Has anyone used a MA Roller?

[ShAdOwGiRl:[]

Just curious about your experiences with the MA Roller.

I sell them. I have also used mine for more than 25 years, and I really love it. Although it is contraindicated to do so, I find it so relaxing that I often fall asleep on mine.

I am a physical therapist, and I recommend it to many patients who have back pain/stiffness due to "tight" paraspinals.

I think we could all loosen up more in those muscles. I always find spots that I didn't even know were problem spots -- as is common with most types of bodywork.

Yonah
THE MA Roller

 

[Theresa]

I have one, I bought mine from http://www.massagewarehouse.com for $35 a few months ago, and now I see they are even less at $23.99!!!

I use mine infrequently. I generally included it in a chair massage. I dislike getting it all oily in a table massage.

Christine

 

[India]

Type of wood? Getting oil on it.

Christine,

Do you know what kind of wood they are made of? The originals (after which we are patterned -- the original company, Great Earth Massage Tools, went out of business) were all made of solid Rock Maple, so that they would not crack under body weight over time. Solid Rock Maple is much more costly than the cheaper woods generally seen out there on the market.

As far as getting oil on it: That is probably the best way to preserve your MA Roller and nourish the wood. See our page: How to Use.

Also, it is generally intended as a self-massage tool.

Yonah
THE MA Roller

 

[Pompal 09.]

hard birch. Let me tell you, I would not want someone to wack me in the head with this thing!!

Christine

 

[MzConception]

Hi all,

I've had my MA roller for about 25 years as well. It's made of the original maple and has aged beautifully.

I used to be able to use it with a fair amount of comfort, but having developed fibromyalgia recently, I find it too intense at times. I warm my back first by using 2 tennis balls in a tube sock. I lean against the wall and roll up and down my spine. I also use small pillows and bolsters under my neck and lower back while repositioning the MA roller. When I get a comfortable release, then I remove the pillows and bolsters so the roller can work more deeply.

I think it's one of the best self-massage tools, (aside from tennis balls) that I have ever used, and I've tried many over the years.

wellnessgarden

 

[rabbit lover]

I've tried using one on myself but found them to be too hard. It was just uncomfortable. I much prefer something with a little "give" to it like the tennis balls.

Angie

 

[Ashley M]

Comfort Level

Hi,

I have also found that the MA Roller is too intense for patients suffering from fibromyalgia, especially during flare-ups. As Angie pointed out, many people have a low tolerance for discomfort -- and indeed it is very uncomfortable at first. As the muscles relax, I find that it becomes comfortable and very relaxing. However, those with a low "pain" threshhold will never reach that point on a MA Roller.

I do like the idea of heating the muscles first. Wellnessgarden uses the tennis balls (a great substitute for the MA Roller); A hot pack followed by some Swedish massage also prepares those muscles well for the deeper work.

Christine, I also would not want to get whacked in the head with anything made out of a good-sized piece of birch. It is an excellent hardwood -- especially the straight-grained variety. It is also very durable: It is used in construction and furniture-making. However, it is cheaper and less durable than Rock Maple. I think you will enjoy your MA Roller for many years to come anyway!

Yonah
THE MA Roller