Anyone have experience with these products? I have a piriformis and ITB problem which is a case of using trigger points to release tension along with regular stretching. I was looking to see if it’s worth investing.
For $65 you can’t hardly lose. I got the stuff at the expo at AG Nats and have used it to work on ITB issues. I did a lot of other things as well, so I can’t say for sure if it was the TP stuff, but I imagine it didn’t hurt. The cost is way less than PT or regular massage, so I think it’s worth giving it a shot.
G
Thanks Gail, I’m awaiting a response from their information centre to see if it would be better to get the footballer or whether the quadballer doubles up for it. Also shipping could be a factor, it seems to vary to an unbelievable level eg $40 for a disc wheel from Frank against $25 for two wall calenders from velonews, go figure!
Brillant, thanks Mike that’s one issue solved, one to go.
I first saw them at John Cobbs Bicycle Sports where they were using them on athletes. Now, I’ll believe what he says about aero topics, but don’t know his qualifications on anything else. However, I was convinced enough to get both the ball and roller thing. I’ve only been using it about a week, so check back in a month if you want an update.
JK, how about using a tennis ball. It is cheaper and works nearly as well.
And for the roller, I use 1/2 of a pull bouy (for swimming). Or a rolling pin! OUCH.
But when on a budget, one has to be creative.
I hope your issues get solved soon! Mine (ITB, I think) have been with me since October, and I’ve not run 5 miles TOTAL since then. major suckage. Good luck.
JK,
In the past year I’ve had serious ITB in the hip (‘snapping hip syndrome’), and ‘trigger points’ in my upper glutes (where the ITB connects), which I have worked out using a mini-basketball that I bought for $6.
Works for me …
Mulligan
Mini-basketball! Nice idea, Mulligan. I may use that one!
Thanks Guys , for all your feedback. I have tried the tennis ball trick but it’s just that bit too large for me, I don’t know if we can get mini-basketballs over here but it’s worth a try.
Are you having pain in your calf?
I didnt’ have much luck with it. I used it for calf pain/plantar fascitis, though. My only regret is the price. It’s not a bad product, but probably not worth $65. For ITB problems, I had good luck with a foam roll. Not as portable, but MUCH cheaper.
Dan
No pain in the calf, but ITB AND glutes.
I have been having pains in my calf, which I thought was a torn muscle yet a recent MRI did not show any scar tissue or torn muscle in the calf. That’s the reason I asked. (Trying to help with my diagnosis with pain in my calf). I was using the TP roller for the calf and I am now using the ball for the butt and hip muscles The massage ball and roller deffinitely do something that is hard to achieve with your own hands, elbows etc… Julie Donnely recommeds the use of both of these devices in her Pain Free Triathlete book. I was lucky enough to be able to buy them locally.
Stu, I appreciate your comments, however I have had it diagnosed by my masseur who i s also a good friend of mine so am confident that is the origin of my problem.
I’ve started on thread about a week ago on ITB problem and Active Release treatment and add a few hint. One of them was to use a foam roller to perform auto massage.(http://www.inch-aweigh.com/yoga/rollers.htm) I’ve ordered it and am suppose to receive it today. I did not know about the TP massage ball but I guess it’s about the same benefits. The foam roller is cheaper though.
If you try the ball, please keep me inform, I would like to know if it helps. I’ll keep you inform about the roller…
Good luck!
Richard
That’s a deal, Rich.
Check out this site: http://www.smiweb.org/guides/
for when you get the roller. Sure helped me out, as I wasn’t really sure about the correct way to use mine. Also, instead of the massage ball or a tennis ball try a you can try a practice baseball (has a softer cover, almost like rubber), which is what I have. I’ve found it very helpful (albeit painful) to find and take care of those trigger points in the glutes, and TFL. Good luck with the ITB stuff.
Mark
I’ve used their ball for several years now to work on lowerback and glute pain that lingered after L4/L5 surgery. Worked well for me in some regards. I also use an inversion table too. Anything to be able to keep on living my life on my terms. With some ITB problems lately I’ve also tried their quad roller. I’m no doctor, nor did I stay in a holiday inn express last night, but their products seem to work. Maybe it’s just because I’m working the specific stretches and it’d work regardless of the product (i.e., a tennis ball would work too?) I don’t know–I’m just going with what works for me and keeps me healthy enough to keep doing what I love to do. Best of luck with which ever gizmo you go with.
I am trying to diagnose my ailment. I have a PT friend and I visted and orthopedic sports care doctor who had an MRI done and both are stumped. I have read that muscles/nerves not in your calf, can cause pain in your calf and pursant to my reading the piriformis and ITB can cause pain in the calf(?). So that is why I asked.