Tracy Hannigan, an osteopath, recommends bringing a tennis ball when traveling by plane: there’s a simple reason
An expert shares a simple trick to relieve physical discomfort during long flights.
Packing for a trip often means squeezing everything into limited luggage space, especially when flying with airlines that enforce strict carry-on size limits. Even so, Tracy Hannigan recommends making room for one unexpected item: a tennis ball. According to her, it takes up almost no space, weighs very little, and can provide significant physical relief during long flights.
The reason is simple. After spending hours in the air, many travelers experience stiffness in the neck, lower back pain, or tension in the shoulders. That is where this easy travel hack comes in.
Targeting areas of tension
The method involves packing a standard tennis ball in your carry-on bag and, during the flight, gently placing it against tense areas of the body. For example, you can position it between your back and the airplane seat, then slowly move against it to apply light pressure similar to a massage.
According to Hannigan, the technique works even better when the tennis ball is placed on top of a rolled-up towel, which helps keep it from slipping or rolling down the airplane aisle.
The goal is not to perform an intense massage in your seat, but rather to make gentle movements that help the body relax and release tension. This trick can also be useful in a hotel room after a long day or during road trips, when the back often experiences strain similar to that caused by a long flight.
The expert recommends always traveling with three basic items on long trips: a tennis ball to relieve muscle tension, a lightweight towel for added comfort, and an empty reusable water bottle that can be filled after passing through airport security.
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