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Babes Review: t spheres Scented Massage Balls

Here at ChronicBabe HQ, we get the occasional product that we want to test. But the Editrix alone can't test everything - so we assembled a panel of Babes to try out goodies.

In this inaugural test, we check out t spheres, yummy-looking and -smelling massage balls endorsed by rock stars. Here's what the Editrix and other Babes had to say:

Babe Kirsti: mini t spheres with pep-up-mint essential oil spray

I visited the t spheres Web site and was intrigued to see a product endorsement by Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan. I saw Mr. Gahan shake his money maker at a concert at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston circa 1986, and based on that performance, I am certain that he needs many physical therapy products to soothe his aching muscles and joints.

Anyway, the mini-spheres are a delightful pick-me-up for tired hands and feet. The peppermint essential oil smells good but is not overwhelming -- and I'm pretty sensitive to most perfumes. The Web site is helpful. Not only are there lots of photographs on how you could use the products, there is also encouragement to find what works for you. It's so great to use a product that doesn't come with miles of instructions; I never got that "oh no, I'm doing it wrong!" feeling.

If you use the mini spheres, try positioning one under your second toe (the one next to your big toe) while you are seated with your feet flat on the floor. Then pivot your foot at the heel so that the sphere rolls back and forth from your second toe to your little toe. Very soothing.

Babe Michelle: t spheres with peace n quiet essential oil spray

The "Peace n Quiet" t spheres are scented with lavender and neroli, and according to the manufacturer, they "inspire inward reflection and help restore a state of calm." The scent is pleasant if a bit sweet, but on the first few uses did not inspire "inward reflection," at least from me. The spheres themselves are easy to use: each is about the size of a golf ball, they are lightly textured and feel as though they have a powdered coating. I used them primarily on my shoulders, arms and lower back while sitting, and they did loosen my muscles and release tenstion, but a golf ball or Superball could have done the same thing. I will continue to use these, but I don't think I will use the small spray bottle of lavender and neroli fragrance to "refresh" the balls.

Babe Cinnamon: t spheres with chill out essential oil spray

I love getting massages. I love the scented oils, soft music, and the soothing voice of the massage artist. But mostly I love the firmness of muscular hands that pull and dig stress, anxiety, and tension out of my body and let it evaporate once it reaches the air. But I'm bad at scheduling a massage for myself. I should do it more often since I enjoy it so much. But I often end up thinking "I should really send that $80 to the credit card company instead." I've been trying to make my physical enjoyment and relaxation more of a priority but it's been difficult to schedule in my busy life.

I've purchased a number of self-massaging tools. Those attachments that vibrate drive me crazy and make my brain itch, the wooden textured rod just doesn't work since my spine is curved. The beaded seat covers just hurt, and not in a good way. So I was skeptical about t spheres. But I'm happy to say I'm proven wrong. These balls look like jumbo jawbreakers that you drooled over as a kid but were way too big for you to put in your mouth. But they have a slightly grippy texture which permits them to grab onto your clothes or your skin so their movement is easier to control. But the texture isn't sticky so I was able to brush off the cat hair that came off my shirt the first time I tried them.

And while you probably could rub scented massage oil onto your back the small pump of essential oil lets you spray the ball and then enjoy the scent while closing your eyes and rolling the stress out of your muscles by yourself.

The included exercises mostly involved placing the balls between your back and a chair. I didn't really have a chair with a high enough but firm enough back so I decided to improvise. I assumed a sitting position while leaning against a wall. I placed the balls on each side of my upper spine and then slowly stood and knelt while keeping the right amount of pressure on the balls. It's not the same as having someone else do it for you, but it will be enough to keep me going between my infrequent massages. And they're very portable which means I can easily tuck them into my luggage when going on those stressful family visits.

Another nice thing about them is that if you have a partner, you can lie face down and have your partner place a ball on your back and press down on it with a palm while rolling it around your sore or stressed areas. A spritz of aromatherapy on the ball means that their hands come away smelling good as well.

So I still plan on scheduling more massages for myself, but after a stressful day and before (or after) I indulge in a hot bath I can spend 5 to 10 minutes with these balls placed on each side of my spine to help relieve more tension. And then I can store them in their handy little plastic box before tucking them back into a drawer until I'm ready to use them again.

Editrix Jenni: t spheres with adventurous essential oil spray

I have to start by saying that I hate getting massages. As a fibro chick, I have yet to find a massage person who understands that my bod does not like rigorous, deep massage; I prefer a lighter touch, and when I say stop, you better stop! So normally, I would never buy a massage tool. If I can't find a pro to massage me, then I'm not going to try it myself.

But the t spheres intrigued me, so I gave them a shot. The "adventurous" oil has a nice orangey scent, perfect for me. I used the balls all over my shoulders and neck, where I get intense concentrations of pain almost every day. I'm not sure if they helped reduce the pain, but I did enjoy the mild orangey scent I sported for most of the days I used the t spheres in that area.

Where I really liked the t spheres was on my feet. With chronic foot pain, I spend a lot of time rubbbing, soaking, elevating and otherwise caring for my tootsies. Turns out the t spheres are perfect for massaging my feet - I just put them on the floor and rub my feet on them, as hard or soft as I like, depending on what I need. And they're great - way better than the grungy tennis ball I've been using. So I'm very happy to have a better way to loosen up the feet.

And it doesn't hurt that they're yummy looking and smelling! The first few times I used them, they held a rubbery smell, but that dissipated after a few days, just leaving the orange scent. I'm doing a lot of traveling in May, and looking forward to having these in my carry-on.

To order t spheres:

Visit the web site for more photos, testimonials, and to order.

Want to see your product reviewed?

This article is our first shot at using an objective team of product reviewers. Our gals did not receive any compensation (other than keeping the t spheres) to do the reviews, and these are their genuine reactions. If you would like to have our team of babes review your product, contact us.

Posted: 3/26/2006 in Cool Tools

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