.

Abstract: A handheld massage device includes an actuator mechanism and a massage unit received in an outer housing. The actuator includes a motor, a bearing and a tilting piece having a first shaft coupled with the motor and a second shaft fitted into the bearing. The crank-shaped first and second shafts do not lie on a straight line. The massage unit has a base plate and massage elements mounted on the base plate. The massage elements protrude from one end of the outer housing. The bearing is fitted in the base plate. Because the first and second shafts form an angle therebetween, the base plate is tilted and swings like a conical pendulum. Therefore, the massage elements on the base plate move back and forth along a direction of an axle of the motor, thereby providing kneading and percussion massages on the user's body.

Abstract: A powered massager having coaxially mounted first and second massage actuators that are positioned along the main axis of the powered massager is disclosed. The powered massager further includes a hand-held unit including a control panel for controlling the operation of the massager and a power source that is operatively associated with an electric motor that drives a rotatable output shaft through a gear arrangement. In one embodiment, the first massage actuator is a squirming massage actuator having a plurality of frames interposed between rolling members that are operable when the output shaft is driven by the electric motor, while the second massage actuator is a vibratory massage actuator that is operatively associated with the power source through a conductive pathway established between the power source and the vibratory massage actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held ergonomic reflexology device. The device includes a semi-cylindrical shape handle dimensioned to fit within the palm of the user's hand. The handle is defined by a first end, an opposite second end, inner edge and a outer edge. A thumb support member is integrally connected to the handle and protruding outwardly to the sensor tip portion. The sensor tip portion is adapted to apply direct pressure to predetermined reflex points on the body. The thumb support member has substantially an elliptical shape and is defined by an upper surface area, an inner curved peripheral edge, and a outer curved peripheral edge. The upper surface area has a circumference dimensioned to fit a thumb of the user's hand. The inner curved peripheral edge extends from the sensor tip portion to the inner edge of the handle and is integrated therein.

Abstract: A massage implement consisting of two elements. One element is a metal tube that receives an adjustable insert therein. The insert and the tube are adjustable in length relative to each other. The metal tube has at its top a T-shaped configuration attached thereto which is made of a hard rubber or plastic material. The sliding insert is made of hard rubber or a plastic material and has a way of arresting the sliding insert therein after a predetermined length has been established. The sliding insert has at its bottom replaceable massaging tools thereon. The different massaging tools are used for treating different areas on the body of a patient. The massage implement is used by a therapist by placing the T-shaped configuration in the area of the armpit and by applying pressure to any of the bottom massage tools. The pressure is applied by the weight of the body of therapist.

Abstract: The present invention is a massage device having a flexible housing, typically pseudo-spherical in shape and one to five inches in diameter, the housing having at least one chamber containing a plurality of internal elements which are typically pseudo-spherical in shape and one-half to one inch in diameter.

Abstract: A therapeutic massage device, specifically a manual scalp massager that can both provide a soothing sensation to the user and also stimulate the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of a person's scalp, resulting in a healthier scalp and better looking hair. The device should efficiently, and without harm or discomfort to the user, be able to pinch the tightly drawn scalp of the user, thereby squeezing the sebaceous glands and improving oil production. The device should also be easy to use and should not require an inordinate amount of effort by the operator. In operation, the device can massage one's scalp by alternating between constricting and releasing the skin.

Abstract: A preventive and/or therapeutic massage device having a fine contact edge and a pressure dispersing edge to provide alternative modes of stretching to the skin, muscles, fascia, and/or tendons of a user. The massage device includes a main body portion with first and second opposed surfaces defined between lower and upper portions and first and second ends. An upper handle portion is formed between the first and second opposed surfaces along the upper portion of the main body. The fine contact edge is formed along the lower portion of the main body and the pressure dispersing edge extends from the first opposed surface. The fine contact edge is used to provide an aggressive, deep stretch, while use of the fine contact edge in combination with the pressure dispersing edge provides a gentle stretch.

Abstract: A manual scalp massager simulating the effect of two sets of fingers placed at two bipolar transverse positions opposing each other to squeeze the scalp skin together in a “broad-pinching” action. The device comprises two jaw-like members lined at each opposing edge with a row of closely-packed fingertip-like rubber spheres. The embodiment is supported by two pairs of A-shaped frames hinged at each vertex where the pair of jaw members is attached to one pair of distal ends, while handlebars are attached to the other pair of distal ends. Coupled with the highly-tacky fingertip-shaped rubber protrusions to maximize gripping of the tightly drawn scalp skin, this simultaneous downward and lateral pressure applied to the jaw members squeezes the contacting scalp skin without pulling the surrounding hair thereby stimulating the scalp through the “squeezing-out” of its old fatty oils, increases flow of the blood vessels, and helps promote hair growth.

Abstract: A hand held tool (10) comprises a handle (14), a contact member (16), and an electric motor (12). The contact member has a contact surface portion 17 that lies in the first plane. The motor (12) has a stator (23) and an armature (19) where the armature (19) is able to move with non-rotary translational motion in a second plane relative to the stator (23), the second plane being parallel to the first plane. One of the stator (23) and the armature (19) is attached to the handle (14), while the other is attached to the contact member (16). Therefore, relative motion of the stator (23) and armature (19) is translated to relative motion between the handle (14) and the contact member (16). A resilient coupling (18) is coupled between the handle 14 and the contact member (16) and applies a bias against the relative motion between the handle (14) and contact member (16).

Abstract: A convex, generally cone-shaped working surface and a generally planar base configured to fit comfortably in a user's hand is described. The device is configured to be shape-retentive by its elastic composition such that it momentarily deforms slightly under pressure but returns in the absence of pressure to its original generally cone shape. The device in one configuration has a single apex region or working surface. The device in another configuration has two spaced apart apex regions or working surfaces. The device can be integrally molded from one or more materials chosen from a group consisting of silicone, polyurethane, neoprene, or the like. A method of using the device also is described.

Abstract: A therapeutic ball comprises an outer surface having a plurality of projections thereon, and an inner portion comprising a material selected for its ability to retain heat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of massage wherein a massage practitioner works with a person and a ball. Using the ball enables the massage practitioner to work two areas of the persons body at the same time. The ball also creates leverage that allows easier elongation of muscle and release of bone out of the person's joints.

Abstract: A massage device for providing cold or hot massage therapy including a liquid reservoir and a rotatable ball positioned in an open end of the reservoir. The reservoir is at least partially filled with a liquid that is heated or cooled. The liquid in the massage device is heated or cooled. The rotatable ball is heated or cooled through heat transfer between the liquid and the rotatable ball. Massage therapy can be provided using both the reservoir portion and/or the rotatable ball of the massage device.

Abstract: A massage tool includes a handle, which has a cylinder provided for holding, a barrel hole going through the cylinder; a first barrel, which has a barrel body inserted into the barrel hole of the handle, a chamber formed concaved on the barrel body, a fitting hole opened downwards from the bottom of the chamber; a toe, which has a shoulder received in the chamber of the first barrel; a second barrel, which has a barrel body inserted into the barrel hole of the handle; the massage tool which assembled via above structure is convenient for use and holding; further, the massage tool can includes a skirt, which has a skirt body mounted on the handle, the second barrel and the skirt mounted at least two fingers or a palm; and a magnet group received in the chamber of the first barrel; thereby, the invention can assembled variety of massage tool, the magnet group generating magnetic field improve human body blood circulation, and the toe or the finger to proceed pressing.

Abstract: A method is provided for relief of head, face and jaw pain by achieving the release of intra oral muscle spasms, trigger points, and myofascial dysfunction. The steps include locating intra oral treatment points, including locations of intra oral muscle spasms, trigger points, and myofascial dysfunction, in the mouth and jaw region of a human subject. A handheld device is provided with a central gripping portion, a first generally arcuate arm extending from one end of the gripping portion and terminating in a generally bulbous tip, and a second generally arcuate arm extending from the other end of the gripping portion and terminating in a generally flattened tip. The subject's mouth is opened sufficiently to pass one of the tips into the mouth. One of the tips is inserted in the subject's mouth and the tip is brought into contact with one of the treatment points. Pressure is applied to the treatment point until a release response occurs.

Abstract: A treatment device for the human body comprising a massaging member with a first end and a second end, each provided with attachment means adapted to attach to any part of a user's lower limbs, in which the massaging member is adapted and dimensioned to fit around any part of a user's torso, neck or head when the attachment means are attached to any part of the user's lower limbs.

Abstract: A massage device includes a support, a grip or gripping means firmly attached to the support and capable of being grasped in order for a user to handle the massage device, and at least two massage members rotatably mounted on the support around respective axes of rotation. The two massage members each typically include a roller that extends along a main axis of elongation, and massage components configured to bear against a skin surface, the massage components including free ends that project outwardly relative to the roller and that are arranged along at least one helix around the main axis of elongation of the roller, the massage components being distributed around at least one turn of the helix, said helix including an irregularity relative to the roller.

Abstract: A handheld massage tool includes a body with at least three contact elements spaced circumferentially therearound for engaging a recipient of therapy. The body has shoulder segments extending between adjacent contact elements enabling the user to grip the tool and manipulate a non-adjacent, opposed contact element. The contact elements may take the form of a narrow point, a broad point, or a wedge. To aid in massage therapy, the massage tool has significant weight, has an elastomeric or similar coating providing a non-abrasive outer surface and is formed with rounded edges and suitably curved contours.

Abstract: A device for massaging soft tissue of an individual when positioned between such soft tissue and a predetermined surface. The massage device includes a spherical member made from a first predetermined material and having each of a first predetermined diameter and a predetermined weight for rolling over such soft tissue. There is a rope member made from a second predetermined material and having each of a second predetermined diameter and a predetermined length. The rope member is connected to the spherical member for encircling a pre-selected body part. Finally, a mechanism is engageable with the rope member for adjusting tightness thereof around such pre-selected body part such that the spherical member is affixed tightly against such soft tissue to be massaged.

Abstract: A device dispenses serum onto the skin of a user and also provides a massage effect. The device comprises a hand-held housing and at least two massage head assemblies. A powered drive is mounted by or in the housing and is operatively coupled to the massage heads to cause them to execute a massage motion. The device has at least one serum dispensing outlet and a pump mechanism, comprising a piston and a cylinder, arranged to draw serum from a reservoir and to dispense it through the dispensing outlet. A user-actuatable member is movably mounted upon the housing and operatively coupled to the piston, so that via the user-actuatable member, the user can move the piston to cause a dose of serum to be dispensed.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating and mobilizing the patella and patellar tendon following injury to the knee or surgery thereon to reduce pain, reduce the formation of scar tissue about the patella and eliminate stiffness and loss of range of motion of the knee, is formed by an elongated, rigid bar having a first end, a second end and an elongated portion extending between the ends. The elongated portion has a central section intermediate the ends defining a V-shaped notch. The first end defines a generally rectangular flattened blade having a lateral beveled edge. The second end defines a generally triangular flattened blade having a lateral arcuate beveled edge. An elastomeric coating is provided on the central section defining the V-shaped notch, on the rectangular blade and on the triangular blade. A method for using the tool is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique compact cane adapted to provide pain relief for the user. It has the ability to apply heat and pressure to constricted muscles anywhere on the body. This device employs removable microwavable massage handles that heat to an elevated temperature to relax muscles without burning the skin. The combination of heat and pressure has been proven to relax knotted muscles. The cane is hingeably foldable.

Abstract: An ergonomic and therapeutic massage device having improved ergonomics which reduces operator fatigue and discomfort while maximizing the experience of the massage provides a penetrating massage that effectively stimulates soft tissue structures, neural receptors and acupressure points, quickly providing pain and stress relief without exertion on the part of the operator. The device has a unique shape and is comprised of a top bulb-shaped portion and a bottom disc-shaped portion. The device is generally molded from solid glass.

Abstract: A massage tool and method for the treatment of trigger points and other soft tissue disorders on the human body is claimed. The tool comprises a plunger slidingly and sealingly disposed within a hollow sleeve. When the sleeve is held against a trigger point or otherwise affected area on the human body and the plunger is withdrawn, a negative or vacuum pressure of variable intensity and duration is created within the sleeve. When the plunger is depressed, the user can apply direct variable momentary pressure on the trigger point or otherwise affected area. Repeated cycles of direct momentary pressure and vacuum pressure help to resolve the soft tissue disorder and alleviate associated pain, which facilitates healing.

Abstract: The present invention is a massage appliance comprising a preparation, a storage container containing the preparation, and a closure for the storage container. The closure comprises a massage device comprising an outlet opening through which the preparation can be applied to the surface to be massaged and an adjustment device comprising a first element with at least one first surface wherein the first surface contacts the surface to be massaged during a massage, and a second element arranged to be moveable relative to the first element. The adjustment device may be used to adjust a massage characteristic value of the first surface. The massage device is positioned at an angle with respect to the main axis of the storage container. The present invention also includes a method of applying a preparation to the skin, a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis, and a method of warming up using the massage appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique compact cane adapted to provide pain relief for the user. It has the ability to apply heat and pressure to constricted muscles anywhere on the body. This device employs removable microwavable massage handles that heat to an elevated temperature to relax muscles without burning the skin. The combination of heat and pressure has been proven to relax knotted muscles. The cane is hingeably foldable.

Abstract: A thumb tool for use by a massage therapist includes a tubular sleeve having at least a portion of which is a rigid plastic tubular sleeve that slides over the thumb. A portion of the tool may include a flexible PVC thermo plastic membrane. The tool may be a one-piece construction or may include multiple layers or removable inserts. The tool and/or an insert may comprise a gel-like substance acting as thermal medium that may be heated or cooled for individualized thermal therapy.

Abstract: A therapy apparatus includes a container having an interior volume and having an opening providing access to the interior volume and massaging elements freely located in the interior volume of the container. Each massaging element has a generally spherical exterior and has multiple protrusions projecting from its generally spherical exterior. A patient's hand may be inserted into the container through the opening and be moved among the massaging elements to be stimulated by massaging elements contacting the fingers and both the front and the back of the hand.

Abstract: A hemorrhoid massage device has a unitary body with a first end and a second end. The first end has a size suitable for fitting into a human rectum. The body has a middle section and a concave section. Each of the middle section and the concave section has a length of between 12 mm and 20 mm. The ends of the concave section and the middle section have approximately equal diameters. These diameters are less than one-half the total length of the middle section and the concave section.

Abstract: A bathing brush comprises an elongated bar, an elastic net and a massaging device. The bar has a base portion at an end thereof, a securing portion at an edge of the base portion and a handle having an end thereof fixed with the base portion. The elastic net is pressed into twisty condition and is fastened on a top surface of the base portion the massaging device made of a flexible material and molded into a single element has a base member, a sidewall on an edge of the base member, a second securing portion on an interior side of the sidewall and a plurality of grains on an exterior side of the base member wherein the second securing portion is connected with the first securing portion for securing the massaging device on a side of the base portion of the bar which is opposite from the elastic net such that a chamber will be formed between the base portion of the bar and the massaging device.

Abstract: A manual massager includes a shank having a cavity defined in a first end thereof and two legs extending from a second end thereof. A tapered stub is movably and partially received in the first end of the shank for pressing the points at which a person is supposed to be lethally vulnerable. A ball is rotatably and partially received in a free end of each of the two legs for abutting and rotating on the user's skin. A fin extends from an outer periphery of the shank near the first end of the shank for providing a popular treatment for sunstroke by scraping the user's neck and back.

Abstract: A finger acupressure apparatus comprising a pair of upper and lower pressing plates configured with adjustable distance therebetween and at least one acupressure element on an inner side of the plates enabling for compressing against fingers or the palm muscle for physical therapy purposes.

Abstract: A massage tool for use in performing an ice massage including an anchor extending from the bottom of a base for extending into a mold for receiving a block of ice. The massage tool includes a handle by which the tool can be manipulated, which provides thermal isolation from the ice attached to the tool. The tool is weighted to reduce the amount of additional force needed to apply the desired pressure during the massage, thereby reducing hand and muscle fatigue of the therapist providing the massage.

Abstract: A massager having a massaging head and a handle, the handle being arch-shaped having two ends connected to the massaging head with massaging function, characterized in that the massaging face at the bottom section of the massaging head is provided with a vibration beating section, rollers, radiation section and low frequency conducting head, the interior of the massaging head has a motor via a reciprocation device which is connected to an impaction base seat having protrusions so as to form the vibration beating section.

Abstract: A probe apparatus for self-administered treatment of prostatitis has a pair of opposing handle bars symmetrical to each other having handle grip ends and connected to a center housing along a common axis, and a probe connected to a front side of the center housing and extending to a probe tip. The center housing has a vibrator motor which is mechanically coupled to the probe tip, and is actuated by a switch on one of the handle grip ends. The probe has a swivelable tip actuated by a pair of swivel actuators provided on the handle grip ends. The probe tip has an off-center bulbous or ovoid shape for effecting a sweeping movement over the prostate when a swivel actuator is actuated. The probe and the handle grip ends have approximately the same length and extend in the same direction for more precise manipulation by the patient. The handle bars are connected to the center housing by twist-lock disconnectors to be detachable for storage or packing.

Abstract: An exercise and massage apparatus has a pair of elongate handles, each of the handles providing a curved distal end and a plurality of interchangeable massage heads. Each of the massage heads includes a massage plate supporting plural massage fingers. The massage plate is in face-to-face contact with a handle plate supporting the handles. A releasable engagement means enables the plates to be mutually secured and released so the handles are able to control the massage fingers with the massage fingers forming an acute angle with the handles whereby the massage fingers are positionable in contact with a user's back with the handles manipulated from over the user's shoulders.

Abstract: A spinal and soft tissue mobilizer of modular construction for physical therapy has an elongate generally spool-shaped roller with a reduced diameter mid portion and larger diameter teardrop-shaped outer end portions rollers that apply pressure to the thoracic vertebrae, rib cage and muscles of the back without directly contacting the vertebrae. The mid portion may have lateral rollers with laterally spaced larger diameter portions that straddle the vertebrae of the spine and apply pressure to the muscles surrounding the straddled vertebrae without directly contacting the vertebrae. Interchangeable spacers of various lengths may be installed between the lateral rollers and/or between the lateral rollers and the teardrop-shaped outer end portions to provide proper lateral spacing for a particular individual.

Abstract: An integrally molded palm-size multi-functional massage device has a thicker rear end and a thinner front end. A central portion of the rear end has an upper and a lower projection to define between them a largest height of the massage device. The massage device has an upper and a lower surface respectively extending from the rear upper and lower central projections toward the front end and two lateral sides of the massage device, so that the front end and the two lateral sides are reduced in thickness. A recess is formed on the upper surface, and an area outside the recess is slightly upward curved and has multiple rib strips provided thereon. While the upper surface provides a frictional massaging effect, projections formed on outer edges of the massage device serve as pressing points adapted to create different magnitudes of pressure against a user's body.

Abstract: Presented are novel instruments intended for use in the diagnosis and treatment of fibrotic soft tissue through soft tissue mobilization therapies performed on, particularly, a human patient. Three such instruments are provided by the invention including a variety of curvilinear and linear tissue-engaging edges and converging surfaces accommodating their use on the irregular contours of numerous soft tissue areas of the human body.

Abstract: A hand held temple massager having a handle and two spaced-apart arms extending in substantially the same plane from an end of the handle. Each arm includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the latter integrally connected to the handle. The distal portion of each arm includes means to capture and retain a pressure member with temple-engaging portion for applying pressure directly to the temple area of a user to treat and prevent a tension headache. The massager includes pressure adjustment means disposed between said first and second arms to tailor the pressure applied by the massager, and may also include a small vibrating motor powered by batteries.

Abstract: A finger-pressure substitutive stimulator comprises a supple, net-like sheet member having many stripe-like projections on one surface thereof and formed of various hard or semi-hard synthetic resin materials. The finger-pressure substitutive stimulator is fixed to the surface of the skin of a human body at a part to be treated using an appropriate fixing means—e.g., commercially available adhesive tapes, bandages, and supporters—or an adhesive sheet fastened to the smooth rear surface of the sheet member; it serves to ease or remove pain by correcting such ailments as rheumatism, neuralgia, shoulder stiffness, lumbago, and visceral disorders. The stripe-like projections pressed against the skin surface provide uniform, sustained stimulation to the peripheral nerves in the human body surface layer over the entire wide region to which the stimulator is attached and effectively correct disorders and abnormalities of the human body, thereby removing or easing pains.