KNOWING what to pack for a long flight can often be a difficult decision to make.
Along with sweatshirts and travel pillows, experts bizarrely explained why a tennis ball should also be included.
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Long flights can increase the risk of blood clots, due to lack of circulation in the legs when sitting for a long time periods of time.
It is a tennis ball could alleviate this.
Professor Ali Ghoz, an orthopedic surgeon, previously said The daily star: “Taking a tennis ball or massager on the plane will help increase circulation.”
This is because the ball can be used to stretch any tight or sore muscles, particularly in the legs and back.
Other experts have supported the use of tennis balls to relieve pain.
Illinois physical therapist Peter Allan Schmitt told USA Today: “[Tennis balls are] the perfect size for most areas and they have a bit of stretch, which I like.
A physical trainer even said that two tennis balls were ideal.
Laura Coleman said on social media: “Take two tennis balls and put them in a sock. Take it sock, place it in the middle of your back.
“No matter where, just place it anywhere from the bottom of your shoulder blades to the top of your hips and dig in.”
“It helps loosen up your middle back, which gets super tight if you’re stuck sitting, especially on a long trip and especially on a plane.”
The LTA has even released a comprehensive guide to “tennis ball physiotherapy” when using a tennis ball for physical exercise.
They state: “Trigger point Release exercises are a wonderful way to help release tight, tense muscles.
“Relieve pressure from tight calf muscles with this simple ‘gastroc’ exercise with your tennis ball.
“Place the ball at a point on your calf.
“Bend the opposite leg and allow some weight to shift onto the ball and roll it up and down your calf.”
A tennis ball won’t break the bank either.
The cheapest we’ve found is a pack of four from Home Bargains for £2.99, making it 75p per ball.
Using a tennis ball isn’t the only way to keep your circulation flowing during a long flight.
Experts advise always wearing compression socks during flights to reduce swelling.
Other Ways to Use a Tennis Ball for Physical Therapy
LTA specialist physiotherapist Anna Poyser revealed some other ways too use a tennis ball for muscles.
Foot ache
Sitting in a chair or standing if you prefer. Roll a tennis ball back and forth across the base of your foot.
Canelas
Sit on your knees and place the ball under one shin. Use your arms to control the weight through your leg
Glutes
Place the ball under your left glute. Place your left foot on the opposite leg – forming a figure 4.
Hamstrings
Sit on a chair and place the tennis ball under your top leg. Extend and flex your leg.
And the ABC alphabet trick is often used by flight attendants.
Emirates flight attendant Lauren Guilfoyle said Reader Summary: “Move each letter of the alphabet with your foot to get the blood flowing and prevent ankle swelling.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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