Rubber ball massager, four balls at end of bakelite handle, Neda brand, British, 1900-1930

This type of massager has four rubber balls (two with ridged edges) and a handle made from Bakelite – an early plastic developed in 1907. The massager would have been purchased from a chemist and used at home, possibly with oils.

Massage is an ancient activity practised by medical professionals and non-professionals alike across a range of different medical traditions. As well as being a means of healing and relieving pain, it also helps people to feel relaxed.