What is the primary tool that massage therapists use?

The primary tool that massage therapists use is their hands. This is because the hands are essential for performing various techniques involved in massage therapy, such as kneading, stroking, and applying pressure to the body's soft tissues. The efficacy of massage relies heavily on the therapist's tactile feedback and the ability to feel muscle tension and other physical responses through their hands, which allows for responsive and effective treatment tailored to the client's needs.

While feet can be used in certain styles of massage, such as Thai massage or Ashiatsu, they are not the primary tool for most techniques. Essential oils are beneficial adjuncts that enhance the massage experience through aroma and potentially therapeutic effects but do not serve as a primary tool. Similarly, massage tables provide a platform for clients to receive massage but do not actively perform the work—this is the role of the therapist’s hands. Therefore, the hands take precedence as the central and most important instrument in the practice of massage therapy.