tennis balls for deep tissue massage?

[horseshowmom]

I've been reading the threads on foam rollers for massage,etc. and saw mention of substituting tennis balls. My budget is less than zero for any purchases but I went to the dollar store and picked up a 3 pack of tennis balls. I'm specifically looking to work on my outer left thigh from hip to knee and around toward the glute (I imagine y'all actually know the name for that muscle! )
So, the question is, do I roll myself on top of the ball (on the floor) or press the ball down and roll it?
I've had trouble with this muscle,ligament,whatever it is my whole life and it often wakes me up at night. Stretching helps and my husband does a good job of massaging it except I need about an hour of it before it works and that's a lot to ask daily!
Thanks for any help, input, advice!
Becky

 

[amyg]

Yes, you sit on top of the ball. Try googling various methods.

 

[kathryn]

Tennis balls give quite a bit deeper massage than foam rollers, which is often hard to take, especially if you haven't worked up to it from a foam roller.

They are fine for some places (like bottoms of feet, where you can easily adjust the pressure), but be ready to hold most of your body weight up off them.

 

[Sunshine1528]

I have a few spots in my back that get tight.

I use the tennis ball inside of an old long sock (the knee high athletic ones).

The way I use it depends on how much of a knot is in my back, but I will either lay on the floor and move back and forth with the ball in the tight area, or I use it standing up against the wall.

On the floor is does hurt quite a bit as Kathryn mentioned, but on the wall I find it is easier to manipulate the pressure I put on it.

I bet you could us a wall for the outside of your quad quite efficiently until you get used to it or before you try it on the floor.

Good luck.

 

[kathryn]

I use it standing up against the wall.

I didn't even think about that, but that's an excellent idea for being able to control the amount of pressure.

 

[LaughingWater]

I've used the tennis ball against the wall, and it feels great. You can get the neck, upper shoulders and shoulder blades really well.

Go easy though. I applied too much pressure in the beginning, and I was sore for 2 days.

 

[kathryn]

Hmmm...is that what the expression "balls to the wall" refers to?

 

[LaughingWater]

!!!!! Now I'm gonna think of that every time I use the tennis ball.

 

[NinjaMom]

Hmmm...is that what the expression "balls to the wall" refers to?

LOL!!!

I have a foam roller but sometimes a tennis ball works best to get into a specific spot. For me its the glutes and hammies Also good for knots in the back.

JJ

 

[horseshowmom]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Y'all are a wealth of knowledge and generosity!
I found the link on *foam rollers* to the tennis ball suggestion site, it looks very helpful. Oh, and I realized I'm a moron! I already had Tae Bo 1lb. balls that are a little softer than a tennis ball, but the exact same size. I think I'm going to start with those.
Thank you again!
Becky