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| - Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that rolling a tennis ball under the leg relieves leg and back pain. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False. Rolling a tennis ball under your leg can sometimes help make your leg and back pain feel better. But the tennis ball may show any effect only if the pain is caused by tight muscles. If the pain is because of a bigger injury or medical problem, using a tennis ball might not help much.
The Claim
A Pinterest post claims that rolling a tennis ball back-and-forth by gently applying pressure can reduce leg and back pain. The post further recommends this exercise for two to four days in a week to prevent foot related injuries.
Fact Check
Does rolling a tennis ball under the leg relieve pain?
Possible in some cases. We could not find scientific evidence confirming that rolling a tennis ball under the leg relieves leg and back pain. Still, we found that rolling a tennis ball may offer relief to leg and back pain caused by tight muscles. However, if the pain is due to a more significant injury or medical condition, the use of a tennis ball may not provide significant relief.
While exploring various methods for pain relief, it’s essential to consider the broader impact of physical activities on health. For those interested in enhancing their well-being, understanding how simple exercises can alleviate conditions like heart failure might be beneficial.
Dr Rachit Gulati, a highly skilled orthopaedician and currently serving as the Medical Director at SAAOL Ortho Care informs, “Rolling a ball under the foot can be beneficial exercise for strengthening the foot’s intrinsic muscles and stretching the fascia for some people. Through this one may enhance blood flow, facilitating the healing process of the fascia. Considering that feet endure constant stress, this exercise can be effective in healing and strengthening this often neglected area of the body. However, people must not rely only on this exercise to cure their leg pain”.
Similar to the way bee venom therapy is being investigated for back pain, many individuals seek out alternative methods like rolling a tennis ball under the leg for relief.
Senior Physiotherapist Upma Lal says, “Not exactly. The tennis ball is known for its firmness. This possibly makes it beneficial for massaging the plantar fascial muscles and relieving tension. Nowadays, people often wear shoes with PV soles, which can contribute to fasciitis. The massage from rolling the tennis ball may help with plantar fasciitis and alleviate heel pain. However, relying solely on tennis ball to alleviate pain is not recommended. It is always better to consult a doctor”.
We also researched about the claimant of the Pinterest post. The claimed post has been shared by a social media profile called “Rock Attracted”. The profile has 8.4k followers, follows 47 other users, and has 3.3 million monthly views. The profile bio states “Love Can’t Stop It, It’s Magical Feeling Between Two People & Doesn’t Matter What Relationship Is.” Unfortunately, it is unclear what the purpose or focus of this social media profile is.
What is the science behind the claim of rolling rolling a tennis ball under the leg to relieve leg and back pain?
Some websites claim that rolling a tennis ball can effectively relieve pain by incorporating massage, acupressure, and reflexology principles that help soothe sore muscles. The scientific rationale behind this exercise is that the tennis ball uses gravity to apply pressure on trigger points, which reduces muscle tension and improves mobility and blood circulation. This process can feel similar to a massage therapist working on a tight knot.
Further research reveals that a massage can indeed help to soothe muscles and alleviate pain, a process known as myofascial release. During a myofascial massage, a physical therapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist uses techniques such as massaging, kneading, and stretching using certain tools to relieve pain. However, individuals can also perform self-myofascial release (SMR) using certain tools, with foam rollers being the most common. Foam rollers are used in a similar way as mentioned in the claimed social media post.
However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that foam rollers can be replaced with tennis balls to relive pain.
What can be the dangers of trying to cure relieve leg and neck pain through home remedies and not seek medical advice?
Attempting to treat and relieve leg and neck pain through home remedies without seeking medical advice can have several potential dangers.
Firstly, relying on home remedies may mask underlying medical conditions that require professional medical attention. Pain can be a symptom of various underlying medical issues that may require a specific treatment approach, and ignoring or delaying medical attention can lead to the progression of these conditions.
Secondly, some home remedies may not be suitable for certain types of pain or medical conditions. Inappropriate or incorrect use of remedies such as hot or cold therapy, massage, or stretching can cause further harm or worsen the pain.
Thirdly, self-diagnosis and treatment can result in incorrect assumptions and ineffective treatment, which can delay the healing process and cause prolonged discomfort.
Lastly, some home remedies can interact with existing medical conditions or medications, leading to adverse effects and complications.
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