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DIY Tennis Ball Therapy for Pain Management

Try these simple DIY massage techniques for pain management – all you’ll need is a couple of tennis balls and a sock.

Tennis ball self-massage can be applied to any part of the body. DIY muscle release techniques are very effective for rejuvenating and regenerating muscles affected by soft tissue imbalances. They can rehabilitate and restore soft tissue structures to a healthy condition, preparing the muscles for movement and aiding recovery.

With just a few tennis balls and a sock, if followed correctly the below moves can reach the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue and release adhesions so muscles are able to fully stretch and contract. This could relieve discomfort, pain, and increase blood and lymph circulation.

The possible benefits of Tennis Ball Massage Therapy

DIY muscle release works best after a workout but can be performed whenever you can fit in throughout the day. It doesn’t occupy too much time, so is perfect for a busy schedule. Just like stretching, best results are seen after consistent practice.

Releasing trigger points can be painful and cause an ache afterwards. The pain should be a satisfying type of pain, similar to a deep tissue massage.

Increase joint range of motion

Help muscle performance

Decrease fatigue after exercise

Decrease soreness after exercise

Here are some rules to follow while practicing DIY tennis ball therapy

  1. Warm the muscle area beforehand.
  2. When the point of tension is found, hold the ball in place and keep sustained pressure. The discomfort should be satisfying, not painful.
  3. Breathe deeply to oxygenate blood.
  4. Stop if it doesn’t feel right. This is always a good rule when exercising.
  5. Stretch the muscle afterwards. This is always a good rule following massage.

Upper Back Release

The trapezius muscle (Trapz) is a large muscle that connects your upper back, neck, and shoulders. It can often get tight and painful with overuse or stress. This can contribute to neck and shoulder pain.

This routine can aide postural correction, an upper back tension reliever, and helps to revive your breath.

Lying on the floor

  1. Lie down on the floor and place two balls in a sock on either side of your Thoracic (Ribs) spine. Interlace your hands behind your head and lift your head off the floor, bringing your chin toward your chest. Lift your bottom off the floor, rest on the tennis balls and take 3 deep breaths.
  2. Keeping breathing deep and steady, roll the tennis balls up and down your Thoracic (Ribs) spine for up to 5 minutes.

Stand against a wall

  1. Stand with your back against a wall with a tennis ball between the wall and your Thoracic (Ribs) spine; with the ball on one side of your spine.
  2. Move around in all directions until you find a tender spot.
  3. Using your body weight press the ball into wall and cross your hands over your chest.
  4. Roll up and down slowly on the ball, massaging any knots or tender areas you may encounter.
  5. Repeat on the other side.

Lower Back Release

This routine can aid postural correction through massaging and relieving tension of the Lumbar spine in the lower back, the Quadratus Lumborum (QL’s), Erector Spinae, Oblique muscles and Lumbodorsal Fascia, which attaches to the latissimus dors (Lats) muscles.

Lying on the floor

  1. Lie down on the floor, placing two balls in a sock on either side of your Lumbar spine area, between your bottom and ribs. Interlace your hands behind your head and lift your head off the floor, bringing your chin toward your chest. Lift your bottom off the floor, so your Lumbar spine area is resting on the tennis balls and take 3 deep breaths. Breathe deeply while shifting your pelvis up and down so the balls roll your entire lower back.
  2. Move the ball more slowly in areas where you feel stiffer and lighten your pressure when near the spine so that you're not pinching the balls into your spine as you move up and down the Lumbar spine area.
  3. Breathe deeply as you roll for up to 5 minutes.

Stand against a wall

  1. Stand with your back against a wall with a tennis ball between the wall and your Lumbar spine area; with the ball on one side of your spine.
  2. Move around in all directions until you find a tender spot.
  3. Using your body weight press the ball into the wall and cross your hands over your chest.
  4. Roll up and down slowly on the ball, massaging any knots or tender areas you may encounter.
  5. Repeat on the other side.