New patent for massage tool

Jan 17 2008

When 10-year veteran massage therapist Greg Polins, of PolTech, Inc., began to experience crippling pain in his thumbs and wrists from extensive deep tissue massage, he knew he had to do something to keep his job.

So three years ago, he invented a Thumbsaving miracle for the global massage therapy industry. The rest is history.

Polins said, "My thumbs were so fatigued from a full day of massage that I was forced to ice them every night. At one point the pain was so intense that it was difficult to hold a pen and write. I needed a solution or my career would have been over."

After considerable experimentation and countless prototypes, Polins developed an affordable massage tool (MSRP $14.95) that assists therapists by providing support and reducing the stress on their hands and wrists from deep tissue massage, all while protecting their most valuable commodity -- their hands.

The tool is "worn" over the thumb, providing a greater sense of dexterity for the user. Since it's smooth in texture, semi-flexible and latex-free, it feels natural for both the therapist and the receiving client. The design helps the therapist use "proper hand mechanics" when performing massage, thus reducing the chance for fatigue, pain and injury.

"I felt such an immediate result from using it that I decided to bring it into production and share it with fellow therapists; all I needed was money to get started, so I sold everything I owned except essential clothes and my massage table."

Polins was recently awarded a U.S. Patent (#7252645). Its popularity has spread around the world in both professional massage therapy practices and massage therapy schools and institutions.

Before Thumbsavers massage tools, the typical career length of a professional massage therapist was estimated to be three to five years. Thumb, hand and wrist fatigue and injury were dramatically claiming rewarding massage careers. To this day, Polins writes a personal note to each and every person placing an order. "They have invested so much time, education and selflessness and I personally love the fact that I was lucky enough to help them back," Polins said.