Massage Stick Questions

Nysportsred
Nysportsred Posts: 224 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been looking this up and keep coming up with very different answers from "experts" so I want to ask real people that may also use the massage stick. There might not necessarily be any right or wrong answers so I really looking for your personal preferences and experiences.

1. does it replace stretching if you use this before and after a workout?

2. Is it better to press down with a lot of pressure or just a little bit?

3. how many days can you/should you do it in a row before taking a day off?

4. Is it better to go fast or slow when using the massage stick?

5. Some sites say to "never use it on your back" because it can do damage to your back while others claim it is a great tool for back pain. Can anyone tell me which is accurate?


Thanks everyone. I appreciate your input.

Replies

  • ASKyle
    ASKyle Posts: 1,475 Member
    Do you mean a foam roller? Or something different?
  • harrybananas
    harrybananas Posts: 292 Member
    1. Both.
    2. Depends on your tolerance and also need based on body tension.
    3. Preferably every time you train.
    4. Only you will know.
    5. Can't imagine a roller stick to be done by yourself on your back. If you need to roll your back, get a whole foam roller.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    if you are talking about a foam roller, i use it in addition to stretching and i use it as often as i want, as hard or as soft , fast or slow as i feel like for that day. And i do use mine to crack my back and roll out parts of my back and do some yoga type back and chest stretches, i love it

    if i hit a muscle thats particular sore, i'll work that area a while and then move on. i'll keep hitting that area each time i use it until it stops being sore, i think its called myofascia release.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    1. I never used it to replace stretching
    2. Depends
    3. I used mine daily during marathon training
    4. Depends, probably error on the slower side
    5. ???
  • ClubSilencio
    ClubSilencio Posts: 2,983 Member
    I think he might be talking about "The Stick", the tool you see sprinters/runners use at the track before their event.

    They're really effective for the calves along with hammies and quads.

    With these self-massage tools it's important to ease into the massage and pay attention to your body's signals. Everyone responds differently. More frequency, pressure, duration is not always going to be beneficial.

    I've always just used a small rolling pin because The Stick cost $50 when it came out, but I think the price has dropped now and I would consider it a good investment.
  • Nysportsred
    Nysportsred Posts: 224 Member
    edited March 2016
    Yeah, not talking about foam rollers. Tried one fora week and didnt see any improvement.

    Thanks. So far its been effective but I wasnt sure if there was a "right way" to use it.
  • Nysportsred
    Nysportsred Posts: 224 Member
    Update- I’ve been using the massage stick in the morning, before a workout, after a workout, and right before bed.

    So far it has been working pretty well. No lasting effects, but any relief is welcome. During a workout my lower back still gets sore and I can feel the gluts get a little tight, but it’s only on the elliptical this happens. I can do a Zumba class with no problems at all. The gluts and quads are fine once the workout is over though so it isn’t a lasting thing.

    The only thing I have found odd is if I use it before a workout then my quads feel very heavy and the entire workout it feels like dragging extra weight due to this. I am not sure why this happens though.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories