Travellers preparing for long flights may want to make room for an unlikely item in their cabin bag — a tennis ball. Travel and wellness experts say the small, lightweight object can be used to ease stiffness and aches during long periods of sitting.
The idea is simple: gently roll the tennis ball against areas such as the thighs, legs, shoulders and lower back to apply soothing pressure and encourage movement during a flight.
A simple trick for stiff muscles
Registered osteopath and sleep therapist Tracy Hannigan has recommended using a tennis ball with a small hand towel. The ball can be placed in the centre of the towel and rolled up so it is easier to position and less likely to slip.
The technique allows travellers to apply gentle pressure to areas that can become uncomfortable after hours in an aircraft seat.
Because a tennis ball is small and light, it can also be packed without taking up much valuable luggage space.
It can help with lower-back discomfort
Travellers have also shared their experiences with the technique online. Some have reported placing a tennis ball between the seatback and lower back or around the base of the spine to ease discomfort during long flights.
One travel enthusiast said the method had helped with back pain during long periods of driving, while another person with a recurring lower-back problem said the tennis ball provided relief during lengthy flights.
Stretching still matters
Hannigan also recommends regular stretching during travel. She suggested gently turning the chin towards the armpit to stretch the opposite side of the neck.
For the lower back, travellers can cross their legs and lean forwards towards the crossed-over foot, creating a gentle stretch while remaining seated.
A tiny addition worth packing
The tennis-ball trick is not a replacement for moving around during a long flight, but it can provide a simple way to apply gentle pressure to stiff areas while seated.
With minimal weight and luggage space required, a tennis ball could prove to be a surprisingly useful addition to a long-haul traveller’s cabin bag.