the Stick vs TP (no, not toilet paper)

Finished!

posted: 1/15/2007 at 5:16 PM

I took advantage of a large marathon in the area to go experience a runners expo - got an opportunity to taste various sports bars, gels, bloks and drinks. I also took the opportunity to pick up a Stick to try to deal with my rather tight calves and other aches and pains that I can't seem to rid myself of with stretching. Unfortunately, after I had purchased the Stick, I came across TP Therapy which seemed to do better at working the kinks out of my calves especially. I'm figuring I might be able to use something else in place of the tools that that company makes (I couldn't see dropping even more $ on manipulation/massage tools) Comments on either piece(s) of equipment?

Walk + Jog = wog.
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amcneice

posted: 1/16/2007 at 11:17 PM

I use a foam roller which looks to be a hybrid of the two options you've got there. The stick while it worked was just a royal pain for me to do my calves, hamstrings and shoulders myself so I moved to a rolling pin, that worked well and then it was on to a foam roller. I've got a 3' roller from perform better. Went with the 3' instead of the 1' so I could do both hamstrings at the same time. http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4278_A_rnd_E_30 A good article on general techniques with pictures, aka all the reference you'll ever need: http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=475832 The trigger point therapy workbook is a good reference for treating the underlying pain causing symptons, aka something other than general soreness. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572243759/ref=nosim/triggerpointt-20 My usual plan of attack is a hot shower, foam rolling and then some static stretching to finish off the evening. My body also likes it better when I give a quick foam roll before any of my 10 mile + runs.

woodlandsprite

Finished!

posted: 1/17/2007 at 4:09 PM

Hey, thanks for the links - I had an amazon order ready to go, and I threw in the trigger point book for reference. I'll have to see if I can't get the Stick to work rather than getting a foam roller, though now that I see the foam rollers, they seem possibly better because they use body weight to manipulate rather than my having to try to roll myself out using my own hand/arm strength.

Walk + Jog = wog.
I'm trying to Lose 5% at a time
I support Heifer International - join me by donating via my registry

dillydoodles

posted: 1/17/2007 at 5:37 PM

I also have a 6" x 36" foam roller (mine is made by FitterFirst). I downloaded and printed out some information from this website... INJURY PREVENTION FOR RUNNER'S Sports Medicine Institute International http://www.smiweb.org/massage/downloads/runners.pdf On pages 6-12 they show how to use the roller on various part of your body. You use the roller first to release tension in the muscle (self massage), then you do the accompanying stretching exercises. Then you move on the the next part of your legs, or back, etc. I find I get a better stretch when I use the roller first, and it really helps to work out any sore spots in my calves or hamstrings. My hubby says it works wonders when he has a sore back. You can also use the foam roller to do some pilates and yoga exercises, and some strength training exercises (like push-ups on the roller, etc.) I've never tried the Stick but I hope it helps you. If it doesn't, maybe try the roller. It works great. ~ Arlene [Not sure if I did the link thing right. Here the URL just in case...] http://www.smiweb.org/massage/downloads/runners.pdf

the Stick vs TP (no, not toilet paper) (Read 736 times)