Self Massage- Tips and Tricks to get relief NOW

Trust me, I know It's not fun to walk around in pain. I've learned over the years to help myself with some tools and tricks. I'm a pretty busy person so I picked up some quick exercises and tools to help me NOW instead of waiting for my bi-monthly massage sessions. Pairing these exercises with regular bodywork and yoga has kept me going strong.

The GIANT Tuff ball is a God send! I use it to work out my forearms when I start feeling that tingling pain that I get from overuse. It also feels pretty awesome to stand at a wall and roll the ball down the sides of the spine. Try it out- Get the GIANT one! It's worth the 5 Bucks!

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Regular sized tennis balls are great to work out knots in the upper shoulders or to create a "noodle Ball"
All you do is put six tennis balls in one of your husbands (or yours) tube socks. Tie a knot and...Wah lah! You have made yourself a mighty fine noodle ball. You can use it much like a foam roller but I find that it works wonderfully down the length of my spine or across my shoulder blades.

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Foam Rollers work magic on my legs! I can use them to roll out my quads, work in to my hammies, get in to my adductors and feel some serious heat in my IT band! This one is from wal-mart and is not too pricey.
You can find some great videos on "How to"
Check out YouTube or Pinterest for some good ones.

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Use a rolled up towel to stretch your pecs! You'll feel so much better by opening up your upper body and you may be able to prevent thoracic outlet syndrome and nasty nerve impingement s. Roll your towel and place it on the floor. Lay down and position the towel across your back where your bra line would be (guys, horizontally,  just below the shoulder blades.)
Lay back and put your arms out to the side, Palms up. Lay there and relax, maybe move your head around. That's it! SOOO easy.

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Cat pose for fore arm pain!
Check out Yoga journal for the instructions. Try turning your wrists so that your fingers are pointing to your knees. This will stretch out your forearms and help with pain from overuse.

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Questions:
What do you do for a sore body at the onset of pain?


Tell me in the comments section of this blog!

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Gaia Bodywork PLLC is the private massage practice of Hillary Arrieta and is located in Richardson, Tx.  Visit gaiabodywork.com for more information.

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