5 Must have Muscle Recovery Tools

That end of season grind is approaching and your players bodies are almost definitely feeling the countless late night practices and weekend long tournaments. Mix in early mornings and long travel days, and I’m sure you could benefit from a spa day right about now. When that is not an option, here are my top 5 travel friendly recovery tools to keep your body in top performance shape! (Click photo for link)

Hot/Cold Massage ball or

Lacrosse Ball

Awesome way to combine heat/ice therapy & deep tissue massage work. This ball can be used hot or cold to get ice/heat right to the area needing to be released.

Lacrosse ball is another great option that is small, easier to travel with and provides deep and focal pressure to work out trigger points, knots, or general tightness to places like bottom of foot, calf, glutes, and between shoulders. Use sandwiched between body and wall to provide some self deep tissue work.

Theracane

Another great way to provide self deep tissue work. I like this one best for the bigger muscles around the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Apply some moderate pressure and then try to stretch while maintaining that pressure for a loosening effect. Made of plastic so can work in shower as well for added benefits of moist heat on muscles.

Stick Roller

Small and easy to travel with, this one has retractable handles. These come in many forms, shapes, and sizes. I prefer the ones with a solid piece (vs. beads) that have a ribbed like texture. This makes it easy to get good grip and apply sufficient pressure through the roller without possibly pinching the skin. Best for large muscles in the legs including quads, hamstrings, IT band, and calves. Can do to bare skin or over pants as well.

Yoga/stretch strap

Great way to self stretch with added overpressure. Best for large muscle groups of legs/hips and shoulders including hamstring, IT band, quads, and inner thigh.

I use this one with loops for better and easier grip, comes with a handy how-to booklet!

Compression Socks

Some recent research has suggested that wearing compression socks after a prolonged athletic event with minimal rest breaks and short recovery periods can decrease post activity muscle soreness. May be a good option for when you have to stand during dreaded reffing at the very end of a long tournament and that leg fatigue or soreness starts to kick in :)

Last but not least, don’t forget the importance of a health and balanced diet and plenty of sleep for optimal muscle recovery!

-Chelsea Saville PT, DPT

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