Nothing feels better after an arduous week than a professional massage — but simulating the feeling for under $5 has the added bonus of keeping your wallet in tact. With just a couple of tennis balls and a tubesock, you can work your soft tissues and stimulate your circulation in the privacy of your own home — or anywhere else the notion might strike you. Here’s how:

You Need

*Two Tennis balls

*Long cotton tubesock or cotton stocking leg

*Masking tape

How To

1) Place Tennis balls side by side and wrap together with masking tape.

2) Slide wrapped balls into middle of sock/stocking and tie a tight knot at either end. You could also use rubber bands or string to tie shut. There should ideally be about a foot of leftover fabric hanging at either end.

How to Use

1) Forearm and wrist: place massager on tabletop or other flat surface and lay arm into groove between the two balls. Keeping the arm still — but moving the body back and forth — roll massager along length of arm from elbow to wrist and back. You can also place the massager vertically against the wall, place your arm into the groove, and lean into it, supporting the massager with your body. Keeping arm still, walk back and forth, rolling massager from elbow to wrist and back.

2) Shoulder and neck: Gripping stocking from either end, guide massager to sore points on shoulder and neck. Roll gently but firmly against sore spots, or stand against a wall and move body against massager from side to side or with an up-and-down motion.

3) Back and lower back: Lean against a wall with massager positioned on either side of the spine. Bending slowly at the knees, roll massager along the length of the spine. You can also grip the ends of the stocking and guide massager up-and-down, or from side-to-side.

Variation: Single ball massage

You can also massage the same sore spots with just a single tennis ball held in the hand, or leaning against the wall or the floor. Massage your foot by holding ball under arch, and rolling gently against the floor, or the hand by laying the palm down on ball and rolling gently along a tabletop.