Tools for Self Massage

Thoroughly tested, these tools can help maintain your body in between sessions. Many of these are available for sale in my office, subject to availability. I do not receive any financial benefit from these companies for promoting these tools. It is recommended to get instruction from your LMT, PT, DC or Doctor before doing self massage.

Body massage ball​ - The best physio ball for creating more back flexibility, opening the chest and shoulders. Just the right amount of firmness, just the right size to stretch the back over or to place under your sacrum for a pelvic release.​ Cost: $20-30

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Lacrosse ball or Knotty Body - It can be used to do cross fiber frictions in adhered areas, like the hip socket, bottom of feet, pectoralis minor and suboccipital areas. It also relieves trigger points, in particular in the trapezius and levator scapula muscles. Lacrosse balls are hard with rubber coating. Be careful when using them on the spine, for example, tied in a sock on either side of the spine. Tennis balls are great when the area is too tender or easily injured as they are significantly softer. The Knotty Body ball is in between a hard lacrosse ball and soft tennis ball. It is firm rubber with a hollow inside. Lacrosse balls and Knotty Body balls cost: $7-10​

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Theraband flexbar - Great for giving varied movements and therefore neuromuscular therapy to overly tight arms muscles. Many be helpful for tendonitis/tendonosis and/or carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries of the lower arm and wrist. Cost: $20

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Cupping set - It is best to receive instruction before cupping yourself as cupping can be harmful if not carefully applied. Yet, is an excellent way to release superficial adhesions and trigger points that keep coming back. It can be useful to purchase a set with the extension tube to help reach difficult areas. However, you may still need help placing the cups. Do not cup yourself frequently and check for contraindications. Hansol Bu-Hang is the brand I recommend for beginners. Cost: $29-45

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Many people love their foam rollers and they have their place, but frankly myofascial release is the main reason people use them and they are not good at that. Instead of releasing fascia, they mostly crush it and roll right over it.