The Bottom Line
If you don't have the time or money for regular massages, using the Stick can provide runners with many of the same benefits, such as increased flexibility and decreased soreness.
Pros
- Compact - can fit in most backpacks or gym bags
- Inexpensive (especially compared to professional massages)
- Effective as a massage tool, especially on the legs
Cons
- Some find it tough to use because you must apply pressure for it to be effective
- Limited use -- can't use for body parts beyond the legs
Description
- Increases flexibility
- Accelerates recovery time
- Reduces muscle soreness, stiffness and pain
Guide Review - The Stick
The Stick is a massage tool made of a space-age plastic that allows necessary flexibility of the tool and provides maximum compression of your muscles. It was specifically designed for runners to help increase flexibility, accelerate recovery time, and reduce muscle soreness, stiffness and pain. Similar to a foam roller, you can roll the Stick on your muscles for a self-massage. The Stick is small enough to fit into a backpack or small suitcase, so you can easily take it along to races. It's particularly effective at loosening up tight leg muscles.
I bought my first Stick several years ago when I had a seriously tight illiotibial band (IT band). I rolled my IT band using the Stick everyday for a week, and it took care of the issue. Since then, anytime I feel a little tightness in my IT band, I roll with the Stick and it loosens right up.
The Stick is best used on the legs, making it perfect for runners. I definitely notice a difference the next day when I use the Stick after a long run. My legs are much less sore and tight than when I don't use the Stick.
