Tools for Home

These are some of my go-to tools for self-care between sessions—things I personally use, love, and often recommend to clients. Most are small enough for home or travel. Links below take you directly to each product.

  • I own 2 sets of Yamuna Foot Savers—one for studio and one for home. They’re great for travel as well. You can see my videos on YouTube for how they can help with plantar fasciitis and big toe flexibility (Super Important!). They have not been as easy to find in recent years, so here is a less expensive (and less durable) version.

    Small, spiky, green and perfect for travel or keeping at a desk. Great for forearms too!

    Magic! 15 minute foot massager--I do 2 in a row! Perfect addition to morning coffee or some Netflix & chill.

    I wish this calf massager worked well as a foot massager, but perfer the Breo above for that. This thing has significantly improved my ankle range-of-motion. I get some really great adjustments afterward. Also effective for peeling back the tight calves to back pain connection. Bonus tip: you can put your forearms in it as well!

  • I use this hand massager at least once per week; it even releases my back and improves my posture! Not ideal if you have severe joint pain or arthritis.

    Amazing tool for relieving forearm tension, especially after aerial silks or climbing. Also helpful for tennis elbow.

    Weak grip muscles often contribute to neck and lower-back pain. Strengthening the finger extensors is almost like cross-training for all the typing you do. These talon attachments can be used in a gym setting and are helpful for isolating certain fingers you may be under-using (look to see which ones may have calluses and which don’t).

  • Pricey but worth it if you carry chronic tension at the base of your skull. Use code ShannonRashap for 10% off.

    Great for headaches and eye tension. Compact for travel and lovely paired with meditation.

  • Partner to the neck release above; the most effective one I’ve found in 15 years. Together they can dramatically improve posture and breathing. Use code ShannonRashap for 10% off.

    The last part of my favorite back release trifecta (Aletha Mark & Range) this perfectly-sized and density ball is like none other for releasing the QL muslce, which underscores a lot of chronic back pain. All 3 products come with me when I travel.

    SI belts can be a game-changer for fast, pelvic stability and lower back relief. I don’t encourage clients to wear them all the time, but use during activities where you feel instability. Be sure to order your size. This version moves with you instead of riding up.

    Useful little peanut for gentle core strengthening or to stretch the SI joint. Also great under the sit bones to release the pelvic floor.

  • A strong back equals a strong core. Great traction for back pain and a must for those who type all day. This portable pair for pull ups or traction in a doorway won’t leave a mark on your doorframe.

    Use pull up bands for assistance or general resistance training. Watch for bundle coupon codes. These would have to go over a pull up bar, unlike what I suggested above.

    These resistance loops are great for hip, pelvic-floor, and shoulder work. Most people only need light to extra-light.

    Perfect for re-activating a loose pelvic floor. Also great between ankles for calf raises and ankle stability.

    Essential ball for core and inner-thigh work, and wonderful for stretching your back and diaphragm.

  • Choose a massage gun with multiple attachments. You don’t need to spend more than $100 unless you’re a pro athlete.

    Fantastic cupping set for releasing scar tissue and tension (use with oil). If you hate foam rolling, cup instead.

    Affordable, reliable, and versatile. Go for the 36″ length foam roller to get the most use.

    This textured peanut roller is perfect for targeting the TFL (that muscle behind IT-band tension). Also great for calves or triceps and small for travel.

    Vibration plates stimulate lymph flow and aid athletic recovery. This particular plate can move in several directions and doesn’t take up a lot of floor space. I use Program #2 daily.

    Compression wraps combined with calf stretches offer a “turbo” release. Stick with the lighter (red) version.

  • The Body Keeps the Score. The most approachable, insightful book on trauma and the body.

    Eastern Body Western Mind. Connects the chakras and Eastern philosophy to Western psychology; academic yet relatable.

    Pelvic Power. Yes, the cover looks like a porn book, but it is the best book I’ve ever come across for pelvic floor and lower back issues. Honestly, if you’ve sat for work for 5+ years, something in this book will be helpful for hip mobility and strength.

  • Earthing mats can be helpful for inflammation-based issues and overall grounding. Not for everyone, but I’ve found it helps with sleep and immune function. Sleeping on a mat can be hot, as it is a mat. I’ve never purchased the sheets because I was skeptical that they would last long.