The Original™ 18 Foam Roller Massage Stick
$39.99
Tiger Tail Original Foam Roller Massage Stick – The Original 18″ Portable Muscle Foam Roller. Our most popular portable massage stick size. One size fits most. Perfect for personal use, it works great for both upper and lower body massage. Quickly massage any part of the body without getting down on the ground. Firm design—no bending or breaking. Works great for both upper and lower bodywork. Helps relieve muscle knots, aches, cramping, spasms, and stiffness. Cushioned foam center spins. 18” long. 10” massage surface. (Each cushioned grip handle is 4″ long.)
INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS: Please visit our eBay store. For bulk or mix-and-match orders, please get in touch with us.
PLEASE NOTE: Before beginning any type of massage therapy or treatment, seek the advice of a physician.
Tiger Tail Original 18 Foam Roller Massage Stick: Handheld, Portable Foam Roller / Body Massage and Myofascial Release Tool for Everybody
- Muscle-friendly, easy-to-use handheld muscle roller for therapy-clinic-quality myofascial release
- Quickly massages any part of the body without getting down on the ground
- Helps relieve minor muscle knots, aches, and soreness
- Superior, smooth roll glides over fascia and muscles to deliver a consistent distribution of pressure
- The firm design does not bend, so you can target pressure exactly where you want it
- Exclusive Tiger Tail Gription™ (deep grip and friction on fascia and muscles) to bust out knots fast and speed recovery
- Saves thumbs, fingers, and hands from fatigue
- 18″ size is shoulder-width apart for most people, making it the easiest tool to use and leverage
- Take it anywhere — portable/easy to pack
- Medical grade, closed-cell, non-porous, zero rubber/latex, non-absorbing foam
- Easy to clean — antibacterial gel/spray
- A recommended Trigger Point Release Tool (TRP Release Tool) by Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Athletic Trainers, and many more
Our most popular portable muscle roller stick size. One size fits most. Perfect for personal use, it works great for both upper and lower body massage. Quickly massage any part of the body without getting down on the ground. Firm design—no bending or breaking. Check out our book “Happy Muscles” to help identify muscle knots/trigger points our tools can help with.
The orange grip is 100% latex-free and naturally rubber-free. They are made from a specially formulated elastomer with zero added latex. We do not use naturally occurring rubber because of latex, which, unfortunately, can cause many allergic reactions. All of our grips are thermoplastics. There are no accelerators or neoprene in the parts as these are chemicals used in thermoset rubbers. There are no known allergies to our TPE grip materials. (This material is often used in place of latex/rubber in hospital settings for the same reason, to eliminate exposure to potential allergens.)
The black medical-grade foam is a specially formulated, non-phthalate, thermoplastic compound without any naturally occurring or added toxins like neoprene, benzothiazoles, carba chemicals, thiurams, etc. These advanced materials are used to ensure our products do not break down. We have always chosen our materials and suppliers carefully and screen for toxins through product content tests.
Special Features
- Made in USA
- #1 Selling Tiger Tail product!
- Big, cushioned, non-slip grips appeal to all audiences, especially 40+
- Closed-cell, non-porous, zero rubber/latex, non-deteriorating, non-absorbing foam
- The center portion spins smoothly with a superior roll and glides over muscles
- No hard, cold plastics, no beads, no pinched skin, no pulled-out hair or snagged clothing, no rolling on the ground
- Firm design—no bending or breaking
- Portable, easy-pack design
- Easy to clean: Simply use anti-bacterial gel or gently wash with soap and water
Details
- 18” long
- 10” massage surface
- 10.4 ounces
- U.S. Patent No. 9,107,795, D773,682
- No-hassle, one-year warranty
Who can benefit from foam rolling?
Someone looking for a total body massage that is super quick and easy to do on your own. No buddy required. Top athletes and yard work warriors alike, use the Tiger Tail Original Massage Stick– so pretty much anyone with muscles will love this tool.
Where on my body can I use the Tiger Tail foam roller massage stick?
With this portable 18″ muscle foam roller, you can massage more than 95% of your body on your own. With a buddy, 100%. Our most popular portable massage stick size. Perfect for personal use, it works great for both upper and lower body work. Massages and works out muscle knots in all muscle groups including neck, shoulders, arms, upper back, lower back, hamstrings, glutes, quads. Shoulder massages feel best with a buddy helping you. Easy to use at work, use after exercise, travel with or put in a backpack.
How to Roll
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the Tiger Tail compare to a standard floor foam roller?
-
The Main Advantage: You don’t need to get down on the floor or contort your body into awkward planks to use your own body weight.
-
Control: You can sit comfortably on a couch or chair and use the rubber handles to apply exact pressure directly to tight muscles.
-
Trade-off: Reviewers note that while it’s superior for targeted spots (like calves and quads), a floor foam roller is still better for broad, full-body weight compression on large areas like the middle/upper back.
2. Which muscles work best with the 18″ model?
Customers report exceptional results for lower-body muscle groups, particularly:
-
Calves and Shins (frequently cited by runners for shin splints and tight calves)
-
Quadriceps & Hamstrings
-
IT Bands & Hips
-
Neck & Shoulders (with moderate angle control)
3. Does it pinch skin or pull hair like beaded massage sticks?
No. One of the most praised features in customer reviews is its continuous, smooth foam surface. Unlike segmented or “beaded” massagers, the Tiger Tail does not pinch skin, pull leg hair, or snag athletic clothing.
4. How firm is the foam cover?
The cover is made of dense, closed-cell foam. Reviewers describe it as firm yet padded—cushioned enough that it doesn’t feel like a harsh plastic pipe, but rigid enough to dig deep into stubborn knots without squishing flat.
5. Is the 18-inch size right for me?
-
Dimensions: The 18-inch total length features a 10-inch active rolling foam surface flanked by two ergonomic rubber grips.
-
Portability: Reviewers love that it fits easily into standard gym bags, backpacks, or carry-ons.
-
Sizing Consideration: Most users find 18″ to be the sweet spot (“one size fits most”). However, users with very broad shoulders or those seeking extra reach for self-massaging their back sometimes opt for the 22″ model.
6. When should I use the Tiger Tail foam roller massage stick?
- Pre-activity: Warm up muscles and help prepare muscles for activity by rolling each muscle group 15-30 seconds.
- During activity: Roll to help relieve minor muscle problems that might feel like: aches, soreness and tightness.
- Post-activity: Roll your body roll to help prevent minor aches, soreness and discomfort.
7. How do I use the Tiger Tail foam roller massage stick?
- Apply about 10 pounds of pressure over muscles (+/- depending upon your needs) with your TIGER TAIL products of choice.
- Relaxing your muscles during this process will help you massage the “belly” of the muscle.
- You are the judge of how much pressure to apply. Strive for a “good hurt”- from 5-7 on a scale of 1-10. “Grimacing” with pressure can be described as that “hurts so good” feeling.. This is usually where we see the best success.
- Always follow muscle paths. Massage each muscle group 10-20 seconds. With each pass, gently press deeper into the muscle. Avoid massaging directly over bones.
- Tender muscle knots can reduce range of motion while causing minor aches, discomfort and muscle fatigue. Knots come in various sizes, like a pin head, pea, noodle or small pickle.
- Minor discomfort or tenderness may be experienced when passing over muscle knots. To minimize knots, apply 10 seconds of firm, constant, focused strokes, for three sets
- Recurring or stubborn muscle knots often need additional attention. Using Tiger Tail products 2-3 times a day may help speed healing. Over the course of time, muscle knots should get smaller or disappear.
8. Does it roll smoothly?
- General Consensus: For regular to moderate rolling, users find the rotation smooth and effortless.
-
Common Critical Feedback: Because the roller spins on a solid inner rod rather than internal ball bearings, some reviewers note that applying extremely heavy, downward pressure can cause minor drag or a “choppy” feel.
9. Is it durable? Will it bend or break under pressure?
Yes, it is very durable. Reviewers consistently comment on its sturdy construction. The core rod is solid and rigid, designed to sustain heavy pressure without flexing or bowing. (It also comes backed by a 3-year manufacturer warranty).
10. How do I clean and sanitize it?
The closed-cell foam surface is non-porous and does not absorb sweat or moisture. Reviewers note it stays clean easily—simply wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe, antibacterial gel, or warm soapy water after a workout.
Materials will not absorb or be harmed by most cleaning solutions, disinfectants, soaps, or antibacterial sprays. The orange grips are made from a specially formulated elastomer with zero added latex, while the black foam is made from medical-grade, closed-cell PVC vinyl.
- Surface clean only, not submergible.
- For best results, use mild soap, or select a brand of disinfectant with active ingredients such as ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine gluconate solution, etc. to kill bacteria and germs. Examples may include over-the-counter or commercial anti-bacterial disinfectants such as Purell® or Germ-X® Hand Sanitizer, Clorox® Healthcare products, Hibiclens® Antiseptic Skin Cleanser, etc. Always follow the directions for use on the cleaning/disinfectant product’s label.
- You may use a clean hand towel or paper towel to apply the disinfectants. Follow label directions for use and wear protective gloves if directed. Do not soak or submerge the Tiger Tail foam rollers in the cleaning solution. Let the product air dry completely before use.
- Shared equipment that comes into direct skin contact should be cleaned after each use.
- Personal use equipment should be cleaned as needed (once or twice a week) depending on usage.
What size is The Original 18, and how much of it is massage surface?
It is 18" long overall with a 10" massage surface, and each cushioned grip handle is 4" long. For most people 18" sits about shoulder-width apart, which is what makes it the easiest size to leverage.
Which Original size should I choose?
The Original 11 is the travel size at 11.5" long with a 7.25" massage surface, so it packs into a backpack, sports bag, car or office drawer. The Original 18 is the most popular all-rounder at 18" long with a 10" massage surface. The Original 22 is the longest at 22" long with a 14" massage surface and suits you best if you are tall, have broad shoulders, are less flexible, have limited mobility, or want to focus on back massage.
Does the roller bend while I use it?
No. The Original 18 uses a firm design that does not bend, so the pressure stays exactly where you place it instead of flexing away from the muscle.
Where on the body can I use it?
It works well for both upper and lower body work, including neck, shoulders, arms, upper back, hamstrings, glutes and quads. Because it is handheld you can massage almost any area without getting down on the ground, and shoulder massages feel best with a buddy helping you.
How do I clean it?
Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a little mild soap, then let it air dry. The medical-grade, closed-cell, non-porous surface does not absorb sweat or moisture.
Should I check with a doctor first?
Yes. Before beginning any type of massage therapy or treatment, seek the advice of a physician, especially if you are pregnant, recovering from an injury or managing a medical condition.
