Wellness Wednesdays: The Tools of the Trade of Self-Massage

No time for a massage?  No problem!

It’s no secret that massage and myofascial release should be a part of your daily wellness routine.  If it’s not, you should definitely consider purchasing one of these tools to help you move better & feel better!

This is my personal stash of tools and yes, I know it’s a lot, but I teach 12 classes a week, walk my dogs on a regular basis and tote my baby girl around. So, by the end of the week my body is in need of recovery.  I also have plantar fasciitis and can’t afford to get a massage on a daily basis but using these tools help me to get through everything week after week.

Here is a List of the Tools & Tips:

1.  Point Pressure Stick – Daiso Japanese Store – $1.50

•      This is the best deal of all the tools!
•      Helps to relieve back stress & tension.
•      Hook it over the shoulder or under the arm & press into any of the muscles of the upper back, lower back or neck.

2.  Ultra Roller – Addaday Type A – ~$25

• This is also similar (but different) to the Tiger Tail & The Stick.
• This helped me right before my Ironman Vineman 70.3 Race.  This is all I used the day before the race and wasn’t very sore the next day!
• Allows for optimal blood flow around muscle groups as it kneads the same as the human elbow.
• Hold the handles and roll to help relieve IT Band, Runners Knee, Plantar Fasciitis, Sore quads, hamstrings & back

3.  Foam Roller – Perform Better – ~$25

• This is perfect for people who are just starting to foam roll.
• Great for total body self-myofascial release.
• Also comes in different more dense foam for greater pressure.

4.  Therapy Balls – Yoga Tune Up – ~$12

• Great for traveling!  I take these with me on planes and massage my feet, back & neck after a stressful day of travel because they are so compact.
• I liked these so much I did the Therapy Ball Practitioner Workshop!  Well worth it.
• Gives a more deep tissue massage.

5.  Trigger Point Starter Kit – TriggerPoint – ~$70

(Foot Roller Not Shown in Picture)

• This is a great starter kit for deep tissue massage in the body.
• Comes with an educational DVD.
• Targeted areas:  pectorals, piriformis, peroneals, soleus
• Helps with ankle stability, plantar fasciitis, lower back pain, piriformis syndrome, upper back strain.

6.  Grid Foam Roller – TriggerPoint – ~$40

• This is a great space saving foam roller and more dense for a deeper massage than a regular foam roller because of its hollowed design.
• Similar to the Addaday Ultra Roller, the Grid is 3-dimensional to help allow tissues to aerate as you roll to promote blood flow & oxygen for repair.
• This roller is also compact and travel-friendly!

Whatever you choose, make sure that de-stressing and massage are a part of your daily routine even if it’s for 5 minutes!  Anything will help you move better & feel better!  Happy Rolling!