Father’s Day is not one of the high holidays. Unlike Mother’s Day, which began in 1914, the Sunday we celebrate our dads has only been around since President Nixon signed it into existence in 1972. Data from the National Retail Federation estimates that just 77 percent of Americans celebrate Father’s Day, while more than 86 percent honor their mothers. We also spend $8 billion more on our moms.

Maybe it’s because dads don’t like to make a fuss. Plus, many modern fathers still do the whole strong-but-silent routine, keeping their aches and pains to themselves. 

So this Father’s Day, let’s kill two birds with one stone. Here are three massage tools you can get your pops this Sunday.

Massage Gun

Ten years ago, massage guns were reserved for only the most cutting-edge physical therapists. The massage tool uses micro-percussion to vibrate muscles, which can increase blood flow and release tension. Massage guns used to cost more than $300 dollars unless you made one yourself out of a jigsaw and super-glued a golf ball onto the blade. Today, they’re everywhere—and they’re cheap. I ordered my first massage gun from AliExpress, the Chinese version of Amazon, for $50. Now I see them on sale at Marshall’s for less than $40. 

A 2020 study in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine  showed that massage gun therapy can increase range of motion after just 5 minutes of use. I can also speak from experience and tell you that they just feel good. Dad can sit on the couch and watch TV while working out a crick in his neck. 

There are hundreds of different kinds of massage guns available, from the high-end Theragun to the off-brand options available on AliExpress. The more expensive massage guns tend to be quieter, with longer battery life and stronger motors for deeper massages.

Lacrosse Ball

The cheapest and most intense massage tool is the lacrosse ball. The hard rubber sports ball is just six bucks on Amazon, but it might be the most effective therapeutic tool available. 

Lacrosse balls are excellent for myofascial release. The fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that wraps around the muscles and organs of the body. The daily grind of modern life often tightens and tears the fascia, leading to a whole host of issues that manifest as pain. Studies have shown that self-myofascial massage can help increase range of motion, aid in muscle performance and decrease soreness after exercise. 

The lacrosse ball is for dads with a high pain tolerance. You put the ball on the floor or carpet and drape as much or as little of your body weight on to the ball to put pressure on specific points of the body. For a lighter experience, you can put the ball between the body and wall and lean into it. This works for areas like the glutes and upper back.

And maybe for old times' sake you can toss the ball around in the yard while listening to Cat Stevens' "Father and Son" song afterward. 

DoubleUP Roller 

My father is getting a DoubleUP Roller for his special day. 

I discovered this massage tool earlier this year and the concept is so obvious I can’t believe it’s only been around since 2019. The DoubleUP Roller is a levered massage roller. There are two rollers attached to a metal clamp with handles. You hold it like you would dowsing rods. This allows you to apply significant pressure with your hands. 

There are limitations to the device. You can’t really massage your back, but the tool’s ability to massage your legs, arms, traps and even feet are incredible. It gives you precise control and a massive amount of leverage to apply tons of pressure without straining yourself. It’s perfect for dads who are too dignified to get on the floor and use a foam roller.