The Best Massage Ball of 2023

For a pleasant and helpful massage not only expensive equipment is necessary. The simplest way is to use a massage ball, which also meets the requirements of physiotherapy and is used for patients who thus regain a new sensitization and perception of their body. The massage ball is also used for muscle pain, tension, hardening or strains and has a soothing and soothing effect. The use of different massage techniques is one of the oldest forms of therapy in the history of medicine.

10 Best Massage Balls

Nowadays, the forms of therapy and techniques are manifold. The massage ball not only relieves tension, but also promotes the blood circulation in the body to loosen up the entire tissue and muscles. The massage ball is used to treat the skin and massage various body parts, including stasis in the lymphatic or cellular tissues. Especially the handy shape makes massaging hands and feet particularly effective.

On the other hand, the massage ball can also be helpful against pain in the neck and back area or lead to an improvement of the skin structure. Different variations and forms of massage balls will be examined in our test. We take a look at the models on offer and show what is feasible with them and which complaints they are used for. It should not be forgotten that the massage ball is also very useful in the wellness area and a small massage can help to relieve stress and to feel comfortable and relaxed all around.

 

What is a massage ball?

Massage balls are available in different sizes, shapes, colours and degrees of hardness. They can be made of rubber, plastic or plastic. The traditional shape of the massage ball is overlooked with pimples sticking out like small spines, allowing the massage to take place through its structure. The pimples are rounded or pointed and protrude in all directions. Some types of massage balls are of a firmer, less compliant hardness and material, others are softer or can be changed in size, e. g. by a needle valve from which the air is drained.

The degree of hardness plays an important role for the massage and can be adapted to one’s own needs. The size of the massage balls is expressed in colours. That’s why the balls are so colorful, because a color always stands for a certain size standard.

The knobs or tips protruding in all directions are particularly effective in use, as they can be used to work on any part of the body. The round shape makes rolling possible, so that body parts are also reached, which otherwise alone and with one’s own hands cause difficulties to be hit well. The massage ball can be used for sitting, standing or lying down and is rolled over the individual body parts during massage. Of course, partner massage with the use of the massage ball is also optimal.

The surface structure and shape of the massage ball was initially conceived as a golf ball and developed in the 1930s. Instead of dents, the ball had cambered pimples to reduce the airspeed. Later on, the ball turned out to be an ideal complement to the classic massage. For the massage ball, of course, the material was changed again, the size varied and adapted to the needs of the classic massage. The pimpled structure is either arranged in a certain way or combined with small elevations, so that when rolling over the skin a double effect is created.

 

How does a massage ball work?

Before the massage ball is used, the right size should be chosen. This plays a role in the region of the body where the massage ball is to be used. Foot soles or hands require smaller balls, back, shoulder parts or legs the larger models. The standard version is about the size of a tennis ball.

In addition to therapeutic measures, the massage ball is also used for relaxation or warming up during sports. The ball is used on the floor or on a wall by leaning against it with your back and rolling the ball over your back. In this way, even places that are difficult to reach can be massaged and tension can be relieved without requiring a second person.

The shape of the ball makes it possible to massage on many parts of the body, including the feet and soles. The massage is carried out in a targeted manner due to the different pressure strength that occurs when rolling over the points. Stimulation of the reflex zones on the soles of the feet has a beneficial effect on the entire organism. The massage exerts pressure on certain points on the soles, which are called reflex zones. Each zone is connected to a part of the body and reflects the effect on a certain organ, which is why in naturopathy, feet are also referred to as the mirror image of the body.

Organic problems and pain are to be alleviated by a targeted pressure massage. During this process, stimuli are exerted which influence and support the healing process at the respective body parts. This applies not only to physical complaints that are directly associated with organs or muscle tissue, but also to sleep disorders or digestive problems, for example.
In addition to massage balls with knobs, also known as pimples, there are so-called trigger point balls with a uniform, slightly roughened surface. This distorts itself only minimally as soon as the ball is used. Leaning against a wall, on a hard surface or the floor, the massage is applied to the back, neck, hips, chest, shoulders and legs. The pressure on the muscle is then held for about five seconds, after which the muscle is supposed to relax.
All affected parts of the body are supplied with more blood and the tissue is loosened at the same time. As a result, the tension is relieved and the discomfort disappears.

 

Areas of application

Massage with the massage ball is not only a measure against tension and pain.

At the same time, it stimulates the metabolism and thus provides relaxation, which in turn has an effect on the whole psyche. Your own condition is positively influenced, your body perception is improved. Even in depression and anxiety a massage can be extremely helpful and a good complement to the actual therapy.

Beauty problems such as cellulite are also an area where the massage ball has a supportive effect. Cellulite and orange peel skin develop when the connective tissue in these areas is too weak. A lot of exercise, sporting activity and a good diet have a positive effect on the affected areas. The massage ball increases blood circulation, as the skin that is regularly massaged becomes firmer and more elastic.

Usually the massage ball is used for the targeted stimulation of different skin nerves. This also happens in the field of physiotherapy. Here certain muscles and nerves are sensitized, which triggers a large-area irritation on the organism by rolling over the skin. The nerve pathways under the skin and the muscles are stimulated by varying pressure, which can be easier or more intensive. This is especially helpful for reflexology. The nerve irritations of the soles of the feet are worked on in order to have an effect on the organs associated with the zones. The palms of the hands can also be stimulated and sensitized with the massage ball.

Since the nervous system is stimulated and blood circulation is improved, the massage ball can stimulate the tissue nerves during a full-body massage and improve and soften the entire structure of the skin. The ball is mainly moved and rolled along the muscle strands. This can be done in an adamskostume or through clothing.
Basically, the massage ball can be used everywhere and become part of the daily routine. Tension is caused by incorrect posture as well as stress-related situations. Hectic, annoyance, tension – all this can happen in the job and should then be resolved at the end of the day. Training with the massage ball is then effective, which not only relaxes the muscles but also mobilizes them. As soon as the hectic conditions have calmed down and the massage provides a feeling of well-being, the body is strengthened again at the same time.

The massage ball can also be used for coordinative movement patterns and gripping exercises. The various degrees of hardness of the balls also have different effects on the body. The subjective feeling basically determines which massage ball is used.

It should massage the skin comfortably without causing pain. Of course, this is only possible to a limited extent when treating pain with the massage ball, since the muscles first have to get used to the massage and are still strongly hardened, so that the pressure can also have unpleasant effects on the muscle tissue. Nevertheless, regular use soon leads to a solution of hardening. At the same time, stress is reduced, which also benefits the body.

A very good combination are also hedgehog ball and fascia role. The

combination of both to an exercise and relaxation technique results in a better stretching of the muscles and thus more flexibility and elasticity of the whole body. (More information can be found in our massage ball test under the point:”Massage ball and fascia roll: a perfect complement”.

In order to use the massage ball, there is no need for more than one person or a masseur to use the ball. It can be used by a person for his or her own massage, e. g. leaning against a wall or lying down.

Gripping exercises, in turn, ensure that the reaction of fingers and hands is trained. It not only stimulates the skin, but also the brain because it controls and improves the skill. Gripping exercises can be supplemented with memory training, for example. The massage ball in the hand is also an enrichment for relaxation and meditative exercise.

What types of massage balls are there?

• Igelball: Massage balls differ in size, colour and shape.

The hedgehog ball, which is littered with pimples, gives the massage a tingling sensation and loosens the tissues, while at the same time stimulating blood circulation. Due to its slightly flexible shape, however, it can also be used for direct massage and to treat and stimulate individual areas. The different sizes and degrees of hardness influence the massage and are also used in different parts of the body. The larger balls, for example, are used for the entire back massage, the smaller ones are very handy and can be used for gripping and relaxation exercises. The material is also different, for example, there are harder models made of plastic or silicone, and softer models made of rubber. The round shape and the pimples cause smooth rolling on the skin and can also sensitize it.
The massage ball has continuous knobs distributed in all directions and narrowing towards the top and distinguishes itself from other massage balls by this form.

The colors determine the size. This is different:

• Orange balls: The colour “orange” stands for the diameter of 6 centimetres.
• Yellow balls: The colour “yellow” means that the massage ball has a diameter of 8 centimetres.
• Red balls: The color “red” indicates that the massage ball has a diameter of 9 centimetres.
• Blue balls: The size of the blue balls is 10 centimetres in diameter.
• Green balls: With this colour, the size is more than 10 centimetres, usually 12 to 15 centimetres on average.
• Black balls: These balls are usually larger in size and can be 20 to 28 centimetres in size. They are used for specific exercises and balance training.

Of course, there are also providers whose massage balls have a color that says nothing about the size, which is offered in a nice and colorful set. Nevertheless, the colour can provide information about the degree of hardness.

• Stoppel-Noppenball:

The pimples of a special pimpled ball are all the same size, a little wider than the pimpled ball and rounded. The arrangement is spread over the ball in several equally arranged rows, the material of the balls is usually harder and does not yield.

While the hedgehog ball is used more for relaxation and direct use in body parts, also for grip exercises with the hand or for reflex zone massage on the feet, the pimpled ball is specially designed for the back, shoulders and leg muscles. Its hard structure massages these areas intensively.

• Massage ball as a hemisphere:

This massage ball is usually bigger than the smaller massage balls in hedgehog or pimple shape. The semi-spherical format is used to ensure that the ball is non-slip and can therefore also be used when standing, sitting or performing various movements.

Massage hemispheres are available in sizes from 10 to 30 centimetres. With them the balance can be trained or better developed in children. The motor skills are improved through sport, play and fun. The hemisphere ball can also be used for foot massage, which is performed while sitting. The hemisphere always lies on the ground. The colours are usually blue, green, red and yellow.

• Massage Roller:

The massage roller is based on the same pimpled principle as the massage ball. It has a handle, a device with a small roller attached to it, which in turn is littered with burls all around. These can be rounded or pointed, depending on how the massage roller is used. The advantage of the handle remains the easier accessibility and stimulation of the back parts. The massage roller can also be used for simple back scratching. It also activates elasticity in the muscles and fascia. The skin is supplied with more blood.

• Trigger-Point-Ball:

This type of massage ball has a uniform surface and a high degree of hardness, is also heavier in weight. It is used especially for trigger point massage and therapy and is therefore one of the devices that causes a targeted reduction or even deactivation of the affected muscle areas with pressure. The trigger point ball can also be used for prophylaxis. The balls look like sports balls, besides the application they also have a chic design.

(More about trigger-point massage under the point:”What are trigger points and how does a trigger massage work?”)

• Cork massage ball:

Trigger points can also be processed with the cork ball, which is very light in weight and has a smooth surface. The contact surface is rather small and therefore enables precise access to the positions. With your own body weight, you can individually determine the pressure to be exerted on the tissue or muscle. The ball is relatively hard and unyielding due to its material, can be used for the back, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, hips and buttocks.

• Boon Double Ball:

This massage ball consists of two balls which are connected like a dumbbell by a stick. It is a multi-tool for self-massage and direct treatment of trigger points. It has a smooth surface and is adjustable in the distance between both balls. It can thus be adapted to the body and regions, which is not possible with fixed double balls. The material is made of solid rubber and offers enough resistance to massage with higher pressure. Since the balls are flexibly adjustable and removable, the massage can be carried out with both the double ball and a single ball.

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