Products

AccuMassager

Body Back

This is, hands down, the BEST neck massage tool I’ve ever used!  It works like a nutcracker in both design and efficiency. A bendable stick with 2 golf ball knobs (only slightly softer and made out of rubber) that sit in the middle and can be adjusted to accommodate the size of the area you’re working on. All you have to do is position the knobs on the sides of your neck (or any sore muscle you can fit them around) and squeeze the handles to get specific pressure and myofascial release.  The best part is that you don’t have to exert a lot of pressure to get a lot of pressure. To optimize the ease of use in places like your traps, a string hangs from one end, making that beloved self-shoulder massage finally accessible. It can also be used (and feels amazing) in many other areas like the calves and quads.  Honestly, it’s so awesome on the neck I almost forget it can be used on other muscles. Another thing to note is that the balls and stick easily unscrew making it extremely portable. If you have neck pain, this will be the best $20 you spend to manage it.

Lacrosse Ball

WOVTE

The size and density of this ball provides deep and specific pressure.  For people who prefer a more intense sensation when releasing trigger points, all of your weight can be placed over the ball on the floor.  If that’s a little too much, you can always control the pressure by using the ball against the wall.  This is the most inexpensive and portable pain relief tool you can get.

Foam Rollers

Amazon Basics

The best universal, myofascial release tool.  With so many sizes and styles it can be hard for a newbie to know what to get.  Unless you know you like a lot of deep, intense pressure, standard foam should do.  If space isn’t a concern, I recommend a 36 inch roller for the sole purpose of being able to lay your entire spine vertically over it, allowing your shoulders to relax back and decompress after a long day of compromised posture.  If you have areas of your body that hurt, there is probably a way to roll out the tension.  You can experiment by trying to roll that body part over the roller to see how it feels or let YouTube be your guide. 

Click here for a video on how to roll your glutes.

Soft Foam Rollers

OPTP

We all have a different tolerance to pain. For those who are sensitive to deep pressure or have areas that are too sensitive to use a dense roller, a soft roller can still be effective and is a great option. It’s all relative to what your body can tolerate.  You may even find that one day your body plateaus with the soft roller and you’ll need to switch to a standard to achieve the same results.  Foam rolling isn’t a masochistic competition.  Use what’s appropriate for your body.

Half Foam Roller

BodyHealt

Where my runners at?! ..Or anyone who suffers from tight calves or hamstrings.  This is a wonderful and inexpensive tool to stretch both.  All you have to do is place the top half of your foot on it with your heel on the ground to feel the stretch.  I keep mine in the bathroom and use it while I’m brushing my teeth.  Another great place is under your desk so it can double as a footrest. Pull it out when you’re taking a break to give your lower body some relief or lie down and place it under your neck to combat forward head posture that can arise from everyday computer use.

The Backnobber

The Pressure Positive Co.

This a great tool to address hard to reach trigger points.  It’s also travel friendly, collapsing easily to fit in a backpack or suitcase.  My favorite time to use it is when I get a crick in my neck.  It can accurately target the affected muscle, help to increase my range of motion and decrease my pain. While it feels good to poke around at sore spots with it, there are ways to use it more effectively.  It’s advisable to watch a tutorial on how to use it or have someone knowledgeable show you how to get the most benefit from it.  

Inflatable Neck Traction

Neck Fix

Tight neck muscles can cause downward pressure on your vertebrae, decreasing the healthy space between then and sometimes pressing on a nerve, causing pain.  This is a gentle way to create space and relieve both pressure and pain.

PSO-RITE

PSO-Rite Store

If this was only for your psoas (your main hip flexor), I’d be less impressed because of the price-point.  Its’ applications are far greater though (all exercises are shown on their site).  It does do a decent job on the psoas, but results will be different for everyone.   I’ve found a lot of release using it around the sides of my sacrum and also on the muscles of my neck.  I will say, this is not for people who cannot tolerate deep pressure.  While I’ve found this to be relieving and therapeutic in many areas, sometimes I need to space out my time using it due to soreness (a lightly bruised sensation that replaces the muscle discomfort).  I’m ok with this feeling because I know my body responds well, but it can be too much for others.  Listen to your body.

BLACKROLL Ball, 4.7"

BLACKROLL

There are some areas of the body that a ball this size can sink into that a regular roller can’t (ie: psoas, pec minor).  For other areas (ie: glutes, hamstrings), this larger ball can target the muscle in a more specific way than a roller could, while being less aggressive than a lacrosse ball. You will always find this in my suitcase when I travel.  Make sure upon checkout that you have the right size as they often sell a smaller version on the same link.  4.7in (12cm) is what want. 

Peanut Massage Ball (large) 12cm x 32cm

9HORN

This larger size peanut fits easily along either side of your spine, really getting into those rhomboids (those muscles in between your shoulder blades).  I will caution that it can be a bit intense on the back.  For some of my clients, it’s a little too much.  This can be remedied by placing a hand towel over it for some cushion or to roll against a wall instead of on the floor.  I love this for other areas of the body (ie: deltoids & lats) as well. It is in my top 5 products I use most.

Peanut Massage Ball (small)

5BILLION

This is for people who enjoy a lot of specific and direct pressure on their upper back

Hanging Neck Traction

XCYOO S.L

Gravity is a bitch. When your head is craned forward looking at a computer screen all day, any vertebrae that’s not well stacked will naturally pull downwards whether you feel it or not.  This will cause compression on your spine and sometimes headaches.  This contraption will help lift the bowling ball that is your head, away from your spine to help decompress it.  While I do like (and use) this quite a bit, it can be a little uncomfortable and more effort than some would like to expend. It is great way to decompress the spine on a budget.

Cervical Neck Traction Device

makemate

While I generally try to keep my recommendations on the lower price-end, sometimes I find something higher that’s worth every extra dollar.  This not only decompresses the spine, but also helps to bring your cervical spine back into alignment while cradling or helping to rebuild its’ natural curve.  Yes, it can be slightly uncomfortable to wear, but the difference you feel afterwards will make you crave it. Another bonus is that you can be mobile with it on.  This is great for people who could benefit from neck traction, but who have a difficult time remaining still for 5-20min on a traditional hanging or lying down traction device for the neck. If price is an issue, try the inflatable neck traction pillow listed above, but save your pennies.  This thrifty girl will admit that this is far superior than the pillow.  

*Note: There is a similar product to this that is slightly less expensive.  I have tried it and the construction and ease of use is not worth the discount.  

**The price fluctuates by around $30 all the time.  $119 is the best deal I’ve seen so far.

Anti-fatigue Mat

ComfiLife

If you have a standing desk or are in the kitchen for long stretches of time, this mat will help take some of the pressure off your body.  Your joints will hurt less and your body won’t feel so tired from standing so long.  

Wireless Keyboard

Logitech

If you type for many hours a day and a laptop is your primary computer, do your neck a favor and invest in a wireless keyboard and a riser for your laptop. I don’t care which keyboard you get.  I picked this one because it’s ergonomic and it comes with a mouse.  Just get one!

Laptop Riser

Lifelong

I can’t stress the importance of using one of these if you primarily work on a laptop.  Ideally, you want your eyes to naturally rest at the top of your screen.  With a laptop, you are forced to be looking down (most likely with your neck as well as your eyes) all the time.  Finding one that has an adjustable height will assure that your screen is always at the perfect height.

Neck and Shoulder Relaxer, Cervical Traction Device

RestCloud

On my constant quest for good neck traction, I bought this new toy.  It’s slightly more cushioned than some of the others, while still feeling firm while using. Sensitive necks may opt to put a towel on top to soften it up.  There are 2 levels of traction. The wave facing you will be a gentler angle to recline your neck over.  When that feels comfortable, turning it around will allow you go deeper into the stretch. All of the neck traction devices I’ve listed on this page have their merit.  I like that this one cradles your neck more than some of the others.  Regardless of which one you choose, if you have a computer job or one that requires you to be looking down all the time, you should really consider bringing a neck traction device into your life to protect the health of your spine. 

Trigger Point Massager and Cervical Neck Traction

Back Rescue

The occipital ridge (the base of your skull) is where many tension headaches stem from.  This tool provides pressure to the afflicting points.  To accommodate all head sizes, there are 3 sides to choose from.  One of the three should hit those pressure points perfectly.The pressure is direct and intense.  Place a towel over the top if it’s too much for you. This will also create some traction for your neck, but it’s main function is trigger point release.

Massage Gun

JamGym

The head of a percussion gun quickly moves in and out and does not vibrate.  They are great for muscle recovery and general aches and pains.  (I love it on the bottom of my feet after a long hike!)  With so many on the market these days with varying prices, it’s hard to know which one to get.  In my opinion, the price doesn’t matter too much.  They all basically do the same thing and are probably made in the same country.  It doesn’t seem to affect the life span of the gun either.  I’ve had mine for over 2 years and it still works great! The more expensive ones probably have longer warranties if that’s a concern for you. I like this one for the LED screen and the ability to gradually increase/decrease the intensity.  I also chose this because it had attachments I thought would be more helpful than others. Most options have similar attachments, but in all honestly, the one or two you like best (and will most likely default to whenever using) will come with all of them. 

Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Ointment

Tiger Balm

This is my go-to when I have pain.  It penetrates and is warming to keep the muscles soft and take the edge off your tension.  Scent was the driving force for me here.  It smells like cinnamon which I prefer over the menthol alternatives.  If menthol is more your jam, BioFreeze is a great option.  

Full Back & Shoulders Heating Pain

RENPHO

This is a new favorite for me! Whether you’re trying to soothe sore muscles or just like being warm, this heating pad is perfect! It’s soft and cozy, slightly weighted for a closer fit to the body, and it ties around the waist so no part gets left out. There’s also a timer so you don’t over-cook yourself.  It does have a cord (the only downside for the gift of constant heat), but it’s fairly long if you need to move a short distance.