Keeping your muscles loose is an important aspect of good joint health and good joint mobility. You can do this by going to a massage therapist or physical therapist, both of which are needed at times, but it is also important to do your own maintenance work as well.
There are a lot of different tools out there to use for loosening up muscles on your own. Here are a few of my favorites.
The Stick – works great to roll out your leg muscles on your own or have someone else roll out your arm muscles.
Lacrosse Ball – works great to “smash” the knots you feel in your muscles. Find the tight area and put pressure on the area with the ball by either lying on the ball or putting the ball on the wall and leaning against it. You can also tape two together and roll over it with one ball on either side of your spine.
Foam Roller – can use to roll out tight muscles, trigger points, and mobilize the joints in the spine.
Bands – used to assist with mobilizing a joint or you can use it to help gain leverage to increase a stretch
Theracane – great for getting into the tight areas in the upper back area
Have questions on some specific ways to loosen up YOUR tight areas? Or unsure if you are using the products correctly? Email me at brianne@getyourfixpt.com with your questions.
