Getting a massage is one of my favorite things to do. It is so good for you and feels great, but sometimes it is hard to find time to fit it into your schedule. When life gets busy it is important to still take care of your health. This is where self massage comes into the picture.
Here are few self massage tools and techniques that can help keep you going in between appointments.
Your Own Hands – There are some areas and some issues that you can work on with nothing but your own hands.
- If you are suffering from neck pain or headaches try using your fingertips and making firm circles starting at the base of your skull and work your way down the back of your neck and the tops of your shoulders.
- Calf and lower leg pain is something else you can work on. Find the area that is bothersome and using your palms or fingertips apply firm pressure in circular motions to that area and all around it.
Tennis Ball – Most people have a tennis ball somewhere in the house. (The tricky part might be finding one without dog slobber.) Aside from being a good toy it can be a great tool for self care.
- For shoulder and back tension put a tennis ball in a sock. Hold onto the opening of the sock and throw the ball over your shoulder. Lean against a wall to apply pressure to your back and slide up and down to work out the tough spots. If you need more pressure try putting the ball on the floor and lay on top of it.
- For your feet, place the tennis ball on the floor and roll it under the arch of your foot. The more weight you put on the ball the more intense the massage will be.
Foam Roller – Though you may not have one lying around your house, this is something you can find in just about any sporting goods store.
- Foam rollers are great for your upper leg, especially quads and hamstrings. With the roller on the floor place the area of your leg you want to work on the roller. Roll back and forth using your body weight to apply more pressure
When doing any type of massage it is important to listen to your body. If you are feeling a lot of pain, your body is saying STOP! Use less pressure or stop working the area all together.
While these techniques are good, they can’t replace getting a massage from a professional. If it has been too long since your last massage, schedule your consultation today.
