I am a big fan of myofascial
release. (Actually, Myofascial
Release would be a great band name.)
Myofascial release is what you get when you get a massage, especially a
deep tissue massage. It is the
process of breaking up muscle knots, allowing for more flexibility and
relaxation.
Massage is, of course, my
favorite way to get the benefits, but we can all use other methods that are
more economically feasible. My
second favorite method is the duck.
The label on the duck says it is a “point pressing stick.” It costs a whopping $1.50 at the Daiso
store, so I have several: one at my desk, one in my car, one in the gym,
etc. I hook it over my shoulder
and pull on the handle to get relief for tight muscles in that neck/shoulder
area.
Then there are balls. I have tennis balls, lacrosse balls, a
softball, and a big fancy ball about the size of a playground ball that I use
to press out the tension in my back, my behind, and other areas of my body. Only the fancy one cost more than a few
bucks. A few minutes with any of
those items pressing into sore parts can transform my attitude.
Foam rollers come in various
degrees of hardness. They provide
opportunities for releasing back muscles and leg muscles.
Myofascial release can be
painful, especially at first and any time the IT band on the outside edge of
the thighs gets involved (I call that part “Inventing Swear Words.”). Starting with softer options in rollers
and balls can ease us into the process.
When we are ready, we can move to the deeper release of the harder
implements. Choose a hardness that
is tolerable to hold on a tense spot for at least 30 seconds for optimal
release.
People with diabetes, low bone
density, peripheral neuropathy, and high blood pressure should check in with
the doctor before experimenting to make sure it is appropriate. Everyone else: press back on that pressure and release
it!