Massage Stick Benefits: Why I No Longer Use My Foam Roller
Updated: Oct 28
Many runners own a foam roller that sits in their lounge collecting dust. However, it seems like fewer runners own massage sticks. There are some huge benefits of using massage sticks for runners.
Although nearly all runners own a foam roller, hardly any of us get regular use of it. This is because foam rolling can be a lot of effort and can sometimes be awkward to get into certain muscles like our quads.
Some people prefer foam rolling and there are some great value foam rollers out there that can do all sorts of cool things such as vibrating and give guided massages.
However, if you are in the market for a low-cost massage tool- I would recommend a massage stick over a foam roller.
Firstly, what are the benefits of massage?
Massage is important for anyone, but massage is especially important if you are a physically active person. Massage can help to prevent injury, increase recovery, and improve athletic performance. Massage helps to get fresh blood to your muscles and improves circulation, this means that your body can start the healing process for your muscles after exercise. Also, from massage you can expect to see an increase in your range of motion and flexibility, this can in turn improve your athletic performance.
Overview of the benefits of massage:
Improved circulation
Decreased muscle stiffness
Decreased joint inflammation
Better quality of sleep
Quicker recovery between workouts
Improved flexibility
Less pain and soreness
Strengthened immune response
Worth a read from RunnersWorld: Massage Benefits For Runners.
What are massage sticks?
We all know that massage is important. Be it going out and getting a proper massage, self-massage, or using a tool such as a massage stick. The problem is massage is expensive, and self-massage and foam rolling are both a lot of effort.
This is where a massage stick can be that one fitness item that you will use. You can be getting those sore legs massaged with minimal effort, increasing your recovery and decreasing your risk of injury.
What can massage sticks can do for you that a foam roller cannot?
Ironically the times where you feel like doing your self-massage the least are the times where you need it the most.
Have you ever finished the hardest of workouts and had the sorest quads? Well, the thought of getting down awkwardly on the floor to foam-roll them is the worst thing ever. However, with an easy-to-hold lightweight massage stick, you can now sort those quads out with basically no effort at all, just like in the video below:
The quads are not the only thing that can benefit from a massage stick though. Almost every muscle becomes easier to massage with a massage stick, for me my calves are so much more convenient to roll out with a massage stick than a foam roller. Just like the video below:
Worth a read from Motion Works: 10 Ways To Use A Massage Stick.
What are the other benefits of massage sticks?
The biggest reason why massage sticks are better than foam rollers is that with a foam roller, you need to put your weight on it when you are foam rolling for many exercises. This makes massaging aching muscles a tough job sometimes, whereas, with a massage stick, you can control the pressure you are putting on your stiff aching muscles.
The big winner in the self-massage department is the massage gun, but massage sticks are second place for me and are much more affordable.
Best Value Massage Stick:
Yupro Muscle Roller Sticks
Massage sticks are a great tool for improving your recovery and performance. Learn more about recovery for runners here: Best Post-Run Recovery Methods For Runners.
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