FREE Self-Massage Tools That Get Results
As more businesses open and we transition to our new normal during a global pandemic, you may not yet feel comfortable going in for your regular massage appointments. Or you may have a hard time getting one since RMT’s have reduced availability due to increased cleaning protocols. But there are tools you have right in your home to help give you a stellar self-massage.
Yes, you can massage yourself at home. Of course it won’t the same as getting your regular massage but it can help you ease your aches and pains until you’re ready to return. Or if you are already back into your massage routine it can prolong the benefits of your sessions. Just in the same way that brushing and flossing between dentist visits keeps your teeth and gums healthier for longer.
Self-Massage Tools From Around the House
Self-massage can (literally) be awkward as you contort your body to reach pain points. It can also cause pain and discomfort in your hands when you aren’t properly trained. While there are certainly many self-massage tools that you can buy online, there are a few common household objects you can put to use RIGHT NOW, no shipping required.
Tennis Ball
If you don’t have a tennis ball, a lacrosse ball also works.
Techniques:
Lie on your back or stand up against the wall. Put the tennis ball between your shoulder blades or right behind your armpit. If you are lying down, your bodyweight will apply pressure into the ball. If you are standing, lean into it.
To work your legs sit on the floor with legs out in front of you and slide the ball under your calf. The weight of your leg applies the pressure into the ball. Get on your hands and knees. Put the tennis ball under the soft part of the shin (the muscle, not the bone) and let your bodyweight apply pressure.
You can use a harder, smaller ball, like a golf ball, to massage tight areas, but take care not to be too aggressive here. This is no time for “no pain, no gain.” You want to work up to the point of gently discomfort and cautiously test that line, but not go too far. Go easy on yourself! It’s better to be conservative and mindful so you don’t aggravate an area that’s already inflamed.
Socks
Avoid chasing your tennis ball all over the place while trying to use it for massage by sticking it inside of a sock. If you put two or three inside a sock and tie the end closed, you now have a roller that’s particularly nice to use on your quads.
Neck pain? My personal favorite sock-tennis ball combo is to put two tennis balls into a sock. Now lie on your back and put the sock across the back of your neck with one ball behind each ear. Let your head be heavy and feel the glorious release of tension from the muscles at the base of your head. This is a great one for those that suffer from headaches, or sit in front of a computer all day.
Towel
A foam roller is a great self-massage tool and usually one of the first things I recommend clients buy. However, they can be bulky and awkward to store and not everyone has the space to use one effectively. And if you can get similar results for free, why not do that?
Techniques:
Roll up a large towel (like beach towel) into a cylindrical shape and place it on the floor. Lie along its length so your tush is at one end and your head is at the other end (the towel is along your spine). Then move your arms as if you are making snow angels. This gives a wonderful stretch through the chest and helps with upper back pain after a long day sitting at a desk.
Now take that same towel and rotate it 90 degrees. Lie back down with the towel horizontal at the base of your shoulder blades. Your upper torso should now be slightly arched backwards over the towel roll. This posture is a useful to counterbalance the all-to-common hunched forward posture.
If one towel isn’t firm enough, use two together, or combine a towel and a yoga mat to give a bit more support.
Frozen Water Bottle
Fill a plastic bottle with water and freeze it. Once frozen, roll it over sore areas. This is an efficient way to massage and apply ice all at once. This technique is most often recommended for plantar fasciitis, but you can also use it on your calves, quads, forearms, and neck.
Rolling Pin
Massage stick rollers can cost $30 or more! Instead, use a rolling pin to massage your quads, hamstrings, and calves. Granted, it’s not as versatile as a foam roller, but it gets the job done effectively.
Wall
A wall is available anytime anywhere. Use your tennis ball up against a wall rather than lying on the ground to massage your shoulders, hip flexors, glutes, and pecs. To improve your upper spine mobility, wall angels are tough but effective.
No Props
Traveling or stuck at work with no props, but desperately need a massage? No problem! You can still get the benefits of self-massage through joint mobility, which can be very effective at reducing muscle tension. Consider these movements:
- Neck rolls
- Wrist circles
- Shoulder shrugs
- Shoulder rolls
- Hip circles
- Standing spinal roll down and roll up
- Standing side reach
- Active child’s pose
- Ankle rolls
Progressive muscle relaxation is massage and meditation all in one. Regularly incorporating this into your self-massage routine will help you feel grounded and relaxed until you can get back on my massage table.
Conclusion
Self-massage is a great option if you’re not ready to return to your regular appointments. If you’re back into your regular massage routine, it’s beneficial to do between sessions with me to help maximize the gains we made during your treatment and keep you pain-free for as long as possible.
I can’t wait to see you on my table again! When you’re ready you can schedule your appointment here.
*Important Reminder: Because of the extra cleaning/disinfecting protocols and safety measures in place my schedule has been reduced, limiting my availability. If you’re looking to get back into a routine it is important to book ahead to ensure an appointment and receive your preferred appointment date and time.