The Stick vs rolling pin

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » The Stick vs rolling pin Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-07-25 12:49 PM

Regular
86
252525
Albany, Ga
Subject: The Stick vs rolling pin
I have been using a rolling pin (baking type; never tried The Stick) for months now along with a softer foam roller (white one; not the hardest they make) for self massaging.  I have had success until recently when I tried to implement speed drills into my running.  My right calf is now strained again from pushing too hard.  I would like to get the most thorough self massage possible, and I am wondering if the Stick or a firmer foam roller would be better.

Question:  Does The Stick get any deeper massage into the calf than a rolling pin?  Would the       firmest foam roller available trump The Stick? 

I have found the rolling pin and softer foam roller to be limited as to how deep I can massage the calves.  Maybe I need the firmest foam roller they make ( I think it is black). 

Thanks up front for your thoughts.  Yes, I have checked on the shoes, etc. etc.

2009-07-25 2:37 PM
in reply to: #2307493

User image

Subject: RE: The Stick vs rolling pin
I was using a rolling pin and foam roller for awhile, and then tried the Stick at an Expo and it feels like it does a better job than the rolling pin. The difference for me is that it has some flexibility (compared to the rolling pin) so it gets to the knot from more than one side. But if your problem is that you can't get to deeper knots, you might try a tennis ball before you shell out for the Stick. Use it kind of like the foam roller - put the tennis ball on the floor and roll your leg over it until you feel a knot, then rest your weight on it and hold. It works great for deeper knots in the calf!
2009-07-25 3:56 PM
in reply to: #2307493

User image

Veteran
160
1002525
GA
Subject: RE: The Stick vs rolling pin
I bought the stick at an expo too...and I try to use it every night. I had ankle surgery five years ago, lost 3 degrees of motion, and now have some rough knots in my right calf. The stick finds them in seconds, and I do my best to find the balance of pain and satisfaction in working them out. I have the "marathon" version I think, which is a little flexible but still strong. Definately worth the $27.
2009-07-26 12:32 PM
in reply to: #2307493

Regular
86
252525
Albany, Ga
Subject: RE: The Stick vs rolling pin

Well, I guess that is some pretty diverse feedback!  Anytime I can get "treehugger" and "soldier" in their name to respond with great feedback I suppose that should have the bases covered.  Wink

I ordered the sprinter stick and a new black (firmer, I think) foam roller.  These two guys, along with some restraint on the speed drills and barefoot running, should keep me going without injury.

Onward and upward!

2009-07-26 2:40 PM
in reply to: #2308491

User image

Master
1675
1000500100252525
Suwanee, Ga.
Subject: RE: The Stick vs rolling pin
Tennis ball works also.  Smaller contact point and gets deeper than the roller/stick.  I use all 3 at different times for different places on my legs/hips and low back.


Steve


2009-07-26 2:54 PM
in reply to: #2307493

New user
219
100100
Subject: RE: The Stick vs rolling pin
once I went to a PT and she rolled me out with something similar to the stick but it had golf balls on it. I've never seen it in stores and wonder if it wasn't home-made. Anyway, that was way better than the stick or the foam roller. I have seen something kinda similar with balls on a roller at PerformBetter.com 

Edited by chasing3 2009-07-26 2:55 PM

2009-07-26 2:59 PM
in reply to: #2308628

Regular
86
252525
Albany, Ga
Subject: RE: The Stick vs rolling pin
Reno8 - 2009-07-26 2:40 PM Tennis ball works also.  Smaller contact point and gets deeper than the roller/stick.  I use all 3 at different times for different places on my legs/hips and low back.


Steve

How do you get the tennis ball into the knots?  I can't press down far enough on the floor before my hamstring hits if I am doing my calf.  I did try to push it against the knot with the ball in my hands.  This works but I can't apply pressure nearly as long as with using the floor.  Any thoughts on how to improve on this?

2009-07-26 3:56 PM
in reply to: #2307493

Member
9

Subject: RE: The Stick vs rolling pin

ive been rolling withh the black hard foam roller and a tennis ball for a couple years now. recently won a gift certificate to a local run shop and bought the stick. personally, i much prefer the tennis ball for my calves, and foam roller elsewhere, the stick works fine, but doesnt get in qquite as deep due to its flexibility. i think you will like it, but for me personally i wouldnt buy unless it was agift. good luck1

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » The Stick vs rolling pin Rss Feed