Self-massage can be as simple or as intricate as you want it to be. The hardest part, as with most things, is becoming consistent with the practice. I’ve been doing self-massage for so many years that it’s second nature to me now, and I have endless ideas for when and where to apply it.
I’ve massaged my muscles while being a passenger in the car—and yes, even as the driver during long trips! I’ve used the outside of buildings, chairs at restaurants, and even leaned against my own dining room table. I’ve picked up rocks at the river countless times when I didn’t have tools handy and used them to work out tension. During sermons at church, you’ll often see me massaging
my hands or forearms. Sometimes, I even do it while taking a walk, though that limits what I can work on.
I have tools I love, but when I don’t have them, I use whatever is nearby—or just my hands. Over the years, self-massage has become part of my daily life, whether I’m at home or on the go. I feel so honored that God has given me the skills to not only help others but also to teach them how to care for their own bodies using the techniques I’ve relied on to relieve my own muscle aches.
My Top Hack for Consistency: Keep Tools Visible
The biggest “hack” I’ve found for staying consistent—especially when tools are involved—is to keep them visible in the room where you spend the most time. Whether that’s your living room, bedroom, or office, seeing the tools acts as a reminder to use them.
For me, my tools are thoughtfully placed around my home. In the family room near the warm fire, I can see my Theragun, Backnobber, heating pad, massage ball, and a few hand tools. My red light charger sits on the dryer, a spot I pass often, so it’s always insight and gets used regularly. My foam roller lives in the living room, where I sit to read my Bible in the mornings—I often take a couple of minutes to use it when I’m done.
This doesn’t mean my house is cluttered; in fact, I lean toward minimalism and cleared out a lot of unnecessary items a couple of years ago. But my tools are placed tactfully and intentionally to ensure they’re easy to grab when I need them.
Why I Use Tools
As a massage therapist, my hands are my tools when I work on others, and they’re often too tired to use on myself. Plus, when I push on my own muscles using just my hands, they tend to tighten because I’m not using my whole body as I would during a session with a client. Tools allow me to work more effectively without overloading my hands or arms.
I don’t work on myself every night, but if something just won’t relax, I’ll go deep one night and follow it with something more passive the next—like stretching or heat. I always finish with red light therapy to help reduce inflammation in the tissue.
Another Hack: Lay on the Floor
One of my favorite self-care tips is simply to lay on the floor. I have a bad habit of falling asleep on the couch while watching TV, but I can easily avoid this by lying on the floor instead. Lying flat allows you to “feel” things in your body that a couch or chair might mask. It’s also a great opportunity to grab a tool and work on something until you feel more comfortable.
Honest Truth: I’m Not Perfect Either
Let me be real with you: I’m not unlike most people in that I often wait until something hurts enough to get fed up before I take action to massage it away. I’ve had carpal tunnel symptoms more times than I can count. For whatever reason—probably just tiredness—I ignore it for days before finally working it out. But when I do, self-massage works wonders. Carpal tunnel is a big reason many massage therapists don’t last in this field, but I’ve been able to relieve my symptoms and continue in a career that I love, well beyond the average timeframe.
The Joy of Sharing Self-Massage
Self-massage has been a constant in my life, and I feel so grateful to share it with others. Whether I’m teaching someone to use a tool or just encouraging them to grab a tennis ball, the goal is always the same: empowering others to take control of their own wellness.
Now I want to hear from you! What’s your favorite way to unwind and care for your body after a long day? Do you have a go-to self-massage tool, or are you inspired to try one? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences. Let’s create a community of self-care enthusiasts and learn from each other as we explore the endless ways to feel better, one massage at a time.
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