How to give yourself a Relaxing Calf Massage

Step 1: While seated on the floor, place your foot close to your body. Elevate the ball of the foot on a rolled-up towel, for example, to stretch the Achilles tendon.

Step 2: Rub both thumbs across the Achilles tendon from the middle outwards. Be sure never to rub it lengthwise, for this might cause inflammation of the tendon.

Step 3: Place the foot loose and relaxed on the floor. Wrap your hands around the calf and stroke upwards to just below the knee, applying light pressure.

Step 4: Place the fingertips of both hands at the base of the calf on both sides and, wander up the calf muscles, using circular movements. Repeat this process, each time moving a few centimetres closer to the middle of the calf, working your way across the entire calf from outside to inside.

Step 5: Shake the calf rhythmically to loosen up the muscles, and then stroke the calf gently upwards using your palms. Now massage the other calf, follow steps 1 to 5.