TriggerPoint STK Handheld Massage Stick

I used to run and have had a problem with my calves muscles (esp. anterior tibialis) for years. The muscles get very tight and hard, and I read that it's due to muscle weakness and overuse. I noticed certain areas are sore as soon as I started rolling. I’ve been using this in addition to [TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller Original (13-inch)] on my calves about 3-5 times a week, and I've already noticed an improvement in my symptoms after about a month.I tried the Performance GRID STK Handheld Foam Roller Regular Density (since doesn't roll smoothly, hard to exert pressure and roll at the same time) and the travel edition (the pointy massage roller poke uncomfortably), but for my calves, this was the best. It rolls smoothly. The rollers are made of foam that doesn't have much give (it's much harder than the GRID roller foam). The design makes it easy to get the muscle area right next to the shin bone without rolling over the bone. The roller does bend a little bit, but not a lot, which is good because you can exert as much pressure as you'd like.I've also used on other muscle groups (upper legs, forearms). The shoulder is a bit tricky, but when you are able to stabilize the roller, it works very well (just be careful as the handle can leave a black mark on the wall).

I bought this Trigger Point Massage Stick after having used the one at my PT for 2 years after 2 knee replacement surgeries. Now that I'm near graduating from ongoing PT, time to get the equipment that helped my recovery most for my home gym. Before I used this stick, I used a swivel roller stick to rub out adhesions from my muscles and other soft tissues. That product, which I still own and use, is complementary to this stick. The main reasons why: 1) It's much easier to grip this stick to stop the rolling motion which adds to the "pulling" of your tissues to aid stretching, 2) the knobby protrusions really do feel like your PT's fingers, 3) the handle offers another way to dig into your tissues. Overall, it's the application of friction on your skin and tissues that has a totally different impact to your recovery. The stick, at 21", is a little too big for air travel or most carry on bags. And since I have used it during this crazy COVID time, the materials have tolerated continuous and repeated exposure to industrial strength sanitizers. The rubbers and plastic have not suffered in the least. I love this stick and highly recommend it.

Very comfortable grips, smooth rolling action, excellent muscle massager

This product has been a game changer for me. It is easy to use and very well made. I use my foam roller much less frequently. I use it extensively on my quads, hamstrings, and my calves.

Very useful for rubbing out those muscle knots and kinks in those hard to reach areas. I've used it on my calves, thighs, and neck, and it works well. It's not as hard as another stick I have, which I like. Also, unlike that same other stick, it has held up without breaking.The only thing I don't like is the shape of the rubbing surface. I prefer the smoother round surface. The 'knobs' on this kind of hurt my delicate muscles. Maybe I'm just a baby, but that's my preference.

My wife bought this to work out tightness in her calves and thighs. She moans and groans, but said it has given her relief.

Perfect for rolling muscles before or after exercise/activity to get the blood flowing in your tissues and relax stiff/sore muscles. It is quite firm, so it will hurt if you push too hard where muscle meets bone (IE your knee) but if you are aware of your anatomy, and exercise caution, you can roll over joints and bone without any issue. Just adjust pressure as you cover these more sensitive areas. A great supplement to their foam roller.

I've bought at least half a dozen different handheld muscle rollers over the years, and this one is my absolute favorite. The "tiger tail" and its equivalents have fully smooth sides so they don't really break up the myofascial tissue as completely. Several other varieties offer a series of little plastic tubes that slide over the main tube (like http://www.amazon.com/Yes4All-Soreness-Elim-Massage-Stick/dp/B00HGN1N96/) and those also are too smooth, and they can pinch! Finally there the "rock n roller" http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N8EL6GW which is pretty tough looking but the rubber section over the tube doesn't roll easily enough, so it just gets stuck. This one rolls smoothly over the tube as you run it down your muscles. http://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Pressure-Point-Massager-Colors/dp/B00525X8ZW/ is the best competitor to this one, but it has only 3 giant balls which makes for a different contour down your muscle. I prefer the smaller nubbins of this one.