MAX Trigger Point Massager (Blue)

I bought a Thera Cane more than a year ago and love it. What I bought before was the 1-piece version and it really helped to release the tightness in my back when I get these stress related pain from time to time. Recently, I'm having back problems again and I was carrying it every day so I can use it in my office and at home. So I decided it was time to buy another one just for the office. I considered the 2 piece version but was concerned that it will be weaker and may flex and wobble or even break at the joint. But since it was selling for around $10 less than the 1 piece version and I thought it will be nice to have one that I can use for travelling, I ultimately bought the 2 piece version. When I received the product, I immediately put it together and compared to my old 1-piece Thera Cane, it was exactly the same size! You can see that in the picture I uploaded (black is 1 piece and orange is the 2 piece version). That took care of one of my initial concerns. Then I started using it expecting that it may flex more but it did not, it felt exactly like the one piece version. Maybe even a little stiffer since it was brand new or maybe the material was slightly stiffer. Looks like both of them are made with high quality glass-impregnated nylon, good quality stiff plastic. Having a mechanical engineering background, I'm immediately curious as to how they were able to design the joint so it didn't have any play in it. Turns out that the male end is tapered for a snug fit and it has a key to keep the two pieces from rotating from one another. Once I screw on the knob, everything was very tight and stiff. I was also concerned if the female part of the joint may crack under pressure, but the material was thick and strong enough that it doesn't feel like it is at risk of breaking at any time. Considering this is the same size as the 1 piece version, is just as stiff, is a lot more portable AND cost significantly less, I would highly recommend this over the 1 piece version or the other weird looking clones out there.

This item was recommended by my Orthopedic doctor. Works great for me. These shoulders of mine and my upper back get knotted up all the time. I actually purchased a 2nd one to keep at work. Love it.

Nice works well

This thing works! Any knot, any spasm, any location: this has a way of breaking it up comfortably without causing other muscles to be involved.

A little background... I have the original Thera Cane (TC) and the original Body Back Buddy (BBB). Both are great for different reasons. I have tried cheaper, smaller versions of both and none have compared, being flimsier, thinner, smaller handles, etc. The BBB has two curves, one side with round knobs and another with pointed. I like that the BBB has the different types of knobs and that there are more of them, positioned differently, so that you can work different areas differently than the. That written, I prefer the shape of the TC - easier to grip and move and makes for a smoother massage when moving along parts of the body, and also easier to anchor and dig in to a specific point. If the TC had all the knob options of the BBB, it would be perfect. Now, onto the Thera Cane Max (TCM)... The TCM looks exactlly it appears in the picture and comes with the book and dvd. Upon handling, it also appears to be as sturdy as the original TC. As mentioned in other reviews, it is slightly smaller, as are the knobs. I was hesitant about the screw knob but it is very secure, with an additional groove length-wise in which the top portion has to slide into the groove of the bottom portion. The difference in sturdiness from the original is incredibly minute, actually, which is notably impressive to me. I love that I can get that same grip, despite the smaller size, for the smooth movement, and the ability to anchor and dig into a specific point. I love that it can go in a small carry-on for travel or put it in my backpack and take it to work. Of course, there is the concern of that screw becoming stripped over time, when taking it apart. I have yet to have any issue, but I currently do not travel for my job so I am not taking it apart frequently. If It did happen, and no warranty replacement was available, I could easily glue it into place, which would make it more difficult to travel with, but would still function just as well. All that written, I prefer the original TC because it is a bit taller and wider in terms of range, thus offering a greater massage range without stopping and readjusting. When I think "Max", I think it is going to be bigger and better. As a smaller device, I am pretty certain it would be more difficult to use for a larger and/or less fit person. I think "Thera Cane Travel/Portable/OntheGO..." would be a more apt title. If they modified the original TC to break down into two, and added a few additional knobs, then it'd be Max, possibly even perfect. I'm still happy I bought it. For the quality and the purpose, it was worth the price.

I tried the Thera cane at my physical therapist office and love the fact that I was able to work on some knots I had in my middle back. I bought this two piece cane so that I can take it apart & fit it inside my carry on when traveling. I had a hard time screwing the knob in, so I posted this video to help anyone who might have the same issue. iI’s a solid massage cane and it has a lifetime guarantee so it’s definitely worth the price. I also contacted Thera cane customer service to ask for suggestions on putting it together previously and they responded very quickly. The only thing I don’t like is Amazon delivers it in the original box with no packaging and no tape so anyone can easily open the box and tamper with it before you use it .

I've been using a TheraCane for at least a decade and a half. A massage therapist had recommended them to me when I went to her for therapy after a plane trip triggered a fibromyalgia flareup, along with Claire Davies' book, "Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief". I knew I didn't have a suitcase large enough for the regular TheraCane, and just got the book and a therapy ball I positioned with the help of a sock, until getting home. I find the name brand TheraCane, which is what was available when I first got one is exactly what I need, and easy for me to use following the excellent guidance in Claire Davies' book, and the instructions which come with the TheraCane. When I have had the opportunity to try out other people's modified designs, I don't find their differences helpful. I was really excited when I saw they had come out with this packable version, and got one, since travelling seems to cause problems. When broken down, it fits easily in luggage. Then, after having a modification done on our travel trailer which disrupted the area where I had stowed it, I took a weaving class, needed the TheraCane big time, and couldn't find it, so I ordered another, which I stored in another spot. I eventually found the first one where I had looked for it, but because the pieces are small enough when broken down, it had been able to evade my search for it. Now that I have two, I keep them in the two spots I'm most likely to look for it when I'm in too much pain to go on a hunt for it. Thank you for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful.

Nice, sturdy construction. Very clear instructions. Easy to use. I was skeptical at first, but after dealing with severe chronic pain for so long, I finally followed my physical therapist's advice and bought this. It helps relieve knots and pain at pressure points without having to twist and turn! I'm a larger guy, and have zero issues. It's size and shape are just right. Worth every penny. Came with a DVD ...but wish it came with a link to a YouTube video instead.

This is proving to be a very useful tool, am very pleased I invested in it. Had a bit of trouble putting it together as the screw holes didn't want to align, but after all my muscle power got it sorted.

It's great

This works amazing! It gets so deep into muscles that it could almost replace a masseuse ( without the relaxation of course). My only issue is that it gets so deep I actually feel dizzy…be smart and warm your muscles with a bath or heating pad first, and if you don’t use it regularly you may need a painkiller ( same as if a masseuse were manipulating your back). Highly recommend!

This is an excellent useful item. It comes apart into two pieces for easy storage or for travel. It works great for reaching different parts of your body that you cannot otherwise access, grate for relieving tense muscles, etc. I highly recommend.

Very easy to use & very effective