The 3 Tools Every Athlete Needs to Combat Pain and Soreness

As an athlete—whether you love to run, lift, or play sports—you’ve probably encountered those pesky bumps in the road: annoying aches, random swelling, and general discomfort. Training can be tough, and even the most prepared athletes sometimes find themselves sidelined by soreness.

At The Resilient Athlete, we believe you don’t have to stop training just because things get uncomfortable. That’s why we want to share our three favorite tools to help you combat soreness, pain, and swelling. Let’s dive in!

Number 3: Soft Tissue Mobility Tools – Foam Roller and Lacrosse Balls

First up, we have soft tissue mobility tools like foam rollers and lacrosse balls. These are both affordable and easy to find, typically costing under $10. They’re incredibly user-friendly and perfect for daily use.

Why do we love them? They’re fantastic for relieving post-workout soreness and combating stiffness before training. A quick roll on a foam roller or a targeted session with a lacrosse ball can work wonders for tight muscles and help you maintain your range of motion. Make these tools a staple in your recovery routine, and you’ll notice a significant difference!

Number 2: Flossing Compression Bands

Next on our list are flossing compression bands. Also budget-friendly at under $10, these bands are great for warming up various joints, including knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows.

The thick rubber helps decompress tissues and can facilitate the manual evacuation of swelling when applied in a gradient style (from more to less compression). Just a few minutes of using these bands can improve blood flow and reduce discomfort, setting you up for a more effective training session.

Number 1: NMES Hand-Held Machine

Finally, our top recommendation is the NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) hand-held machine. While this option is a bit pricier, you can find a solid NMES machine on Amazon for under $60, plus an additional $10 for sticky electrodes.

These battery-operated devices are portable and easy to take with you wherever you go. We regularly use them with athletes dealing with pain and swelling, and they can even be employed for basic strength exercises. Just be sure to choose a machine labeled NMES (not TENS), as they serve different purposes. One of our favorites is the Balego NMES stimulator, which has received great reviews!

Wrap-Up

If you’re an athlete looking to stay resilient and keep training through the discomfort, these three tools are essential additions to your arsenal. From soft tissue mobility tools to compression bands and NMES machines, they’ll help you manage soreness and keep you on track.

Have any questions about these tools or how to use them effectively? Feel free to reach out to us directly! Happy training! 😄