DIY Tennis Ball Therapy for Pain Management
Here are some rules to follow while practicing DIY tennis ball therapy
- Warm the muscle area beforehand.
- When the point of tension is found, hold the ball in place and keep sustained pressure. The discomfort should be satisfying, not painful.
- Breathe deeply to oxygenate blood.
- Stop if it doesn’t feel right. This is always a good rule when exercising.
- Stretch the muscle afterwards. This is always a good rule following massage.
Lying on the floor
- 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.
- 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
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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.
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Move around in all directions until you find a tender spot.
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Using your body weight press the ball into wall and cross your hands over your chest.
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Roll up and down slowly on the ball, massaging any knots or tender areas you may encounter.
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Repeat on the other side.
Lying on the floor
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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.
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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.
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Breathe deeply as you roll for up to 5 minutes.
Stand against a wall
-
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.
-
Move around in all directions until you find a tender spot.
-
Using your body weight press the ball into the wall and cross your hands over your chest.
-
Roll up and down slowly on the ball, massaging any knots or tender areas you may encounter.
-
Repeat on the other side.