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Home > Nalcohealth > Fitness And Rehab > Trigger Ball And Massage Ball
Some creative tips on using a massage ball or trigger ball to self-treat muscle knots and myofascial trigger points
A massage ball, also known as trigger ball, is a very simple yet handy tool that you can use in the self-management and self-treatment of two main problems: tight muscles and painful knots in your muscles, often known as trigger points.
I know we also have the foam rollers for muscle release, and though both are used for muscle and knot release, both have different approaches – the massage/trigger balls go in deep and focused, great for those small and hidden muscles deep under.
The foam rollers are great for bigger muscle groups such as the superficial back muscles, thighs and calves.
The basic idea is to trap this ball between your body and something else, which is usually the floor, sometimes a wall, another body part (eg hand) and other creative solutions.
…is to create a release in the tight muscles and knots by applying the right amount of pressure at the right place – enough to relax it and do it some good, but not so much as to irritate the knot/muscle that causes it become inflamed.
What you should feel is a sensation that is strong and good, what we term as ‘good pain.’ If tears are running down your face, and your grimacing in pain, you need to be more gentle. You must be able to relax as you do this.
Once you’ve got the pressure and location right, try to relax as much as possible and wait for the ‘good pain to blow over’ to less than 80-90% from the original pain – this is the ‘release’ that I was referring to.
It’s a change of the soft tissue inside physiologically. Some people with very sensitive hands/body can actually ‘feel’ the knot/tightness dissolving and decreasing.
These massage and trigger balls are the most effective in the deep muscles of the back, hips and thighs. Some of the locations are quite difficult and maybe awkward for beginners, and sometimes you may find that it’s impossible to apply consistent good pressure, but with practice, it’d be ok.
So, lie down on one of them, and you can either place it exactly where is tight or tender and go straight to business, or you can just lie on it generally and slowly move your body such that the ball travels around, exploring until you hit a painful spot.
Like I mentioned above, the feeling and sensation should be strong and good, relieving and feels welcome – good pain.
Trigger point massage may sometimes only provide short termed, temporary relief. Consider these basic tips and tricks to enhance their effects:
Tight muscles and trigger points is really muscle tissues that are tightly bound together into an irritating and tender spot.
The focal pressure inhibits the motor nerve and breaks the cycle of spasm as well as literally breaking down the tender spot and pushing the stagnant tissue fluids and by-products that aggravate the problem, out of the area.
We are moving to nalcophysio.com! There will be content discussing orthopedic and sports conditions such as back pain, knee pain etc. See you there =)