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.