Tennis ball for DIY massage

When my mom was telling me she used a tennis ball to massage her back, I remember laughing and thinking, here we go again, she made up another remedy… But my mom proved once again that she is a wise woman!

Last night I was reading a mini article in Women’s Health magazine of last year, and guess what? A certain doctor Frank Lipman of New York City recommended this tip he uses on himself when he doesn’t have time to get a deep-tissue massage. Ooookay! Mom didn’t make this up after all!
So I did some research and found an unbelievable number of resources on the internet about “tennis ball massage.” I must have been living under a rock and needlessly suffered when I could have done the same thing for my sore feet, back & butt muscles at times.

Apparently, tennis ball massages are commonly used for trigger points therapy (the do it yourself kind), to relief sore muscles and also to help distribute pressure in the back during labor pains. It’s even been used by US Olympic team massage therapists. Wow!
Allright, I’m convinced and from now on (if I don’t forget where I left it), I will use my tennis ball massager. You can make your own with the instructions below.

You’ll need two tennis balls and a sock. Push the balls together in the sock and tie the end with a knot or rubberband. Use the massager by leaning on it against a wall or on the floor. Make sure there is a ball on each side of your spine, relax into the balls and roll the painful spot away. Well, it may not go away instantly, but you will feel some relief. When you are on the floor, bend the knees a little, lift your butt off the floor and try to keep your back straight. You can also use your new tennis ball massager for your feet, hips and arms. Take about 10-15 minutes for your massage, but remember, if it’s too uncomfortable and painful you should probably not continue. Get professional help instead.