Rogz Asteroidz for Self Directed Soft Tissue Release (SDSTR)
The Rogz Asteroidz is a pet toy that can be purchased at most pet stores. It is popular with pets… but also with Biokineticists, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, and Physical therapists. Either as a tool to be used in the patient-practitioner session, or for homework use. Using the Rogz Asteroidz for self directed soft tissue release (SDSTR) is a way to empower patients in the treatment process. Patients can use the ball to treat themselves when they are unable to see their practitioner due to time, travel, or financial constraints. The Asteroidz balls are superior to most other SDSTR balls available on the market because they are light weight, have a medium density, and are able to “adhere” to vertical and horizontal surfaces due to the asteroid pock marks.
“Soft enough not to hurt your dog’s teeth, but firm enough to bounce. The lightest, bounciest ball in the cosmic universe.”
Rogz Asteroidz sizes:
Ball size matters, just as much as placement. Be prepared to buy more than one ball to target different areas.
AS01 Small 49mm
Small ball application:
- Very tight muscles.
- Very intricate angle of application.
- Scapula / shoulder.
- Mid thoracic erector spinae
- Forearm.
- Lateral lower limb.
AS02 Medium 64mm
Medium ball application:
- Very tight muscles.
- Less intricate angle of application.
- Scapula / shoulder.
- Tricep.
- Bicep.
- Forearm.
- Lateral lower limb.
- Calf.
- Quads.
- TFL.
- Glutes.
- Piriformis.
AS04 Large 78mm
Large ball application:
- Deeper muscles.
- Muscles that have “graduated’ from the two smaller Asteroidz balls. “Softer” muscles.
- Easy angle of application.
- Tricep.
- Bicep.
- Lateral lower limb.
- Medial lower limb
- Calf.
- Quads.
- Glutes.
- Piriformis.
- Hamstrings.
Choice of ball:
The question that us often asked: “surely a harder ball is better?” – The answer is no.
Durometer is one of several measures of the hardness of a material. Hardness may be defined as a material’s resistance to permanent indentation.
The higher the Durometer the more resistant to change. The more resistant to change, the more likely it will result in bruising and negative net-effect.
The Rogz Asteroidz is NOT to be mistaken with Rogz Gumz (LINK)
Rogz version of Durometer:
Rogz uses a Durometer called a Bitometer. It is the strength and durability of the ball. Rogz use different Durometer rubbers/plastics for different pet applications. For bighting, bouncing, floating, or a combination.
Rogz Asteroidz “Bitometer”: Medium
Rogz Gumz “Bitometer”: Hard
Application:
Ask your Biokineticist / Physiotherapist / Osteopath to advise you on:
- If you are a suitable candidate for self directed soft tissue release (SDSTR).
- Which areas would benefit from SDSTR. See post on Muscle Trigger Point Anatomy (LINK)
- What techniques you should apply with SDSTR.
- Which tools you can use to assist with SDSTR.
- How frequently you should use SDSTR.
- What contraindications you should watch out for.