APTONIA ROLL ON MASSAGE TOOL

£4.99, decathlon.co.uk CLAIM: You roll the ball over sore muscles. The maker suggests spending five minutes on each muscle group to ease contractures (or knots). EXPERT VERDICT: ‘This is robust with a comfy grip, and it glides over muscles effectively,’ says Tim Allardyce. ‘You can use it over tight, tense muscles around the body. I found it was comfortable and therapeutic for my tense neck muscles.’

‘When you roll it over a sore muscle, you are breaking down adhesions [tissue that forms due to inflammation] so your muscles feel looser. ‘This is simple to use and just the right size to work on niggly muscles. Those with sensitive skin or very sore muscles should use the tool gently until it becomes bearable. ‘But a treatment from a trained physio would be more effective, as it will help to mobilise your joints as well as strengthen the muscles.’