Anyone out there use The Stick for self massages? I’ve been very stiff of late and since a good sports massage costs about $75 I figured The Stick might be a good investment so long as it works.
Dave from VA
I swear by the stick. It sits next to me in my office and I use it after all major run days. Works wonders on specific pain points, particularly in the lower legs. I also use it on my IT band if I’m going to be away from the foam roller. Seems to do the trick as a temporary substitute. Great little tool for any runner…IMHO
The stick is one of the best investments I have made in triathlon. I just used it today. It is not as good as a full massage, but you can do it yourself. I just used it this morning. I used it a lot last year as I was training for my first ironman. This year I am attempting to go shorter and faster (Alcatraz, etc). This year I have been focosing more on intensity workouts instead of long slow endurance. It seems to loosen up my muscles well. I have one of the stiffer sticks and think that it is better for the muscles than the ones that are not as stiff. I bought mine at Xterra Keystone last year and talked with their rep. He said that US Postal uses them as well. I say go for it. MHO
I haven’t actually used the stick but I was inspired by it and have since been working out my achilles pain by taking a rolling pin to my soleus and with good results.
Excellent tool, I got mine on recommendation from my ex who was a personal trainer and swear that it has speeded up my recovery and prevented some repeative injuries.
I take mine with me for use after every race and training run if I am away from home.
Buy it and try it.
I bought one also after my brother recommended it. I bought the smaller size and it is a lot easier to take with me wherever I go, including to transition in case I cramp a muscle like I did with my left calf at the last race. Be careful around joints because it can hurt like hell, but with a little practice it does a great job on all the major muscles.
. . . is a $5.00 wooden rolling pin. I got one after I tore my soleus and began using it then, in place of the stick. Worked wonders then, and now is a nightly ritual on my soleus, IT and any sore spots, along with nightly stretching.
It doesn’t bend like the stick, but works just as well for me.
Maybe this would qualify for the first TSR rehab device?
Good luck, T
buy a piece of PVC pipe. have the dude at Home Depot cut it in pieces and leave one at home, in the office, the car, the gym bag… oh and it should cost you about one dol$ar. If you want, you can use a marker to write the words “The Schtick” on it.
I hear that Team Second Hand Racing heartily endorse the Hitachi “magic wand” as a suitable substitute for “the stick.” Excellent dual-use tool.
I don’t go anywhere without my Stick…
careful, you’re entering Tibbs territory…