You can use self-massaging techniques to treat pain in the head, neck, or feet. A tennis ball, foam roller, or even just your hands can be the first step to pain relief. If you’re feeling tense or sore, massage therapy may help you feel better. It has plenty of physical and mental benefits, including pain relief and relaxation. Luckily, you don’t always need to see a massage therapist to reap the rewards. For some types of ailments or simply for the joy of it, a self-massage can be beneficial too. If you’d like to try self-massage for pain relief, here are some of the best and safest self-massage techniques to try at home.
“Self-massage is using your hands, tools, or objects to work on sore muscles and adhesions instead of seeing a licensed massage therapist or bodywork professional,”
explains Elliot Ledley, a massage therapist in New York City. During a self-massage, you use your hands or other tools to manipulate your own muscles. This involves kneading the skin and applying pressure in certain spots. Picking up some self-massage techniques can be a useful way to soothe stress and ease pain caused by poor posture or even some chronic conditions. To get started, you can use one of the common techniques below. Using your hands to massage the head, neck, or feet Using your hands is a great way to give yourself a self neck massage, a self foot massage or a self head massage. These areas are all easy to reach and don’t require too much pressure, making them easy to massage with the hand.
Self-massage is a simple, convenient way to enjoy the benefits of massage therapy. As a DIY method, it can be done in the comfort of your own home. Like massage in general, self-massage may help ease:
When included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, self-massage might also help manage chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. It shouldn’t replace regular medical treatment, though. Additionally, if you receive professional massages, self-massage may prolong the benefits and provide relief in between sessions.
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