Do it yourself massage therapy

Do you have a knot in your back that you just can't reach? Or maybe you just cannot afford to go get a massage? Or your husband rubs your back like he is finger painting? Or perhaps you are a single person and in need of a good massage? I have some ideas for you that just might help you out. With just these two tools you can get that pain out of your back and make your feet feel great too!

In this photo are the two most important items for do it yourself massage. The one is a wooden foot roller, found at most health food stores or bath shops, the other is a plain old racket ball. You can pick them up anywhere, I'm sure Walmart or K-mart, or even a sporting goods store. Now mind you do not try to use a tennis ball. They just won't work because of the nap on the ball, they slide around too much.

Here is what you do, you stand parallel to the wall with your back up against it. Make sure you have a wall that is free of paintings or light switches. Lean forward just a bit and drop the ball in the vicinity of the knot in your back and lean up against it. Now gently begin to bend your knees and roll the ball around your back, being careful of the vertebrae. You can put as little or as much pressure as your back can handle. There now, doesn't that feel great?

As for the wooden foot roller, it is awesome. Make sure you get one like the one in the picture, notice the rubber bands around the ends? That gives you grip. Put it on the floor, preferably one that has a solid surface. Place a clean foot on the roller and begin to roll your foot across it. The ribbed edges allow you to put pressure on the sore spots in your foot. Go easy at it at first since this is similar to foot reflexology and can stimulate the nerve endings in your foot that lead to other parts of your body. The alternative to the roller is to get some marbles or round stones and place them into a foot bath of nice warm water. Roll your feet around the stones for a similar treat. You will love it.

Of course these suggestions will never take the place of a good massage or foot therapy, however they can bring you almost instant relief.
For more info: www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/features/reflexology/footchart.html