I have moved to rural Shropshire.  I'm not currently offering massage appointments during Coronavirus.  Please do get in touch to say hello or join my newsletter if you would like to receive updates.

Self-massage equipment

I have stocks of some self-massage tools that I can sell you after a class or massage.  Please read my self-massage advice before use.

Different shapes and sizes work for different parts of the body. Depending on sensitivity, you will need a different hardness. You can easily pad a hard tool to make it softer using a blanket or pillow, but the opposite doesn't really work.

  • Balls are useful for accessing a point in a large, flat muscle especially around the trunk.  Lie on it and your body weight generates the pressure.
  • Rollers are best for working on a long thin muscle where the ball tends to 'ping' away.  Put the roller at right-angle to the muscle.

Plastic roller

I make these basic rollers from plastic drain pipe.  Good for working on long thin muscles such as on the legs.  They are hard, so most people should pad them with a blanket or pillow.

Price
£3.00

Lacrosse ball

A heavier ball that is fairly firm without feeling rock hard.  A good choice for frequent use.

Price
£6.00

Massage ball

These purpose-made massage balls come in a variety of hardnesses, and are a good general tool.  If you get a firmer one, you can pad it with a towel.  Buy a pair and work up either side of your spine.

Price
£3.00

Tennis ball

Cheap and soft, the basic introductory self-massage tool.  They tend to collapse under stronger pressure and if you are serious about self-massage you need something firmer.

Price
£1.00

Foot massage stick

These massage sticks are good for working on feet and hands.  See how in this video.

Price
£1.00

Golf Ball

Small and hard, it's ideal for massaging the sole of your foot.  Good for hands too.  See how in this video.

Price
£0.50

DIY

Balls

  • Pick up a smooth stone and wash off the dirt.
  • Spiky balls are popular.  I prefer smooth as I find the spikes pull and drag at the flesh, but it's up to you.
  • This hockey training ball is firm yet very light so perfect for taking on holiday.
  • Set of 3 massage balls.

Rollers

  • Improvise with a rolling pin or a strong water bottle.
  • DIY from plastic drain pipe — cheap and light weight.  Cut to length (I use 30-40cm), smooth the ends and clean.  Pad as needed with blanket or pillow.  For larger diameter, buy soil pipe.
  • Foam rollers are the classic tool.  There are much cheaper ones that will lose their shape if used a lot, but good enough to start with.
  • Plastic knobbly ones have recently become trendy.  Personally I prefer smooth as I find the bumps drag and pull, but some people like them.
  • Beautiful hand-made wooden rollers with woven covers from Thailand are my favourite.  Unfortunately they are rather expensive, but the money does help support local workers.

Other

  • Improvise a foot massage stick with the rounded end of a wooden spoon or pen.
  • Blanket or large towel to pad a prop and make it softer.
  • Your body — forearm, palm, shin, foot.  Use gravity and body weight not force.