The Best Massage Balls
Whether you work out regularly or not, a massage ball can help alleviate any muscle stress or pain you may have. You can use it before or after a workout to stimulate blood flow and ease tension. Or, you can simply use it as a mini-massager whenever you're in need of a pick-me-up. Massage balls come in all shapes, sizes, grips, and textures, so read on browse through a few of our favorites.
Kieba Massage Ball
An on-the-go masseuse
Hard enough to penetrate tissue yet soft enough to feel comfortable on your skin, Kieba’s massage ball is a miniature miracle worker when it comes to soothing muscle aches and targeting pain relief. Your purchase includes two balls, so you can use them both on your feet, back, neck, and anywhere else you need near-instant relief and release.
Pros:
- Helps to generate blood flow and even alleviate cramps and kinks
- Perfect post-workout buddy
- Crafted from durable, high-quality rubber that is made to last
Cons:
- The rubber material may rub off a little with time
Zongs Manual Massage Ball
Get a grip
Grippy and durable, this manual massage ball from Zongs is your ticket to relieving tension and loosening your muscles, a key part of any post-workout recovery routine. You can even use it before your workout to help warm up your muscles. Available in four vibrant colors, this ball helps to eliminate soreness and pain, improve circulation, and encourage well-being. As a result, you’ll feel less stressed, less stiff, and ready to conquer your next workout.
Pros:
- Can help improve blood circulation
- Can roll 360 degrees, so it’s easy to use and covers a lot of ground
Cons:
- The packaging for this product could definitely be improved
Phyya Rehab Cold Massage Ball
Excellent for pain relief
This massage ball from Phyya provides wonderful cooling relief for deep tissue inflammation and stressed-out muscles. This ice-cold roller ball is effective at addressing multiple types of injuries, including shin splints, plantar fasciitis, neck aches, and shoulder pain. The rubberized, grooved grip makes this roller super-easy to use. And, conveniently, it stays cold for well up to six hours.
Pros:
- Stays cold for up to six hours
- Great at reducing swelling and inflammation
- Easy to use
Cons:
- A little pricey
TriggerPoint Foam Massage Ball
Great for post-workout recovery
If you’re badly in need of a deep-tissue massage but can’t get to the masseuse, using TriggerPoint’s foam massage ball is the next best thing. This massage ball is ideal for targeting small muscles like your calves and pecs and providing a massage for your entire body. In fact, the foam surface and grip are specially designed to mimic the feeling of a massage therapist’s hands. And we love that this ball uses a layered design consisting of different densities, so you can really target each muscle accordingly.
Pros:
- Awesome at targeting small muscles and providing a deep-tissue massage
- Replicates the feeling of a massage therapist’s hand
- Foam surface is easier to clean and more hygienic than cloth
Cons:
- The lettering wears off a little too quickly
Vornnex Massage Ball
These spiky massage balls from Vornnex will help you improve your athletic performance at a fraction of the cost of many other massage balls. This wallet-friendly two-pack is bound to become your new post-workout buddy. Use one or both balls if you’re looking to relieve muscle soreness or tightness, improve circulation, and stimulate oxygen flow, all of which are important if you want to have the best workout possible.
Pros:
- Great value purchase
- Just the right size for a deep-tissue massage
- Moisture-proof and odor-resistant
Cons:
- The texture may be a little too tough for some folks
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will benefit most from using a massage ball?
In short: everyone. Massage balls are an excellent way to reduce muscle soreness and tension, alleviate any tightness, and promote good blood flow and bodily relaxation. So, whether you’ve just done an extra-tough workout or you’re experiencing muscle pain for any reason, having a massage ball on hand can help.
Can I use a massage ball on any muscle?
Pretty much, yes. Massage balls contour nicely to muscles of all shapes and sizes. In fact, due to their small size, massage balls can be more effective than other tools at working the area between muscle groups.