What Makes a Great Topical for Manual Therapy?
In clinical rehab settings, the right topical can make or break a treatment session. Whether you’re performing instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), manual therapy, or cupping, factors like glide, grip, and absorption directly impact both treatment effectiveness and patient comfort.
But it’s not just about how a topical feels on the patient’s skin– it’s also about what your hands absorb, session after session. That’s why clinicians deserve formulas that perform clinically and protect their skin without compromising health, sensitivity, or hygiene.
Another key consideration? Tool compatibility. Not all topicals play well with IASTM tools or cupping devices. A well-formulated emollient cream or massage lotion should enrich feedback, not interfere with it.
That’s why HawkGrips developed a complete lineup of topicals, each one tailored for specific clinical needs. From our classic oil-based emollient cream to our lightweight therapeutic massage lotion, professional massage cream with controlled grip, and water-based HawkHydro, every formula has been:
- Crafted with clean, health-conscious, & skin-friendly ingredients
- Refined through professional feedback
- Proudly made in the USA
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about our topical collection, including what sets them apart, how to use them, and which might be the right fit for your clinical toolbox.
Emollient Cream (Fragrance-Free + Vanilla Scent)
Our most recommended formula for use with IASTM tools
The HawkGrips Emollient is a go-to staple for clinicians who prioritize performance, patient comfort, and tool compatibility. This oil-based emollient offers the ideal surface viscosity for IASTM and soft tissue techniques– thick enough for control, smooth enough for glide. Its consistency allows you to stay connected to the tissue and apply precise pressure without excessive slip.
To accommodate different settings and sensitivities, the emollient cream comes in two scent options:
- Fragrance-Free: ideal for scent-free clinics, hospitals, or patients with sensitivities
- Vanilla-Scented: offers a light vanilla cupcake-like aroma for a pleasant, inviting treatment experience, a favorite among athletes too
Formulated to minimize allergens and maximize tactile feedback, this emollient is safe for frequent use and pairs perfectly with HawkGrips instruments.
For flexibility in the clinic or on the go, this IASTM emollient is available in two formats:
- An 8 oz jar for standard in-clinic use
- Single-use packets, great for travel or hygienic application between patients
And stay tuned for another format soon…
Therapeutic Massage Lotion (Tube)
Our Therapeutic Massage Lotion is a lightweight, professional-grade formula designed to support a variety of manual therapy techniques.
With a smooth, easy-glide consistency and fast-absorbing finish, it offers the control clinicians need without leaving skin feeling greasy or overly slick. Ideal for general massage, myofascial work, and soft tissue mobilization, this lotion delivers consistent performance in any treatment setting.
Made in the USA and packaged in a portable 8 oz squeeze tube, this lotion is:
- Easy to dispense without scooping or dipping
- Less prone to contamination between patients
- Travel-friendly for on-the-go treatments
If you’re looking for an unscented massage lotion that’s light, effective, and easy to work with, this is it.
Professional Massage Cream (8oz & 16oz Jars)
Designed for soft tissue professionals, HawkGrips Professional Massage Cream offers a rich, controlled glide, ideal for deep tissue and myofascial techniques. Its balanced texture delivers more grip than our emollient cream and massage lotion, giving you the precision needed for deeper, more focused work. The medium glide keeps movement fluid while allowing you to stay connected to underlying tissue.
- Ideal for deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and scar tissue mobilization
- Provides just the right amount of friction for strong feedback
- Hypoallergenic formula made with clean, skin-friendly ingredients
- Developed with therapist input to meet clinical demands for control, glide, and safety
- Free from parabens and common irritants and made in the USA
Choose Your Size
- 8 oz jar – great for personal use or mobile treatments
- 16 oz jar – perfect for high-volume clinics and shared spaces
If you prefer a massage medium that gives you more grip and control, this cream is for you.
HawkHydro Water-Based Emollient
Our HawkHydro Water-Based Emollient is a professional-grade, water-based emollient developed with clinician input for seamless use across techniques. Unlike traditional oil-based creams, it provides effective glide for IASTM, cupping, and muscle scraping, without leaving any greasy residue behind.
Its fast-clean formula wipes off easily without soap and water, making it ideal for busy clinics or when transitioning directly to taping.
Why Clinicians Choose HawkHydro
- Ideal for IASTM, cupping, and scraping when a clean surface is required post-treatment
- Maintains smooth glide while preserving manual feedback
- Saves time between modalities– just wipe and tape, no soap & water required
- Light, gel-like consistency great for sensitive skin
- Made in the USA
- Smart, hygienic packaging
Packaged in a compact 4 oz squeeze bottle that’s:
- Easy to dispense during treatment
- Travel-friendly for sideline or mobile rehab use
- Perfect for treatment carts or field kits
If you’re looking for a non-greasy emollient that keeps up with your pace, HawkHydro is your choice.
Why Clinicians Trust HawkGrips Topicals
Our topical products are crafted with the same clinical integrity behind every HawkGrips tool. Each formula is developed with input from physical therapists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists to ensure it performs.
We prioritize clean, skin-friendly ingredients that meet professional standards. Every product is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and manufactured in the USA under strict quality control to support patient safety and clinician confidence.
Whether you’re working in a hospital, private practice, or on the sidelines, HawkGrips topicals deliver the performance, reliability, and comfort you desire.
Explore the Full Line of HawkGrips Topicals
Every clinician works differently… that’s why we offer a full range of topicals to support your treatment goals. Whether you need more glide, more grip, or a clean transition between modalities, HawkGrips has a formula for you.
Shop any individual topical or try a sample bundle to find the formula that fits your technique. You can also shop our topicals through various distributors.
Click below to shop or learn more about each product:
- Oil-Based Emollient (Jar)
- Oil-Based Emollient (Single-Use Packets)
- HawkHydro Water-Based Emollient
- Therapeutic Massage Lotion
- Professional Massage Cream
Need help choosing the right option? Our team is here to help. Contact us anytime for personalized support.