The TheraCane massager certainly comes highly recommended, so I had lofty expectations for this device. But after living with it and trying it for several weeks, I'm not sold on the promises and testimonials. Hence my take is somewhat contrarian to the majority of the reviews here.Yes, it does allow one to attack knots of tension, trigger points, and sore muscles to some degree. It is possible to zero in pretty well on a trigger point and gain some measure of short-term relief. But the Theracane massager has some issues worth calling attention to for those wanting to make a fair appraisal. First, it is simply ugly and cheap looking, formed from extruded hard plastic or rubber. It does not fit comfortably in one's palms, and the effort required to contort and attack trigger points should not be underestimated. I've gone after some particularly knotty spots in my shoulders with only OK results. Plus, the Theracane itself is very uncomfortable on my palms and fingers. Worse my arm muscles ache after just a few minutes of digging into trigger points. Could the one-size fits all design be the culprit? Maybe a three-inch longer version would be a better ergonomic fit for me.The knobs on the ends seem just a bit too large for deep tissue work, and with all the appendages no this thing, it seems like its maker could have offered a bit more variety. The instructions, such as they are, are OK unless, like I tend to do, you have trouble with viewing an image that says right/left but requires one to realize that you have to view the illustrations as stage right/left.So, long term verdict is still out, but if there were a wooden version available, I would opt for that. I think it would be easier on the hands and feel better on the skin. I've used a wooden Ma Roller since 1977, and I suspect I will still have it when this device is repurposed perhaps as a perch between the birdfeeders out back.
Rating:
[3 of 5 Stars!]