this post was submitted on 27 Jul 2024
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Woodworking

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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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[–] nm0i@sopuli.xyz 3 points 3 months ago

I was wondering what that short cane left by grandfather was, and now I know. Thank you.

[–] CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.work 1 points 3 months ago

My grandparents in the US had a wooden back and neck massager that had wheels on it to help with the massaging action. They also had one that looked like a toy car, but you’d need a partner to use it on your back. Not sure what they were called, but it certainly wasn’t as a interesting a name as “pain dog”.

[–] sxan@midwest.social 0 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I was wondering if these sort of self-care "devices" are known and in use in other cultures?

In the US, not so much as a folk remedy, but they get recommended by physical therapists. I first saw one about ten years ago, when my brother-in-law bought a plastic one on Amazon, and recommended it to me.

[–] Kallioapina@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 3 months ago

Good point, I suppose I'm most interested about the folk remedy/history side of these sort of implements. The idea, manufacture and use is so simple, so it seems impossible not to exist in other places and times.