What’s the benefit? “We’re working on different parts of the nervous system that become tense or tight, based on either your daily life habits or based on emotional distress—anxiousness, stress, tension, things like that,” says Tatta. In addition, massage techniques like using lacrosse balls, or even softballs and foam rollers, help to break up the fascia, “so you’re essentially letting the muscle relax,” explains certified personal trainer and founder of TMAC FITNESS Todd McCullough. He also adds, this helps your muscles move more effectively. And while it certainly can feel good to target one pesky area (like that super-tight upper back), Tatta advises to “work down their entire spine, because your entire spine moves together, so working on one part isn’t the best.” Locate the muscle and lie down on your lacrosse ball, holding for 30 seconds to a minute and rolling around gently, if it feels good. McCullough adds that you can also target the subscapularis muscle, which is underneath the armpit, by lying on your side and placing the ball directly underneath the armpit, and working there.
