The Toe Spreader pair is very effective, gives a great stretch across my arch and foot and has alleviated some foot soreness immediately. Highly recommend.
Im in my mid 40’s and run marathons and ultras. Scraping helps me recover from long runs and prevent injury. I’m having best results on my feet, quads and calves. Not quite as useful on my hips and glutes as I hoped. Still, highly recommend. I was trying to scrape with a spoon before this, the sidekick is so much better.
I am an outpatient physical therapist and ultra runner, and I approve this product. It’s comfortable to use, highly portable, and a simple yet effective tool.
I bought this product as I was training for my second 100 mile race. It’s been a helpful tool to promote recovery after runs and loosen up my legs. I wish I had bought this years ago.
Personally, I prefer an emollient that’s more of a paste instead of a gel, but I wouldn’t change a thing about the scraper itself.
I got this for my shin splints, as well as neck tension and general muscle recovery. It’s all I need and now the whole family uses it too.
I have terrible plantar facitiis whenever I walk too much or carry loads. I bought sidekick to bring with me on a backpacking trip where I was going to be carrying 40+ pounds and traveling around 30 miles and climbing a 14er. Each night I took some time to use sidekick on my facia, calves, and knees and each day was significantly less painful. I did an overnight trip two weeks before, and I couldn't walk at all the next couple days upon finishing. Although I am sore, I was able to do the self care needed to continue on my trip. Sidekick was a lifesaver.
I run a lot, but I also spend a lot of time on the road. Sometimes, I find it challenging to roll and stretch, so this muscle scraper has been really great for that. It helps loosen my muscles and provides relief from some nagging knee pain I couldn't get a handle on earlier this year. Thanks for a packable, portable, and effective product!
Had one previously and I dropped it ! Love the bag it comes in , have been using it daily highly recommend
This is a very useful emollient. When I first good got the new version, I was worried about how it would work as opposed to when it was a rolling gel. I actually think it's better as a pump gel. Also, this bigger size (the first bottle I bought was smaller than this one in reviewing) is much more worth the price as it should last possibly a few months.
Had my PT do this on my hips and IT band during some rehab for IT band syndrome. Decided to add this tool to my nightly stretch and strengthening routine. I use alongside stick rolling and lacrosse balls for different areas. It’s so therapeutic working through the tight areas of your muscles and I have found it is allowing me to continue marathon training while rehabbing my IT band.
Having had both Achilles tendons repaired from years of long distance running, this is definitely a “must have” tool. In addition to my other Sidekick tools, I plan on using the Axisboard to strengthen and stretch my Achilles tendons and keep on running for many years to come. Love this tool!
I purchased this because I was starting to get plantar fasciitis pain in my heels whenever I stood up. After using the Echo Muscle scraper a couple of times the heel pain is gone and the range of motion has improved in my anckels. It did take a little getting used to how to hold it so that I wasn't pushing the edge into my fingers. My teenagers started using it on their IT bands after dance class and reported improvement in how their legs feel.
After dealing with a couple minor lower leg/ankle/foot running injuries, I knew I needed to start incorporating more focused strengthening into my training to keep those from returning. My husband also deals with very tight ankles (due to weakness I’m sure), and once I saw the Axisboard I knew we needed to give it a try as it could address both of our issues.
We both LOVE it!! I was a little nervous it could end up being one of those tools that gets little use due to it being complicated or unclear on the best way to use it, but that could not be farther from the truth. The guide cards that come with it are perfect - love how they are included on a ring with all the different configurations and progressions. Not only that, but each configuration specifically states what it is targeting and how it is helpful. Sidekick could not have made this any easier for the user to know exactly where to start, how to progress and how to address their specific weaknesses.
As for the efficacy, we felt it with the first use! It has an incredible way of getting all of those little muscles firing and working without a huge time investment being required. With repeated use we are feeling strength continue to compound, and we can feel those muscles being activated more in our daily activities.
Huge home run on this one, Sidekick - thank you for this straightforward and effective tool!
After struggling for a year with plantar fasciitis, this tool has brought me back to pain free relief in just a few days.
The tool has helped me limit plantar pain. I’m looking forward to seeing its benefits while I increase my training regiment.
We have only had it for a few weeks but my daughter and I are reaping the benefits. My daughter prepping for an upcoming sports season is working to strength her feet imbalances, while I'm working to improve my feet for the long days on them for my job. In a short time, we have noticed a difference and are using much more than I thought we would. Loving the results for far. It came quick and loved that it has a handy booklet to walk you through the stages/ levels and gives you more options as you continue to strengthen. Love it so far!
I've battled with plantar fascia issues for a couple of years now. I recently purchased these tools and I'm experiencing more relief ever before.
I have been suffering with plantar fasciitis for the past several months. I have acquired so many tools to help with my recovery. This balance board is helping me make my feet and ankles stronger. I can feel it helping my issues already, and it's only been a few weeks! Sidekick makes great recovery tools - and this one is a great addition!
Great piece of equipment to work on ankle stability in only a few minutes. I run and have pretty flat feet and already notice a difference in my ankle stability and foot strength. My feet aren’t as achy as usual after longer runs! Not sure how well the Velcro will last, but so far so good!
The guide book that comes with the product is great as there are an array of configurations that effectively work the various areas of feet, shin, and ankle. As someone with flat fleet i really like the medial stabilizer configuration that i already notice has improved my balance and strength. My only worry is that the velcro on the wooden pieces will come off as they are only secured by two staples.