Today is the first official day of summer, but many of us are already fully leaning into the summer vibes! My family and I just got back from an amazing week in Puerto Vallarta. We took a boat to a remote fishing village, we snorkled, we took an ATV ride through the jungle and a hike to a waterfall, we soaked in the beach and pools and did lots of resting in the sun. We had a blast exploring a new place together!

As much fun as we had, my body was definitely beginning to feel those aches and pains that come from doing things I don't normally do. But thankfully I have tools to help me work on some of the kinks until I see my massage therapist next week!

During these warm summer months, a lot of us are ramping up our exercise, we’re switching up our daily routine and we're hitting the cars/planes/trains for vacation time. All of those changes to our normal routine can cause some new pains, often in our necks, shoulders and legs. Let's face it, your regularly scheduled massage may not be enough. So, this season, I'd like to share a few of my favorite self-massage products that you can use at home or even on vacation.

**The first tool I can't live without is my massage hook, also sometimes called a theracane or back buddy. I've included the link below of the cane I think is best, but there are many to choose from when you search the internet. It's light enough to go with you in your suitcase so feel free to bring this guy with you.

The cane is great for- virtually anything! I personally use it for tight neck and shoulder muscles, but it can be used for low back pain, calf pain or even for achy arches/feet. The balls along the cane are great for pinpointing causes of pain and relaxing knots in muscles, head to toe.

**The second tool I love to have on hand is a massage gun. There are so many brands out there and from the ones I've tested, most between $50-100 are pretty comparable and will get the job done. The original theragun brand is much more pricey but probably worth it if you have the spare change. It's lighter and was originally meant for therapists to use on clients so it will last longer and the pressure is better. That being said, I have a cheaper brand for our household and we've all been happy with it. The massage gun I bought is no longer available, but the one in the link below is a good price and I have purchased it for several family members.

The gun is great for- muscles that are tight or sore from overuse or a heavy workout. Don't use directly on bones, only on the muscle belly. I personally think the gun works best on larger muscles-thighs, glutes, calves and forearms.

**The 3rd tool that I love for self-care is the ice roller. I love this particular one because it comes on a handle so you can actually apply pressure while icing an area that needs attention. Just keep it in the freezer until you need it! Or you can put it in a bowl of hot water for 5-10 minutes to use heated.

This product is great for- shin splints, tight neck, forearm/hand soreness, achy feet after a long day of walking, and any sore or inflammed muscle.

Massage Hook

Massage Gun

Ice Roller

I found all of these products on amazon and have included pictures and links, but feel free to do some shopping on your own. I have tried a lot of self-massage/self-care tools over the years so I would be more than happy to help if you have questions about a particular product or any other products you come across and want to try. Also, if you buy one or any of these tools, let me know and I can give you pointers of how to use it for your particular body and problem areas.

Wishing you a fun-filled, happy and healthy summer!

Much love,

Bryn Rath, CMT

Tranquil Massage, LLC

303-717-5016