Call 1.800.326.1972 Log In Shop Learn More Reseller Program New Look - Same Great Products About Us FAQ What are Massage Blocks? Massage Blocks are solid rubber tools perfectly designed to perform soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release or neuromuscular therapy without the aid of a therapist.  Whatever you call it, they are the finest trigger point therapy tools on the market.  They are made from a heavy (thick walled) synthetic rubber that is soft enough to provide a little comfort and firm enough to dig in and get the job done!  These tools are professional grade and built to last a life time. How do I use the tools? Generally speaking, the tools are placed against a wall and then the user leans into the tool to provide unrelenting pressure.  If not against the wall, then getting down on the floor provides even more pressure.  It is safe to say, if you have not used the tools, you will be amazed just how powerful they are! Please see our Guidelines for Use and How To Methodologies and Product Warning. How do I clean the tools? Massage Blocks are waterproof, latex-free, and easily cleaned with soap & water. Do not clean in the dishwasher, or use chemical cleaners. What is Deep Tissue Massage? Deep tissue massage is a soft tissue technique used to decrease tension from deep layers of muscles, fascia, and connective tissues within the body. It is often confused with Deep pressure massage which uses consistent strong/deep pressure throughout the duration of a massage session. Deep tissue massage uses specific techniques or massage strokes to target a focal area. The techniques are aimed at improving the tissue mobility relaxation of the deep layers of muscles and connective tissue. What is Myofascial Release? Myofascial release is another soft tissue technique used to improve mobility, relax contracted muscles, and increase the circulation of the muscles and surrounding connective tissues. Direct myofascial release is commonly referred to as deep tissue work. In this technique the one applies a constant pressure to the tissue with hands or tools to slowly stretch the fascia. (connective tissue surrounding muscles). True Myofascial Release is best performed by a trained therapist. Ask your therapist how Massage Blocks can be best used to gain mobility and release trigger points relative to your specific condition. What is Trigger Point Therapy? A trigger point is a term used to describe a tender/sensitive palpable nodule or tight band within a skeletal muscle. When pressure is applied to the nodule or node, local and referred pain will be reproduced is a specific referral pattern. Treatment is usually aimed at "deactivating" the painful trigger points. There is a variety of methods practitioners use, but one method is massage and deep pressure. Once the pain from the "trigger point" has subsided flexibility and stretching exercises are usually recomended to maintain the mobility of the soft tissues/muscle. Why do they work so well? Autogenic Inhibition: Autogenic Inhibition describes the inherent protective reflex controlled by the golgi tendon organ which is located where the muscle fibers connect to the tendon within the muscle. When pressure or strain is placed on a muscle the golgi tendon organ senses the amount of tension or strain. As it reaches its threshold the golgi tendon organ sends input to your spinal cord and reflexively causes your muscles to relax, decreasing the tension on the musculotendinous unit and lengthening the muscle. Gate Control Theory of Pain: This theory was introduced to describe the amazing ability of individuals to affect their own perception of pain. When a baseball player rubs his arm after being hit by a pitch or you shake your hand after you striking your thumb with a hammer, these are examples of Gate Control Theory. According to Gate Control Theory, pain and sensory fibers both enter the spinal cord and use similar pathways to send their information to the brain to be interpreted. If you can overload or send more sensory information (through deep tissue pressure) you can override the pain sensations and change the perception of the severity of a painful stimulus. The MassageBlocks.com tools provide that sensory feedback "override" the perception of pain and for tension to decrease. There you have it; that is what the experts tell us! We say, if it works so well, why ask why? Try them out, if you do not like them, we are always happy to process returns. What is the negative cycle of chronic stress and tension? Break the cycle! Tension from overworked/ overstretched muscles, or pain from muscle spasms, can lead to chronic pain and further disability. This is likely to happen when an individual chooses to passively accept the pain, hoping that it will go away with rest and medication. That pain or tension can begin to limit their activities and even contribute to adopting a sedentary lifestyle. This includes spending majority of the day lying in bed fearing that any further movement or activity will worsen their pain. This decrease in activity can lead to further tightening and weakening of soft tissues and muscles. As this progresses, altered movement patterns can become the root cause for pain in the future, even if the initial injury is resolved. The resulting weak and shortened muscles are unable to handle the demands being placed upon the muskuloskeletal system which leads to further pain. This process becomes a vicious cycle which can be hard to break. For this reason it is important to address your pain/tension quickly and return to your normal activities before allowing yourself to become deconditioned. Massage Blocks can help keep you active by allowing you to take control and apply the desired pressure needed to relieve tension and reduce muscle spasms that could become debilitating.  Back