One Tool You Should Have on Hand Between Massages

I often get asked what is one tool I should buy or have on hand between massages that I can use safely for the most part to help with my needs with sore muscles. The best answer I can give most people is a simple tennis ball. That's right, simple tennis ball because they are almost perfect diameter for most people and that the holding the position you place them without padding against other bones or structures that can cause pain. They also have just the right level of firmness and softness in order to not bruised the skin on most people or shift joints or bones around or damage other structures in the body like nerves and blood vessels. Many individuals who hear the suggestion will report this and say that a tennis ball does not provide a lot of force and that a lacrosse ball or golf ball would work better. To those individuals I will usually reply that lacrosse balls are not the same diameter nor they have the same density and are incredibly unforgiving. Golf balls are way too small and way too dense and because of the materials are made out of don't stay in place very well against anybody part. Some of the most important things to remember when using a tennis ball to soothe a tight muscle is that you should never play some around the back of your knees on the sides of your neck or pushing against the jaw. These areas are sensitive to pressure or they can interrupt blood flow away or to the heart. And it's important to note if you can't reach those areas safely you're better off to ask for help from your massage therapist and bring a tennis ball with you so that they can help instruct you on its proper use.