Device and method for providing a massage
View Patent ↗A handheld massage device has a body including a handle portion and a head portion forming a socket in which a roller ball is removably received. The user can provide increased pressure and can better control a motion during a massage by way of the device. A rolling aspect of the roller ball provides a distinctive massage, especially when a ball of a predetermined size, material, and/or other physical characteristics is used in the device. The massage device may include a set of roller balls, and the method may include selecting a roller ball from the set based on one or more desired characteristic and/or associated therapeutic property to impart a particular healing or other benefit to the subject person.
1. A massage tool comprising:
a handle;
a head supported on the handle;
a socket comprising an interior surface in the head; and
a retaining mechanism comprising:
an annular or penannular groove in the interior surface; and
an annular or penannular resilient snap ring supported in the groove in a relaxed state;
wherein:
the head comprises a back side and a front side;
the interior surface comprises a portion that forms a first opening that opens outwardly through the front side in a direction opposite to the back side; and
the massage tool further comprising a friction reducing pad connected to the backside on the interior surface.
2. The massage tool of claim 1 , wherein the friction reducing pad comprises an o-ring.
3. The massage tool of claim 1 , wherein the friction reducing pad comprises a sleeve.
4. The massage tool of claim 1 , wherein the backside has a wall forming a second opening extending from the interior surface to an exterior surface of the head.
5. The massage tool of claim 4 , wherein:
the second opening is smaller than the first opening; and
the second opening is sized and configured to permit insertion of a human finger.
6. The massage tool of claim 4 , further comprising a push button slidably supported in the second opening and spanning the second opening between the interior surface and the exterior surface.