IGX

I am surprised that no one else has mentioned this here before, but one of the best tools I have found for sore muscles is a $20 foam roller. I started using one 10-12 year, after reading an article in a running magazine. I found that it was great especially for the back and the legs.

Essentially (I know there are posters here who can explain it much better) it uses your own bodyweight to massage your muscles, including some nice myofascial release.

I have had the best results using it on my outer thighs (ITB?). Warning-- this one hurts like hell.

Want a better explanation? Click here:

http://s116928477.onlinehome.us/myorelease.htm

Two other techniques that I have used include:

1. Lay on roller parallel to the spine. Roll from side to side to release tension the muscles along the spine.

2. Lay in same position, but place the roller under the muscles on one side of the spine. Try to lift as many limbs as possible, so as much of your weight as possible is concentrated over the roller. Repeat for the other side.

You can get good. high quality foam rollers at OPTP.COM, along with a bunch of other interesting toys. Also worthwhile are the 'Small Ball' PT programs and equipment; they are on the same approacy as "Yamuna Body Rolling", only without all the glamour photography and posing.

Somewhat simpler but still pretty good and accessible, is the "Miracle Ball Method" package being sold in major bookstores (like Borders, Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million) - two 5 inch diameter plastic balls and a minibook on how to use them properly. The balls are just the right density and firmness to let you pinpoint adhesions and triggerpoints without a lot of discomfort.