When wellness hurts again
11.9.2018
Translation: machine translated
The Trigger Point Wellness Collection is supposed to provide well-being, but the path to the goal is painful. At least for me, an effeminate fascia roller. These four fitness massage tools are small and mean - which is a good sign.
I must have got too comfortable. While I initially found my Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller hard, I'm now quite relaxed about it. It's time for new stimuli, and the Wellness Collection is just what I need. It contains the following special tools on rollers, which are designed to get me out of my comfort zone and shape the deep layers of tissue:
- The 28-centimetre-long QuadBaller for legs, hips and lower back
- The 16-centimetre-long FootBaller for the lower legs and feet
- A Baller Block, which is used as an aid
- Two massage balls with a diameter of 6.5 centimetres
- One double ball bag
- Access to the "Upper Body" e-book and video tutorials
The QuadBaller
It looks like a swollen skateboard axle with inline skate wheels at the ends. The curved foam part in between consists of layers of different hardnesses, which give a little after a few seconds of use and are supposed to mimic the grip of a masseur. I'm sceptical about this. Very sceptical, in fact. I am more sceptical that the flat roller is well suited to working the hips, legs and lower back. The QuadBaller owes its name to the quadriceps, the large four-headed muscle on the front of the thigh. That's why I'm starting with the corresponding exercise.
My first experiences briefly summarised: Ouch. I don't feel the grip of a masseur, nor do I feel any give, but the pressure is very localised due to the small diameter, which makes it feel much more intense than on my comfortable roller. In addition, the QuadBaller is easy and silent to move and keeps the track, but I have never had any problems with this on wheelless rollers either. The position just above the ground is comfortable, after all. And yes, something happens in the body. I know for sure that the QuadBaller is harder when I switch to the outside of my thigh and work on it. OUCH!
FootBaller and Baller Block
The FootBaller is the smaller version of the QuadBaller. It has the same design, but is 12 centimetres shorter and therefore suitable for calves and feet. However, I've also come across calves that probably wouldn't find enough room on it. However, the width is easily enough for me and after a look at the instructions I realise that the Baller Block is not packaging material but also a training device. The 10 centimetre high and 21.5 centimetre wide foam block contains the FootBaller, which is placed on the block to roll out the lower leg.
This looks unstable at first, but works quite well and brings the calf back to a similar height as on a normal-sized fascia roll. Even when I support my upper body with my arms, everything stays in place. Training with the FootBaller leaves me with different impressions: a deep one in the calf and a lasting one on the pain receptors.
The MB1 massage balls
Until now, I have disdained massage balls and have only ever used a few tennis balls for their intended purpose. Although they are similar in size, they are nowhere near as hard as these black, white and green torture balls. With their small diameter of 6.5 centimetres, problem areas can be worked on very specifically. I find it too painful between my shoulder blades when lying down, but I find the exercise more pleasant when standing against the wall. Of course, the balls can be used on different parts of the body and the Baller Block can also be useful here: For example, using it to press the ball against the chest muscles to increase the pressure. Oh yes, there is also the "Double Ball Sack". This is a sack into which both balls fit. Who would have thought it? Placed under the back and packed like this, you can roll out the muscle strands to the right and left of the spine, for example.
E-book and tutorials
If you register at tptherapy.com and activate the enclosed code for the Wellness Collection, you will receive access to an English e-book and various videos. The e-book "Upper Body" provides an introduction to trigger points and the training goals, and also illustrates various exercises with the massage ball. I didn't spend much time with the videos, as they kept getting stuck on my mobile and in the office. If you are used to YouTube, you will be slightly annoyed by the TP player. With a little more patience, however, you will find 21 English tutorials with specific training tips or background information - if they can be played.
Conclusion
Ouch! I have been training with the Wellness Collection on and off for a fortnight and have felt a difference. The set gives me new stimuli. That's a good thing. If, like me, you are used to a normal-sized fascia roller and don't just want to switch to a harder model, you could be happy with the Wellness Collection. The rollers are certainly no match for trained massage hands, but at least they can be used to exert very targeted pressure. QuadBaller and FootBaller do their job well, but even with wheels, the roller has not been completely reinvented. An alternative would be the Blackroll Mini, for example. And the massage balls are a good tool that you can also get individually with the diameter of your choice.
Are you interested in this topic? Then stay tuned and follow along here, I'll keep browsing through our range and wait for the video player to finally work.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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