The Orb and other physical therapy tools

I use a variety of physical therapy tools to keep my body feeling its best, from rollers to lax balls, to massage/trigger point releasing devices of all kinds. When a trainer friend recommended the Orb, I could not believe I’d find a use for it: I have a foam roller; I have balls of all sizes and densities, why would I need this hybrid of the two? But no joke, if I could have only one of the above, I’d take the Orb. It has been a shockingly useful game changer in my stretching routine and general end-of-the-day check in with my body. I use it primarily on my glutes, but also hamstrings/groin (on a yoga block), low back (and then wrap abound to my obliques and psoas if I’m really putting in some time), mid back (against a wall), and behind and around my knees (propped on a yoga block) and it is just brilliant. It is the perfect size and density so that you can essentially precision foam roll. I love mine. The one I use is of the pink/blue 5” one, not the smaller, harder version.

The Orb

Another favorite PT tool is a type of stick roller. I have tried several models, and The Stick is by far the best. You can use it comfortably over clothes or on bare skin and it rolls smoothly; the tension in the wand itself and size options are great. I use both the standard and firm flexibility options and really like them both. I use this mostly on my quads and calves. In positions where the muscle is completely relaxed, it is excellent for getting a little stretch into the belly of the muscle without pulling to much on the connective tissue (in particular at the ankle.

The Stick