A pain hook (self-use massage device for the neck and back) made from a pine branch. Snoopy-like dog appeared from the branch while whittling, hence the name.
Lightly stained with walnut colour stain and a light beeswax layer on top of that so it feels smooth on the skin. Handle made from old repurposed leather belt strips.
These pain hooks are an old Finnish and Karelian thing for massaging one’s neck and back, and I was wondering if these sort of self-care “devices” are known and in use in other cultures?
My grandparents in the US had a wooden back and neck massager that had wheels on it to help with the massaging action. They also had one that looked like a toy car, but you’d need a partner to use it on your back. Not sure what they were called, but it certainly wasn’t as a interesting a name as “pain dog”.
I was wondering if these sort of self-care “devices” are known and in use in other cultures?
In the US, not so much as a folk remedy, but they get recommended by physical therapists. I first saw one about ten years ago, when my brother-in-law bought a plastic one on Amazon, and recommended it to me.
I have a Thera Cane, it’s about the only thing that does any good on my chronic shoulder pain. (I should specify- scapular muscle pain. A Thera Cane won’t do shit for shoulder joint pain)
The trick with things like this is don’t keep them in motion - find the spot that hurts, put as much pressure as you can tolerate on it, and hold that position for like 5 mins. You’re basically squeezing the blood out of the target area, causing that muscle to become nutrient starved and thus chemically incapable of remaining contracted, so it FINALLY relaxes and the pain fucks off for a couple hours.
I LOVE my theracane… I’ll use it super firmly on a horrible spot and my back will be in full pain for days after, then feel AWESOME.
Good point, I suppose I’m most interested about the folk remedy/history side of these sort of implements. The idea, manufacture and use is so simple, so it seems impossible not to exist in other places and times.
I was wondering what that short cane left by grandfather was, and now I know. Thank you.
They are pretty common among rock climbers in the US, from what I’ve seen (and probably other people, too). Nice to massage knots in your back that you can’t massage well enough with your fingers. Here’s an example. I like the look of yours; I need to find the right shaped stick for myself!
