Anyone use Triggerpoint?

I've used them when I have a really deep or persistent issue.  My favorite is the grid roller for my ITB issues and then the massage ball for a multitude of areas.  For the grid roller I always take it especially slow from knee to hip about 10 times resting on my elbow and the upper leg resting on the lower leg so there is a lot of body weight on the roller.  If I find a spot that seems especially tight, I'll make sure the square grid is properly aligned under that spot and let it sit there for about 15 seconds then slowwwwly roll it down a few inches then back, and repeat until that spot is relaxed.  Also important for the ITB is the hip flexor, so you need to make sure you give it the same treatment. 

The ball is, for me, much more versatile and I've used it from the shoulder to the hip/glutes to the calves to the bottom of the foot.  It has the perfect combination of firmness and give that lets it get deeply into the knotted or simply overly tight areas.  The way I use it is what I call focused patience.  I put the ball directly under the spot that is tight/knotted the slowly transfer as much weight as I possibly can onto it.  Then keep it there.  Until I really can't any more.  Then slowly lift up for about a 10 count and repeat a few times.  It can be quite painful when you first get it going and you may find you can only put a certain amount of weight on it, but by the third rep you should be able to have a lot more weight on it as the tight area relaxes. 

Melody, in response to your question as to when and how often, I always try to get it when it is a simple discomfort to prevent it from becoming actual pain.  If something is nagging, I'll do it in the morning, then before and after a workout.  I always do some LIGHT stretching before just to loosen things up, but not enough to exacerbate the discomfort.