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?

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    24 months ago

    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!