Therapy balls are a valuable tool that you can use to reduce pain, improve mobility, facilitate tissue healing, avoid injury, and maximize physical performance. They are the ideal supplement to chiropractic care or massage therapy. Below, we explore some benefits of therapy balls, how they work, and how you can get the maximum use out of them.
How Therapy Balls Work
Skin fascia is a band or sheet of connective tissue, primarily collagen, beneath the skin that attaches, stabilizes, encloses, and separates muscles and other internal organs. Tissue adhesions may develop within the protective layer of fascia surrounding your connective tissues. The adhesions may decrease the joint range of motion and limit strength and stability. It can affect your workout in areas such as squatting, lifting, pulling, and pushing.
Therapy balls penetrate tissue adhesions that develop as a result of stress, physical exertion, injury, or dehydration. They can increase the range of motion and allow you to have a fuller workout.
The Benefits of Therapy Balls
You may experience the following benefits when you use therapy balls:
● Relaxed muscles
● Trigger point tension relief
● Improved localized circulation
● Anti-inflammation
● Oxygenation
How to Use Therapy Balls
Using therapy balls is relatively easy. Follow this simple guide:
● Place the balls on or against a sturdy flat surface.
● Position the balls between the surface and your target areas such as your feet or your back.
● Roll the ball deeply into the affected areas in a steady linear or circular motion.
● Keep the pressure on the affected areas.
Effective Therapy Ball Positions
● Stand on the ball to work on intrinsic foot muscles and the plantar fascia.
● Press against a wall for your lateral glutes and piriformis.
● Lie on the floor facing up for a spinal or rotator cuff muscle massage.
● Lie on the floor facing down to get into the deep hip flexors or shoulder rotators.
Pay Attention to Your Pain
If you feel uncomfortable while using the therapy ball, you are likely using it correctly. You should feel a relatively intense pressure once you target the affected area. Continue the myofascial therapy in the affected area for up to two minutes.
Be sure to monitor your pain. While you can expect discomfort during your session, you need to avoid sharp pains and twinges. If you experience either, then either reduce the pressure or work around the pain area instead of directly on top of it.
Control Your Breathing During Your Session
Controlling your breathing is vital to ensure maximum effectiveness of your myofascial release session since it can help you relax and improves tissue oxygenation. Once you locate your affected area, take deep, relaxed breaths in your nose and out your mouth as you are performing the technique.
Therapy Ball Treatment in Minneapolis, MN
Bomber Chiropractic offers therapy ball treatment for patients in Minneapolis, MN. If you are experiencing pain before or after your workouts, then contact us to find out about the benefits of therapy ball treatment.
To schedule a consultation or chiropractic treatment, call us at 763-450-1755. You can also send a message to drb@bombergchiropractic.com.