downward massaging movement of extremity 34 a of support 34 and of the massage heads connected thereto biasing means are provided for yieldably resisting the pivotal movement of the massage assembly about the pivot rod between the first and second positions this important biasing means which can comprise any type of elastic member such as a spring or elastic strap is here provided in the form of an elongated elastomeric strap 54 that extends between base 22 and a connector segment 56 that is connected to and extends rearwardly from the hand grip member 40 in the manner illustrated in fig1 and 5 of the drawings connector segment 56 here comprises a transversely extending rod like portion 56 a and an outwardly extending tongue like portion 56 b as shown in fig1 and 10 elastomeric strap 54 is provided with spaced apart apertures 54 a and 54 b which are configured to closely receive the opposite end portions of transversely extending rod portion 56 a similarly the bight portion 28 of base 22 is provided with a hook like element 58 to which the elastomeric strap 54 is interconnected in the manner best seen in fig5 in using the apparatus of the invention with the user lying down and bending his back forward perhaps using a pillow to support the back the apparatus in the configuration shown in.