Trigger point massage tools apply pressure to specific points on the body. The use of these tools can help relieve muscle pain and tension.
Various trigger point massage tools are available on the market, including massage mats, balls, and foam rollers.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce muscle pain and tension, trigger point massage therapy may be the answer.
Trigger point massage therapy is a type of massage that focuses on specific areas of the body known as “trigger points.” These muscle areas have become tight and knotted due to stress or repetitive motions.
A massage can relieve tension and pain in these knots.
Trigger point massage therapy can be performed using your hands, a massage ball, or a massage mat. In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of using trigger point massage tools so that you can decide if this type of therapy is right for you.
How Do Trigger Point Massage Tools Work?
Trigger point massage tools apply pressure to specific points on the body. This pressure can help to release muscle tension and pain. The pressure from these tools can also help to improve blood circulation. It is common to use trigger point massage tools with other types of massage, such as Swedish or deep tissue massage.
Types of Trigger Point Massage Tools
There are a variety of trigger point massage tools available on the market. These include:
Massage Mats
While lying down on a massage mat, you can get comfortable and relax. Some mats have special features, such as heated elements or built-in massagers.
Balls
A ball is a small, round object that you can use to apply pressure to specific points on your body. Plastic and rubber are common materials for balls.
Foam Roller
Generally, foam rollers are long, cylindrical objects. They can apply pressure to large body areas, such as the back or thighs. Foam rollers come in a variety of sizes and densities.
Myofascial Release Tools
Myofascial massage tools include Foam rollers, rolling sticks, canes, massage guns, and other devices.
These self-massage tools enable you to apply soft-tissue therapy to stiff and sore muscles or trigger points on the body.
They can also assist with postural issues. The beauty of these tools is that you can use them in the comfort of your home, applying as much or as little pressure as you want.
However, choosing the best one for you can be challenging with so many tools on the market.
5 Best Myofascial Release Tools
If you’re new to using myofascial release tools, our experts advise you to begin slowly and gradually.
Begin with a softer tool, such as a foam roller, and only use it for a short time. It is normal to feel discomfort when using a recovery tool, but if you begin to feel pain, listen to your body and stop using the device.
It is important to have proper control over the tool and use it correctly to address any muscle soreness or trigger points.
1. Best High-Density Foam Roller
High-density foam rollers are excellent for targeting the upper and lower back arms, glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
This low-cost Amazon pick comes in various colors and lengths, is lightweight, and is ideal for beginners.
Apply the foam roller to the desired area and adjust the pressure with your body weight. Use foam rolls before static or dynamic stretching; also, you can use them to cool down.
Foam rolling is not about rolling back and forth but finding the tender spot, holding it for 30 seconds, and then relaxing.
2. Best Vibrating Foam Roller
This vibrating, Bluetooth-enabled foam roller is an excellent recovery tool for both beginners and athletes. Vibration may relieve pain, allowing longer foam rolling sessions and quicker recovery.
You can use the device’s manual controls or the Therabody app to target specific muscles and activities.
This myofascial release tool roller is a soft yet supportive cushion with five vibration settings. If you’re new to rolling and vibration therapy, start slowly and work your way up.
3. Best Massage Ball
Massage balls work well on the shoulders, upper back, lower back, glutes, arms, and feet. They are ideal for targeting key areas and smaller, difficult-to-reach muscles.
Tennis, softballs, baseballs, and lacrosse balls are all excellent options that you may already have lying around the house.
This ball still has grooves developed for higher global shear pressure. It is well-made and sturdy, works best on the shoulders, and has the ideal diameter for reaching trigger points.
4. Best Massage Gun
The Theragun PRO is expensive but provides a powerful muscle recovery experience.
Our experts appreciate the ergonomic handle’s easy grip, the powerful, smooth motor, and the long battery life. It also has four arm positions to help you reach any body part.
A further advantage of this model is that it is quieter than previous generations. The
Theragun PRO includes six attachment heads, a carrying case, and Bluetooth integration with the Therabody app.
5. Best Massage Cane
Massage canes are particularly useful for working on the neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, glutes, and feet.
This massage cane weighs less than a pound and has a unique handle shape that allows you to position it and target those hard-to-reach areas.
Other tools like BodyFlex’s 3-in-1 Collapsible Full-Body Trigger-Point Massage Kit allow a personalized approach to trigger-point recovery. It’s similar to Legos in terms of physical sustainability.
The Benefits of Using Trigger Point Massage Tools
Benefit #1: Increased Circulation
One of the main benefits of trigger point massage is increased circulation. When your muscles are knotted and tight, it can restrict blood flow and cause pain.
Massaging the trigger points loosens the muscle tightness and allows blood to flow more freely. This increase in circulation can also help to improve the range of motion and flexibility.
Benefit #2: Pain Relief
Another benefit of trigger point massage is pain relief. This therapy can provide much-needed relief if you suffer from chronic pain or tension headaches. The increased circulation with trigger point massage helps oxygenate the muscles and reduce inflammation, leading to reduced pain levels.
Benefit #3: Relaxation
In addition to reducing pain, trigger point massage can help you relax. When your muscles are relaxed, it can ease stress and tension physically and mentally. This massage can lead to improved sleep quality and a reduction in stress levels. Massaging trigger points can also help release endorphins, hormones that have mood-boosting properties.
Conclusion
A trigger point massage tool helps apply pressure to specific body points. Using these tools can help relieve muscle tension and pain. Various trigger point massage tools are available on the market, including massage mats, balls, and foam rollers.
