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MASSAGE BALLS have come a long way in the recovery space. Yes, a good ol' fashioned lacrosse ball will help with what you're trying to accomplish, but these days there are so many new and innovative massages balls that appeal to all types of recovery needs.
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You might be asking, "What are we seeking to accomplish?" As the name suggests, massage balls can help loosen your muscles and create a relaxing feel. They can also help with recovery, thanks to a massage ball's ability to provide self-myofascial release (SMR)—a term that describes the application of pressure to a muscle in order to provoke muscle relaxation in the nervous system. After using a massage ball, it's possible you can feel reduced muscles soreness and tension immediately—but, if anything, you're bound to at least come away with a relaxed feeling in your muscles.
"Massage balls provide self massage and work as great SMR tool that can ultimately relieve tension, decrease pain, and improve blood circulation to the area through acupressure provided by the ball," says Dr. Dan Giordano, PT, DPT, CSCS of Bespoke Physical Therapy in NYC. "They can be used to target hard to reach areas, such as your plantar fascia. These days you're also seeing vibrating massage balls, which help decrease tension in the muscles through the pinpointed vibration."
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Whether it be a high-tech vibrating device or a basic rubber ball, we rounded up some of the best massage balls that may help deliver a smoother and more pleasant recovery. It's time to start rolling.