We’ve all been there. Whether you’re an athlete or somebody who works out occasionally… stiff, sore back muscles can be a tedious issue, and many of us face it daily.
Stretching, massaging, and rolling the spine safely before and after a workout can help reduce tension. It can also relieve tight muscles and provide pain relief along your spinal cord, between the shoulder blades, and throughout your back and midbody, in general.
However, not all foam rollers are created equal.
Some people may benefit from a gentle, slow roll to decompress and relieve pain, whereas others may be craving a more targeted pressure for better pain relief.
That’s where the Chirp Wheel comes in!
Let’s take a look at how it works in our full Chirp Wheel review:
What is the Chirp Wheel?
A physical therapist created the Chirp Wheel. It is a simple back relief roller that athletes can use to warm up or cool down (helping in recovery).
The Chirp Wheel helps relieve muscle pain and tension and improve flexibility. The inspiration for the Chirp Wheel came from the lack of relief reported by athletes who relied on a traditional foam roller.
The Chirp Wheel has a variety of benefits over a foam roller, including:
- The Chirp Wheel is more versatile because you can use it on different body parts, including the back, shoulders, and legs.
- The Chirp wheel is more comfortable to use because it is a softer material.
- The Chirp Wheel provides a deep tissue massage because the roller can penetrate muscle tissue more effectively.
- The Chirp Wheel can withstand up to 500lbs.
- The Chirp Wheel uses odor-free and moisture-resistant materials, meaning you have clean and dry experiences, even if you’re sweaty!
In addition to these benefits, we must note the Chirp Wheel is a small, portable device you can use on any surface.
This yoga wheel is made of durable plastic and has two handles for easy maneuvering.
The Chirp Wheel comes in three different sizes, including a small 6 inch wheel, medium wheel that’s 10 inches, and a large wheel that’s 12 inches. They also have other products, such as the smallest wheel that’s 4 inches, and a back posture corrector (you can find these in some bundles).
For athletes and individuals with specific injuries or concerns, we recommend sticking to the larger, gentle option (12 inches) as it’s intended to be less intense than the smaller Chirp Wheels. The medium wheel is also good for multi-purpose use.
The Benefits of Stretching and Rolling Your Back
There are many benefits to stretching and rolling your back before and after a workout. Stretching and rolling your back as a warm-up/cool-down can:
- Help improve flexibility.
- Help reduce the risk of injury.
- Help relieve muscle pain and tension.
- Help improve range of motion.
These are crucial for general comfort, but especially in high-performance athletes.
Many chiropractors and physiotherapists advise that you should roll your back for 2-3 minutes a day in a way that works for you, your body, and your pain.
No matter what size or density you choose, the Chirp Wheel is a great way to improve flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, and relieve muscle pain, loosen tight muscles, and relieve tension.
It’s particularly helpful for athletes suffering from lower back pain.
If you have any specific back concerns, we recommend consulting with a doctor, RMT, chiropractor, or physiotherapist before using the Chirp Wheel to ensure the product is safe for you.
How to Use the Chirp Wheel
To use the Chirp Wheel, lay on your back on a hard surface with the roller under your shoulders. Slowly roll up and down your back, moving from your upper back to your lower back.
You can also use the Chirp Wheel to massage your legs and feet, too. To do this, lie on your back with the roller under your calves or thighs. Slowly roll up and down your legs, moving from your upper legs to your lower legs.
When using the Chirp Wheel to warm up, we recommend starting with slow, gentle movements and gradually increasing the intensity. For a cool down, we recommend starting with intense movements and gradually decreasing the intensity. Remember to listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.
Some tips to keep in mind: do not use the Chirp Wheel if you’re pregnant, injured, or have any recent incisions/broken skin in the area you’ll be stretching.
Who Should Consider Using the Chirp Wheel?
The Chirp Wheel is a great tool for athletes looking for an easy and effective way to massage their muscles. It is especially beneficial for those who suffer from back pain or tension.
The Chirp Wheel is good for anybody (without any specific ailment or injury) looking to roll, massage, and stretch their back.
Another option you might consider (but more expensive) is a full-body massage pad.
What Chirp Wheel Should I Get?
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Chirp Wheel.
First, consider your height and weight. Taller people or those with a larger frame should choose the larger-sized wheel.
Second, consider your experience with using foam rollers. If you are new to using foam rollers, choose the original Chirp Wheel and opt for the softer option. If you are more experienced, choose the Chirp Wheel Pro or a firm Chirp Wheel.
Finally, consider your budget.
The Chirp Wheel is an investment that will last for years, so make sure you choose a model that fits your needs and budget.
What Advantages Does the Chirp Wheel Have Over Other Cheaper Foam Rollers?
The Chirp Wheel is more versatile because you can use it on different parts of the body, including the back, shoulders, and legs.
The Chirp wheel is more comfortable because it is a softer, more durable material. The Chirp Wheel provides a deeper massage because the roller can penetrate muscle tissue more effectively.
Additionally, the Chirp Wheel is a small, portable product that you can use on any surface. It is made of durable plastic and has two handles for easy maneuvering.
In general, foam rollers aren’t great because they’re often too soft to provide an effective massage. They’re difficult to maneuver, and you can’t be used on all surfaces.
The Chirp Wheel is a great alternative to foam rollers because it is more versatile, comfortable, and provides a deeper massage.
However, it’s not as targeted as a massage gun.
What Bundles and Options are Available?
There are a few bundles and other options available for the Chirp Wheel, with one of the best options being the Ultimate Back and Neck Pain Bundle:
The Ultimate Back Pain Bundle
The Ultimate Back Pain bundle won’t break the bank and is a fantastic investment if you’re looking to obtain the best bang for your buck and acquire a roller in every size (with the mini size perfect for your upper cervical region).
The posture corrector is a great bonus if you want to train your spine to hold a straighter posture and reduce vertebral discomfort during everyday activity. A case is included with this Chirp Wheel 3 pack.
Note that some people report they find more intensified relief and better results overall using the smaller-sized Chirp Wheel, despite being tall/advised to use the large size. The small model is intended to provide deep tissue relief, whereas the large 12-inch roller is a more gentle wheel.
There is also the 4- pack bundle available, however, it does not include the carrying case or posture support and is listed at the same price.
Alternately, you can purchase individual Chirp Wheels if you aren’t in the market for a bundle:
10” Chirp Wheel: This is a versatile option great for beginners or those who want a medium-intensity that can be used on other parts of your body.
12” Gentle Chirp Wheel: Great for overall gentle stretching and perfect for beginners.
6” Deep Tissue Chirp Wheel: Perfect for lumbar and thoracic areas in need of an intense, deep, targeted massage.
Chirp Wheel Review: A Useful Roller Alternative?
In conclusion, we feel that the Chirp Wheel is a great investment for anyone looking for an alternative to foam rollers.
The Chirp Wheel is more versatile, comfortable, and provides a deeper massage, especially if you purchase a smaller size or bundle. It is also a great choice for those who suffer from back pain or tension.
Overall, given the price, we feel it’s most worthwhile to purchase the Ultimate Back and Neck Pain Bundle; this way, you can enjoy one of each size of the Chirp Wheel and decide which option works best for you or change it up as needed.
Plus, you’ll also receive a posture support harness and a carry case.
