Everyone would love to have their very own massage therapist at their beck and call, but the reality is that most of us don't have the financial resources available. Often times, when we need a massage the most is at an inopportune moment of discomfort. These are the times that having self massage tools at the ready can be a blessing.
Use a firm rubber ball about 2-4 inches in diameter as one of the best, and least expensive, self massage tools. A child's toy or a used tennis ball has the perfect amount of give while still providing adequate pressure to release sore muscles in hard to reach locations such as the back.
An S-shaped therapy cane can provide excellent tension relief in the larger back, gluteal or hamstring muscles. Normally these are all difficult areas to access, but the S-shaped massage tool effectively targets specific sore spots in these large muscle groups.
The trigger point tool is typically a small, plastic or wooden hand held self massage tool. With the ability to pinpoint smaller areas of tension and pain, the trigger point tool can provide immediate relief for overworked, accessible muscles of the arms, hands, legs and feet.
Percussion massage tools are devices that are usually electric operated, hand held, and have a vibratory or pulsating head. Most have an extension arm for hard to reach areas of the body and many include heat and/or infrared therapy for added tension relief.
The simple rolling pin is highly effective (and readily accessible in most households) as one of the top five self massage tools. Indispensable for rolling under tired, aching feet, the smaller rolling surface of the one handed rolling pin does double duty for any other larger muscle groups to roll out stress and tension.
Self massage tools are not limited to those listed above. With creativity- golf balls, smooth stones, and other items can be effective at releasing muscle tension.
Love this. Wrap the rolling pin in thick foam for the back. Nice!
Like the tip about using a rolling pin to massage feet--having arthritis pain in them I'll give this a try--good tips.
Great ideas!
How I wish I had my own message therapist at my beck and call. Those are some great ideas, in the meantime. The rolling pin is unique. I haven't heard of that one, but it makes sense.
select one here...