The Stick at Work!

If you have time to take a break at work,(and you should) then you have time to roll out and use The Stick. 

Original Body Stick

You can use The Stick @ your desk to loosen tight muscles in your back, shoulders and neck. You can also use The Stick to roll out your forearms to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.

You can use The Stick to warm-up your muscles before you go for your lunch-time run.  Then when you are done, you can use The Stick for cool-down.

You can also keep a TriggerWheel in your desk to roll out the muscles in your neck and forearms.  Ease neck tension by rolling the TriggerWheel over the back of your neck from the base of your spine to the bottom of your neck.

TriggerWheel

Try keeping a FootWheel under your desk to roll out your feet while you work!

FootWheel

The Stick, TriggerWheel or FootWheel do not need any extra equipment like mats or plug ins.  You can get the benefits of massage therapy at any time of the day at your desk.  If you are worried about distracting your co-workers, don’t be.  The Stick virtually makes very little noise and you do not need to go to the ground to use it.

The Stick and Recovery

I always love to hear how people are using The Stick!  I actually search for people who use this muscle device and see how they apply it to their daily routines.

Many people refer to The Stick as a muscle massager, massage stick or muscle stick.  Whatever you like to call it, The Stick works!

I just found a guy named Tim Hull.  He calls himself and his website TheStrengthDoctor.com.  Here is his bio:

“My Name is Tim Hull. I have worked in the health and fitness field in various ways for over 15 years. I have licenses in Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy.  Currently I work in a Physical Therapy outpatient clinic in Ohio working with a variety of patients. Also working on some exciting projects to be announced soon!

My passion is developing workouts that offer variety, fun, are challenging, and most of all are effective. I love to share my knowledge of training and rehabilitation, so that others may benefit and improve their health. ”

On Tim’s blog, he wrote:

Recovery With Massage Stick

There is a growing movement of people using foam rollers to prepare the muscles for exercise and recover from their workouts. Though rollers do a good job, prefer to use “The Stick”.

I feel that The Stick works better for me and is not as awkward as foam rollers.

Go -here- for the whole article!

He really has some good stuff on his site!!

 

 

Popular Comments About The Marathon Stick.

Here is a blog entry I found from Massage Therapy Supplies about the Marathon Stick!

 

 

Product Description
The Stick Marathon Stick. The Stick is a non-motorized device that is composed of a semi-rigid core around which independent, 1 inch spindles freely spin. This instrument was engineered to assist health-care providers in the deep manipulation of soft tissues such as muscle. Measuring 20 with 10 spindles, this model was made popular by world-class distance runners. Most flexible of the small models, it is preferred for those with lean muscle mass.

Customer Reviews

If you run, it’s worth every penny! (2009-04-24)
I’ve already recommended it to all my friends who run. I can’t afford to get professional massages all the time, but this is 50% as good for way less cost Couldn’t be happier.

Practical and Effective (2009-03-28)
I cycle 4 times a week, for at least 2 hours each time. My leg muscles, particularly the hamstrings, get very tight and often sore. “The Stick” has been very effective at loosening up the tightness and reducing soreness. It’s a simple gadjet, easy to use, and easier than using my fingers for massage. I use it every day, often more than one session. I can feel the difference when I cycle, much less stiffness and pain.

Best Pain You’ll Ever Love! Get one! (2009-03-05)
I recently started training for my first marathon, and I learned immediately about “the stick.” Apparently, I was one of the few that DIDN’T know about this amazing product. Most people write “love” on one side and “hate” on the other side of the stick. The stick definitely gives you a chance to dig in a massage any muscle, bringing blood flow back to the muscle to heal it. It really is so nice to get a massage after running.

Just an FYI, the yellow handle stick is great for those beginning out in the sport. It’s a little more flexible and the length a tad bit longer than some of the professional lengths. I highly recommend it!

handy gadget! (2009-02-17)
i like this self-massager because it is portable and easy to use. It is perfect for those of us whose muscles are usually tender and need just light massage to benefit.

also great for swimmers (2009-01-09)
I am a college swimmer, and my coach has a few of these on deck that are available for use post-practice. The stick is great for working out leg cramps, but I also use it on my shoulders, neck, and back. I find that this particular model of the stick is the best match for massaging body parts other than my legs (esp. shoulders) due to its flexibility. This is a great buy for any athlete.

For more testimonials from people I have met go here.

 

 

Using “The Stick” for Reducing Muscle Soreness

Many people believe that stretching before and after an activity or training session will prevent muscle soreness. 

Before we get to far into this topic, it might be a good idea review another post I did titled “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and The Stick“.

Muscle soreness is a result of microscopic tears to the muscle itself.  After vigorous activity, it is not uncommon to have tight, sore muscles.  There is a place for stretching and it does help to relieve some of the tightness, but is it effective?  Some people say Yes, others say No!  As you might guess, this is a hotly debated topic!

Research has stated that stretching after exercise does not help muscle soreness!  In fact 10 studies produced very consistent findings. They showed there was minimal or no effect on the muscle soreness experienced between half a day and three days after the physical activity. In other words, the author found that the evidence derived from mainly laboratory-based studies of stretching indicate that muscle stretching does not reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness in young healthy adults.  To see the whole article, click here!

It is well known that massage therapy reduces muscle soreness.  That is where The Stick comes in!  You can massage your muscles anytime and anywhere.  NO SPECIAL EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED!  You can roll out your muscles sitting in a chair, standing with a leg up, sitting on the ground or even kneeling! 

The Stick is the right massage tool to help reduce muscle soreness!  Many people refer to The stick as a massage stick.

The Sprinter Stick

Massage Therapy at Home

My last few posts have been a little on the technical side of things.  Let’s talk convenience!!

As I have said in other posts, I don’t believe that The Stick can replace human touch.  However, I do believe The Stick is the next best thing!!

Massage therapy is very effective for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, insomnia, stress, headaches, anxiety, circulatory problems, growing pains and recovery from sports injuries.  It is a well-known fact that the build up of anxiety, stress and sleepless nights can cause you to become mentally and physically ill.  Massage of any type can be your open door to wellness.

For many people, they try to “squeeze” in an appointment to see a massage therapist during their already hectic day.  Why not take 15 minutes and work on yourself in the most comfortable environment that you know – YOUR HOME!!  Just take out The Stick, Trigger Wheel and/or Foot Wheel and roll your way to happiness, content and relief. 

Please understand that I am not suggesting you never go see a trained professional again.  Think of The Stick affiliated speciality products as tools that will enhance your over well being.  In fact, I have Massage Therapists, Physiotherapists and Chiropractors who all recommend The Stick to their patients.

Travel Stick

Foot Wheel

Trigger Wheel

                      

Massage Therapy Reduces Muscle Soreness

As you can see from my last post, massage has been the topic of study for its ability to relieve pain and soreness. Especially concerning high intense exercise.  Specifically, sore muscles, are attracting increased attention as sports massage becomes a regular part of an athletes’ training regiment.

As I mentioned before, there has been recent studies that highlight some of the benefits of receiving massage therapy after a training session to reduce soreness.

Researchers at the University of Iowa, studied DOMS. Participants in the study exerted their muscles, then were assessed for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Deep tissue massage was given to the participants, then their level of soreness was reanalyzed.

In this study from Iowa, Frey Law et al., were looking for the analgesic effects of massage on reducing soreness. They found that the participants muscle symptoms were decreased by as much as 50%. Depending on the pain measures taken, they found muscle soreness was relieved by 25%-50%.  Those are significant findings! 

In addition, at Kings College of London,  a study by Hurley and Bearne reported that massage was amongst the non-exercise physical therapies found to be effective for treating musculoskeletal conditions. They also mentioned other reasons to use massage for pain relief as cost efficient and easy to self-administer. 

After reading these studies, The Stick is the perfect tool for helping with muscle soreness when it comes to DOMS.  You can use The Stick anytime and anywhere with easy and accuracy.  The Stick is very cost efficient.  To find out more, visit our site – The Stick provided by Zealous Vitality Inc.

The Stick as a Self-Massage Tool

When it comes to massage therapy, there are many, many types (to name a few):

• Swedish Massage
• Tai Massage
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Shiatsu
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Sports Massage

Click here to see the 10 Most Popular Types Of Massage Therapy – By About.com

Whatever your reason is for getting a massage is up to you.  I can tell you that The Stick is the the next best thing to human touch.  The big difference is, you do not need to leave the comfort of your own home to have a massage.  It breaks down trigger points (knots) and relieves tight, sore muscles in no time flat.

Now let’s talk about self-massage.  That is treating yourself with massage therapy techniques.  Reader’s Digest.com has a very popular article called Learn the Art of Self-Massage.  The article is filled with tips and tricks for taking care of yourself.  I actually counted over 12 different tools or devices that they suggest to give yourself a massage.  Honestly, all you really need 1 tool – The Stick.