The Kneader
Regular massage has been proven to be beneficial to our mental and physical wellbeing. However, in today’s busy world, it’s not always possible to get regular treatments with a professional massage therapist and that’s where the Kneader comes in. Our simple, easy-to-use tool can help you perform a variety of effective massage moves on yourself or another anytime and anywhere that’s comfortable and appropriate. Read below to see how easy healthy and relaxing massage can be.
How the Kneader works
There are three key ways to massage, and you can make them easy with the Kneader. Here’s how to give a proper massage with the Kneader.
The main part of the Kneader is mainly for stroking movements (Effleurage) or rocking movements in kneading muscles (Petrissage). You can do a soft, slow rub or lean in for deeper pressure.
These are good for deeper movements (Petrissage, Frictions and Static Pressure) which help to release tension in tired or strained muscles. Only focus on small areas and for short periods of time.
This is good for stroking (Effleurage) movements, especially for smaller areas such as the arms or calves – the more defined bottom edge is particularly good for working in between and around the shoulder blade area.
You don’t have to use the finger holes in order to carry out any of these moves. The Kneader is organic in shape and fits comfortably into the palm of a user’s hand. All the above manoeuvres can be successfully employed by grasping the outside of the tool, which customers with larger hands may find more comfortable.
Main Kneader Moves
There are so many ways to use the Kneader and massage therapists of all disciplines constantly come up with new and exciting Kneader techniques. Below are our basic hand moves that cover the 4 main moves of a traditional holistic massage. To see more of these moves in live action, please visit the Kneads Must YouTube Channel, which we update regularly.
Stroking
Slow, sweeping move that starts with light pressure and increases as required. Similar to the movement used in ironing, it presses out the tension in over-tired muscles and is very relaxing!
Kneading
Deeper movement to help further break down muscle tension. Work in small to medium circles with a side point of the tool or do deeper strokes or rocking motions using an arch.
Percussions
Percussions can be light or deeper in pressure but always check for comfort (if you have 2 Kneaders, use them together!). Use the fat arch(es) or turn the Kneader(s) flat on their side. Keep the tool(s) close to the area to do tight and fast percussions or move farther away to do looser, slower ones. Do for 5-10 seconds.
Frictions & Pressure Points
These intense moves should only be applied to small areas for 5-10 seconds. Frictions can be small sawing motions or tight circles (using a side point) or waving motions (using either arch). For Pressure Points, lean a side point of the tool onto a tight spot and hold for 3-5 seconds.Some Massage Guidelines
Here are a couple of pages from our Kneader manual about the basic do’s and don’ts of massage in general and when using the Kneader. You can also review our Massage Info page for further guidelines.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so happy massaging!
What our customers say
“With a busy desk job, and being tall, getting neck, back and shoulder pain from time to time is unavoidable… the Kneader Onsite massage really gets into those sore and tight areas, leaving me feeling light and loose afterwards! Highly recommended!”
“I went along for a Kneader massage due to suffering a sports injury which badly affected my neck, I was also having physio at that time which had not appeared to help much, if I am honest I thought this would be more of a pamper than a cure, but was pleasantly surprised not only by the thoroughness and knowledge of Una but also the after affects which over the coming weeks gave me full mobility again. Would certainly recommend to friends. Thanks Again, Mike.”
"I’ve been in practice for over 15yrs and this is a FAB tool. It’s perfectly formed for the hand (left or right) to use with ease. I’ve recommended this to all my colleagues and a couple of trainers. Its use is only limited by your imagination. What a thumb saver!!!"