It doesn’t matter if you play competitive, contact, or contactless sport; muscle strains, aches, and pains are a part of physical activity. Taking care of those aches, pains, and strains is where it can get complicated. There are a million and one recovery tools and equipment claiming to be the best thing since sliced bread. But have you thought about a massage ball? If you’re looking for a cheap, reliable and mobile recovery tool then we’ve got the scoop for you. Massage balls will become your best friend, no matter if you’re a professional, amateur or social superstar and here’s why!
What is a massage ball?
A massage ball is a deep massaging recovery tool that is usually made of compacted materials such a rubber. The massage ball is specifically designed to aid in recovery, muscle relaxation and injury treatment. Massage balls come in a range of sizes, shapes and firmness depending on your needs.
Finding the right massage ball is all about budget and your specific needs. Due to its compacted materials, the massage ball is capable of targeted hard to reach muscles that other equipment simply won’t get to.
How to use a massage ball
Massage balls are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre and even easier to carry around with you. Using a massage ball is as simple as locating where in a particular muscle or joint you feel tight or sore, and placing the ball into that point. Unlike a foam roller, the massage ball is designed to target specific parts of muscle, making them ideal for recovery after a game or race.
As the ball targets the tight or sore spot, due to its design the massage ball will reach significantly deeper levels of tissue than what a foam roller can do. This is largely due to its smaller surface area when compared to foam rollers. This isn’t to say foam rollers don’t have their benefits, but if you have targeted or specific needs then a massage ball may be a better option for your recovery.
As the massage ball goes to work, the small and firm surface area helps soften, slide and lubricate the layers of tissue within your muscles. This process will help loosen muscles and get you performing at peak levels again. Placing the massage ball in the targeted area and allowing pressure for even just a few minutes can significantly reduce aches and pains.
How to choose the right massage ball
As you can imagine, finding the right massage ball matters, both in recovery outcomes but also specific treatment. The right massage ball is the one that can actively target areas of your body that need release.
Firm and smooth massage balls are ideal for releasing tension in muscle groups that can be hard to get to with other equipment or designs. For example, a firm and smooth massage ball may be ideal for hip flexors or groins, as they can target these smaller muscle groups more easily.
Spikey massage balls are great for larger muscle groups as the spikes create a larger surface area to target. By creating pressure across multiple contact points with its spikes, this design can help in larger muscles such as quads, hamstrings or calves.
Softer massage balls can be useful for post-game or race recovery immediately following activity. The softer feel means the pressure will be less intense immediately following activity, when you may feel the most fatigue in a muscle. These massage balls are great for promoting blood flow and lubrication at a time where lactic acid wants to build or continue building.
Where to shop for massage balls?
No matter where you look, you’ll likely find a retailer of massage balls. It’s important not to rush and do your research or speak with a professional first.
If you regularly see a physiotherapist, they will likely have a recommendation or even sell their preferred massage ball. Alternatively, once you know which massage ball you need then you can shop online through Amazon, or in store at any reputable Sporting Goods store such as Rebel.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your sporting journey; recovery is the single most important part of performance. Do yourself a favour and equip yourself with the best recovery tool for peak performance, the massage ball. Want more sports tips? Check out our Physical Solutions sports archive!
