Learn to Use the tStick

Regular use of the tStick alleviates pain, improves posture, and increases flexibility.

The tStick is an innovative solution to a common problem of deep muscle aches and pains for athletes and non-athletes alike. It is designed to be used easily at home for those times when a physical therapist or massage therapist is not available.

Using a technique called myofascial release, the tStick is designed to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles, thereby reducing pain and increasing flexibility.

The adjustable foam balls provide just the right amount of pressure at the points where it is needed – the neck, the back, the glutes, or any other part of the body where deep tissue pain or tightness exists.

Fascia restrictions occur when the connective tissue throughout the body becomes rigid or adheres to other tissue and prevents joints from moving normally. Muscles can become tense from overuse, physical exertion, and/or stress. This causes pain and can ultimately lead to posture dysfunction and injury.

The tStick helps to reduce tension, aid in recovery, and restore normal joint motion. Muscles can actually become shorter due to maintaining certain positions for long periods of time, which leads to worsening posture and increased difficulty maintaining good alignment.

The tStick Original is approximately 19" in length with a 2" hard wooden ball on one end, a 2.5" dense EVA foam ball on the other end, and two 3.5" dense EVA foam balls in the middle. The two balls in the middle are adjustable and the foam ball on the end is removable for standalone use. The wood is a high quality red oak. The length of the tStick Original allows the ball spacing to be adjusted across a large range to accommodate various muscle groups and body types.

The tStick Mini is approximately 9" in length with a 1.5" hard wooden ball on each end, and two 2.5" dense EVA foam balls in the middle. The compact size of the tStick Mini is perfect for easy packing and travel.

Guidance from a Physical Therapist, Personal Trainer, Athletic trainer, or medical professional is recommended to ensure safe and correct use of the tStick. If used incorrectly injury may occur. If you experience severe pain or swelling after use of the tStick, stop using it immediately and see a medical professional for evaluation.

Where is Your Pain?

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Videos

Watch these videos for more examples of how the tStick can help alleviate your pain, improve your posture, and increase your flexibility.

Back & Neck Treatment
Psoas Treatment
Wall Treatment

General Use Tips

Regular use of the tStick is generally 2-3 times per week up to daily depending on activity level. Each session should allow for at least 2-5 minutes per area worked and no more than 20 min in any given area.

Breathing: Whether you are maintaining pressure for several minutes or rolling the tStick to massage tissue, it is important to take slow, deep breaths periodically, and make sure that you are not holding your breath when trying to release tissue.

Relaxation techniques: Soft tissue release work can be enhanced when combined with any meditation or relaxation technique. Often times the source of at least some of the restrictions in the body is mental or emotional stress, so any technique that allows you to clear your mind and “let go” of the stressful components of the day will allow your body’s tissue to release more easily.

Visualizing tissue release: When it comes to getting muscles and fascia to release with the tStick, it is helpful to picture the tissue bending over the ball and becoming more flexible. For some users, this combined with controlled breathing will become a relaxation/meditation technique. For others it will simply help focus the mind on the body part that is experiencing myofascial release.

Setting a timer: Finding time to exercise and focus on myofascial release work can be a challenge in today’s busy times. It can take dedication and patience to spend even five minutes on release work when life gets busy. Using a timer or clock will enhance the effectiveness of the release work and ensure that your session is not rushed.