Massage Balls
Massage balls are used as a massage aid. Ancient masseuses used compresses that were made of different materials to help them with their massage. A massage ball is not, however, not a compress.
A massage ball is a variation of the compress and helps to stimulate the body in different ways. In this article, we will discuss what different massage balls are used for.
What is the Need
A massage ball is an aid that is useful to the masseuse. Most massage balls are the of porcupine massage ball variety, which means that they have small spines all over them. Although they aren’t as sharp as a porcupine’s quill, the massage ball, by virtue of the fact that they are both hard and pliable, can help to stimulate the body unlike how the hand can do.
The massage therapist can use different-sized balls for different regions. Also, the balls are not all made the same way with some being softer than others. The different softness levels give a different amount of “give” when used, each working differently.
The massage ball has another very important use and that is for self massage. Most massages are performed by another person, but with a massage ball, you can give yourself a massage. While it is obviously not the same as having someone else massage you, it is cheaper, faster and you can do it whenever you have the time. Many people incorporate the massage balls into their daily fitness routines to simplify matters.
Foot Massage Ball
The most commonly used massage ball is the foot massage ball. The foot massage ball is generally designed as a double ball with a short straight length in-between, sort of like a compressed dumbbell. All you do is sit on a chair and roll your foot up and down on the ball.
The shape of the ball is such that not only can you massage the underside of your foot, but also the sides. For people whose jobs involve standing for long lengths of time, this is a very good option because the massage can be done even while watching TV or doing something else.
There are no specific sizes for the massage balls and new designs are always available. For example, the half ball for the foot is a new option, and you also get wooden ones that have rubberized inserts inside to cushion your foot, while still providing enough firmness so that your foot gets massaged.
Massage Exercise Ball
Massage balls range in size from small golf-sized ones to really massive ones. The biggest ones are called massage exercise balls. This ball is used to exercise the back allowing a person to lie on the ball, allowing the back to arch backwards, something that would be very difficult to achieve normally. Just lying like that is very beneficial because the back is forced to bend backwards, increasing and improving blood circulation to parts of the spine that do not generally stretch.
Word of Caution
Be careful when you use massage balls because using a soft ball where you need a harder one may give you the feeling that the ball is not doing its job, while using a hard one where a soft one should be used may end up leaving you sore, and sometimes even causing you pain. Also, make sure that you consult with a therapist and learn how to give yourself a massage before you start.
Exercise balls are not too expensive, and nowadays, you can find them online too. As a simple but effective tool to keep yourself healthy, the massage ball is very hard to beat.
