(Note: These are my favorite tools I personally use at home in between getting regular massages. I am not affiliated with any of the brands or links I have shared, and I am not getting any compensation for promoting these products.These are simply products I have used myself and would recommend to anyone.)
Looking for some muscle relief in between massage sessions? Here are a few of my favorite tools:
Acupressure Ball
Before I went to massage school I worked for awhile as a waitress and a bartender. During this time I worked long shifts on my feet. It didn’t take long for me to develop plantar fasciitis. Every step I took brought shooting pain in my heel. While looking for a solution I came across FootRubz Acupressure Ball. It was affordable, so I figured why not give it a try? It quickly became my favorite tool. I simply roll it along the bottoms of my feet while I’m watching TV or before I head to bed and it brings a lot of relief.
I recommend this tool for anyone who works on their feet or is experiencing foot pain. Any small acupressure ball should work, FootRubz is just the brand I personally got. I’ve had it 8 years now and it still works great.
Foam Roller
I have to admit, it took me a long time to get on the foam roller bandwagon. I had heard about how awesome they were and how popular they are amongst athletes, but never seemed to find the time to try it for myself. It wasn’t until I was training for my first marathon in 2019, and my hips and quads were screaming for some relief, that I finally decided it was time to give it a try.
The foam roller is now my new best friend. They definitely get a love/hate reputation - love for their relief but hate for the discomfort of rolling on tight muscles. The great thing is that you can control how much of your weight you put on the roller, and it doesn’t have to be super painful to be effective.
I always recommend rolling after you finish a workout or after a hot shower, when your tissue is warmed up. It’s like how in massage, the therapist will warm up the area with lighter strokes before applying deeper pressure.
There are a lot of different types of foam rollers and they will all work - from the simple foam roll you find at your gym to the one I personally like: The TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller. I like the TriggerPoint Roller because I like the feel of the knobs and the fact that it comes in different “intensity levels” (how firm the roller is). A foam roller won’t target trigger points on it’s own, you still have to be able to find them and then apply the pressure correctly. The website TriggerPoints.net has some charts on where to locate common ones, and check back soon for my guide on how to locate trigger points.
CBD Salve
I could not go without this CBD Salve. I feel in love with CBD for pain relief a few years ago at a farmers market in Erie, Colorado when I was looking for something to help with my grandmother’s arthritis. I massaged the CBD (a little goes a long way!) into my grandmother’s hands before bed, the next day she reported that most of the pain had disappeared and she was better able to grasp objects.
CBD has been found to have amazing anti-inflammatory properties and is also used to soothe sore muscles and lessen joint pain.
I then started using it on myself, applying a small amount to wherever was sore or aching. It brings quick and lasting relief. In most cases, it isn’t a permanent solution but it is definitely helpful.
I have a tried a number of products since then, but my favorite is the CBD salve by Dean's Greens. This salve contains no THC and won’t get you high. The hemp is organic and grown right up the road, by a local farmer in Louisburg, NC. This particular CBD salve also contains menthol, which brings that instant relief while the CBD works to do its job.
There are many different companies that make CBD topicals, so make sure to do your research before purchasing. Like I mentioned, I like Dean's Greens CBD Salve, but there are many kinds out there that could work for you.
You can purchase Dean's Greens in person at Jubilation Skincare & Massage for $20.
It is highly concentrated at 1,000mg/1oz, and little goes a long way a small jar should last you quite a while. Remember this is for targeted areas, not full body application. If you are looking for more of a systemic solution, CBD tinctures may be a better fit, although always check with your doctor before trying anything new.
Massage therapy in Wake Forest, North Carolina, offers a serene and rejuvenating experience for residents and visitors alike. Nestled amidst the charming ambiance of this historic town, various massage centers and spas provide a range of therapeutic services designed to promote relaxation and well-being. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, stress reduction, or simply a moment of tranquility, Wake Forest's massage therapists are skilled in various techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massage. The peaceful environment, combined with personalized care, ensures that each session is tailored to meet individual needs, leaving clients feeling revitalized and refreshed. You should get a massage in Wake Forest, NC.