Apparently, I send every ounce of stress to my neck and shoulders.  As a result, I have monster-size, rock hard knots in my shoulders that sure cause me lots and lots of grief.  If I don’t have a headache every day, somethings wrong.

The morning that I woke up, turned my head and it got stuck in its position is the day I decided I should finally see a physical therapist.  I realized I was a freak when every therapist in the office was called over to come check out my knots, like I was a spectacle.  “Golf balls,” they called them.  6 weeks of therapy, 3 times a week, and they kicked me out.  Basically, I was told there is no hope for these knots.  They’re too big, too old, and too hard.  It was really depressing and cost a pretty penny.  But, at least I could move my head again…just back to the daily headaches.

I’ve tried lots of different work-outs, stretches, hot/cold packs, and massages to no avail.  And, I’d love to tell you that I’ve found something or somebody that has completely diminished my knots…but, no.  Not yet, anyway.  I think a lot of it has to do with time.  I don’t have a lot of extra time to spend on these knots…I’ve got stuff to do.   So, for now…I try to keep the headaches away by doing as much as I can on my own.  When my kids are older…I’ll get these puppies taken care of.  My husband, being the carpenter that he is, has this super clever idea to get a hammer and just hit them really hard until they give.  That or get a saw and cut them off.  Both of which are last resort options for me.
Anyway, here are some of my favorite things for easing the tension in my neck, shoulders, and often my back: (these things can be great gift ideas too, for those who frequently ache…)
The 22″ Tiger Tail Rolling Muscle Massager is a massage tool that you roll across your body to ease tension.  I roll it up and down my neck and shoulder and it makes it easier to add pressure to them.  It can also be used on calves, thighs, backs, anywhere that needs some love!  I feel a lot “looser” (not in a skanky way) after I use it…and I use it daily.
The Miracle Ball Method is easy as pie to do AND really helps a lot.  For like 12 bucks, you get the mini-book explaining how to do it, and both of the balls.  What first caught my attention when I saw these was HOW many great reviews it got!  So many people were saying that is really worked miracles for them…their back, hips, shoulders, anywhere they were having troubles.  The concept is your own body weight plus breathing is what you need to release tension.  It’s such an easy thing to do for about 15 minutes a day…such completely relax and breath.

With 250 PERFECT reviews, I knew I also needed the Thera Cane Massager!  And, this one might be my most favorite.  I can get JUST the right spots on my neck, shoulders, and back that need work with no trouble at all!  I’ll find the knot, use pressure and hold for about 10 seconds and release.  I work on my knots for just a couple minutes every couple days.  The day after I use this I always feel pretty sore…so, I like to take a day off.  But, this baby “hurts so good.”  This also includes an instruction booklet to give you different ideas and positions to try.

I’ve had many rice bags in my days, but this one from Etsy’s Ferris Wheels shop is by far my favorite!  It’s designed to hang lower onto your shoulders and curve up to surround your neck…it gets all the main areas!  The other one’s I’ve had have to be propped up onto my neck…but, then there is nothing left to cover my shoulders.  These ones take care of that. I love, love it.  You can regularly find me sporting one of these every morning…even when I drive my kids to school (keeps me from tensing up when it’s chilly outside)!  Also, they can be used heated up or chilled.  Great gift idea too 🙂

 

Okay, I don’t actually own this book yet…but, it’s on my list!  Also, well-loved and raved about by reviewers, Trigger Point Therapy workbook is the perfect self-help book for pain relief!  It will teach you all about your trigger points, where your pain is coming from, and how to stimulate the flow of oxygen in your body to reduce pain.  Sounds good to me!
Anyway, there you have it.  A glimpse into my daily activities.  I would love to hear any of your suggestions for relieving muscle tension that doesn’t require me to see someone on a frequent basis and drain my bank account, thanks!

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