By Tim, Sports Massage Therapist
I’ve been a sports massage therapist for 10 years now, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there. But like many people in hands-on professions, I’ve spent a lot of time managing pain behind the scenes—particularly from an old injury that never quite let go.
Around 30 years ago, I was in a motorbike accident. Just a bad fall and some months of rest. But the pain in my neck and shoulders lingered, and over time it became part of the background noise of my life. I just accepted it to be the normal.
When I started working as a therapist, the irony hit me hard: I was spending my days helping others recover, while quietly managing chronic pain of my own. Long hours leaning over clients, filling out paperwork, craning my head forward—all of it added up. Some days were harder than others, but I pushed through, like we all do.
The Moment Everything Changed
A few years ago, I was walking around a therapy expo, just exploring what was new. I didn’t expect much—after a while, a lot of recovery tools start to look and feel the same.
But then I came across Tend.
I remember picking up the device and giving it a go on my traps. Within seconds, I could tell this wasn’t your average massage tool. The vibration was different—strong but controlled, with a depth that actually reached the tight spots I could never quite get to myself. It wasn’t just surface-level; it felt like it was resetting my muscles, almost like a deep tissue session in the palm of my hand.
I left that day with a new tool in my kit—and a real sense of relief for the first time in years.
It’s Now Part of My Daily Routine
Since then, Tend has become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine. I use it in the mornings when I wake up tight. I use it between clients to loosen up my neck and upper back. I even use it in the evenings when I’m winding down.
It’s like having a hands-free therapist with me all day, ready whenever I need it.
But more than that, it’s also become something I share with my clients.
Bringing Tend into My Clinic
Once I saw the impact Tend had on me personally, I started integrating it into my work with clients. For people with chronic stiffness, joint issues, or even just the day-to-day tightness from training or desk jobs—it’s a game changer.
I’ve had clients walk in unable to turn their necks or raise their arms overhead, and after a few minutes using Tend as part of our session, they’re noticeably freer and more comfortable. It’s not just placebo—it works.
It’s gentle enough for people with sensitivities, yet powerful enough for athletes and active clients. That balance is rare.
Helping Others Discover It
Since discovering Tend, I’ve also started helping out at therapy expos, working with the team to demonstrate how the device works and share my story with other professionals.
I’ve had dozens of conversations with therapists, physios, and trainers who—just like me—are dealing with their own pain or trying to support clients in new ways. Being able to show them something that actually works, something that’s backed by science and easy to use, is a really fulfilling experience.
Final Thoughts
Chronic pain used to feel like something I just had to accept—a consequence of an old injury and a physically demanding career. But now, I feel like I’ve taken that power back.
Tend has helped me feel better, move better, and keep doing the work I love—not just for myself, but for others too.
If you’re dealing with tension, pain, or just want to feel more in control of your recovery, give it a go. I’ve felt the difference. My clients have felt the difference. It’s real.