It's the Spinal Countdown!

A Spinal Rack Back Stretcher, which has an 'abacus' look about it, is a great piece of kit to own.

Welcome to the “Deluxe Magnetic Back stretcher Shiatsu Spinal Rack Back Stretcher”. That’s quite a mouthful, isn’t it?

I have found this most useful for muscles that have chosen to work collectively as a 'house-brick' rather than as small moving parts, like a clock. Its rollers help you massage the area and hopefully act as a form of trigger pointing to some taught muscles.

Take a look at my vlog here for a visual on moving parts.

In my video, I reserved from speaking my thoughts regarding the magnetic strips, but I shall explain here:

In holistic therapies, it is thought that by using magnets, we can realign our body’s energy, thus resulting in homeostasis, or balance.  This product has been built with quality. However, the magnetic strips on each massage ball, are the plastic strips you might find on a cheap fridge magnet. You know the ones you might get in a cracker and when you put it on the fridge, there’s so little ‘magnetism’ in the strip that the thing slides to the bottom of the door?  It really is a gimmick, I’m afraid, but it is my only complaint on an otherwise great contraption.

Have you ever seen an animal, usually a dog who rolls around on his back and clearly looks to be enjoying the natural wriggle of quenching that itch and releasing any stress? Well, that is what I was craving to release my back, but a flat floor just wasn’t able to penetrate all the nooks and crannies, sat deep under subcutaneous fat, and into the muscles; just like a deep tissue massage. I feel like these roller balls penetrate right down to the nitty gritty. Just what you need when you’re in pain and you’ve come home late and just need immediate relief. (Steady!)

FYI: The quote within the sales pitch reads as thus:

Product Description

“…[the] frame supports, stretches and massages the lower back and spine, helping reduce pressure on each vertebra to gently realign them to a more natural, stress-free position. The rolling balls provide gentle but deep Shiatsu-style kneading, helping to increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension and bring soothing relaxation to both your back and neck. In only 15 minutes, your backache should have melted away. Crafted in quality hardwood. Guaranteed for five years…”

It also states that it is “Used and recommended by Physiotherapists”. And I completely agree to this recommendation.

Remember: it can be a little intense, so lower yourself into position gently and built your time up on it slowly! The rods do have a little ‘give’ in them, but still, it's important not to just lie on it for a long time, better to roll on it to get blood flow and massage the back muscles.