Yoga can be a life-changing, revitalizing experience that intensifies your entire well-being. But for people struggling with excruciating back pain, this may be just what the doctor ordered.
Chiropractors or physiotherapists often propose stretching tight tissue muscles of our spine in the opposite direction for relief. And the perfect accessory for the road to recovery is a chirp wheel or a yoga wheel.
Now, the question is are they the same? Both are designed to support your flow while stretching your back to reduce your discomforts. Let us compare their features to help you choose wisely between a chirp wheel vs. yoga wheel.
What Is a Chirp wheel?
A chirp wheel is an exercise tool used for rehabilitation. They are very similar to yoga wheels, but their special four-way stretch feature differentiates them from a standard yoga wheel. In fact, they are the better choice for treating injuries and chronic (long-term) back pain.
Chirp wheels are designed to enhance your stretching abilities with the use of spinal canal technology. They are classified as a medical device that corrects your posture for pain relief. A standard chirp wheel offers different types of wheels, giving you the option of treating specific areas of your back according to your needs.
They apply minimum force on your spine, easing your pain during your therapy. You can get on the Internet for tutorials on how to use a chirp wheel for a better picture.
Pros
- Three available sizes for treating certain back injuries and for targeted relief.
- It has a 4-way stretch motion with a centralized groove to enhance better support around joints and back.
- A chirp wheel is relatively lighter but stronger to support a maximum of 500 lbs. Lightweight and strong enough to support up to 500-lbs
- It has an exterior padding of 20-mm to provide solid pressure and support during the motions.
Cons
- For timers, finding the right balance can be a bit challenging.
- The width of the wheel is not as wide as a foam roller, although it finds its fit between the shoulder blades.
What Is a Yoga Wheel?
A yoga wheel is a wheel-shaped prop used to enhance your yoga poses. A standard yoga wheel is hollow and 12 inches (30,48 cm) wide. The materials used to make these wheels are usually a combination of plastic and cork. Back roller wheels, also known as yoga wheels, are an excellent option for muscle relaxation, increasing your spinal flexibility. You can also add yoga wheels to your regular practice if you have been facing mild discomfort in your back. We all know the feeling of waking up with an unwanted back pain every now and then.
They are user-friendly and effective, but to avoid any mishaps, refrain from jumping into difficult poses like wheel pose yoga. Warming up is essential before you try out a reverse pose on the yoga wheel. As a starter, look into some yoga wheel exercises on the Internet for some direction. Take baby steps to be on the safe side, start with simple poses, and work your way up.
Pros
- Massages Your Body, Particularly Pertaining to Back And Neck Pain
- Enhances Flexibility
- Provides Support and Helps Avoid Injury
- Spinal Stretch
- Easy to carry around
- Can boost your confidence, making you feel like an experienced yogi.
Cons
- For the size and purpose, it may seem like an expensive purchase.
- Can be difficult to use if you’re new to yoga,particularly if the wheel does not come with a manual.
Differences Between the Yoga Wheel and Chirp Wheel
Let’s look at what differentiates the two: Yoga wheels vs chirp wheels.
Both wheels are potentially helpful to relieve tension on your back, but there are significant differences between a yoga wheel and a chirp wheel. For example, a chirp wheel is mostly endorsed by medical experts as a treatment procedure for rehabilitation. Simply put, a chirp wheel is an advanced version of a yoga wheel with specialized features. Let us look at the similarities and differences between them.
Size
The chirp wheel offers a bundle pack with different wheel sizes. They are available in 6” (15.24 cm), 10” (25.4 cm), and 12” (30.48 cm), whereas a traditional yoga wheel has only one size per wheel. There are smaller and bigger yoga wheels, but the different sizes are not always readily available.
Grooves
The primary difference between these two wheels is the design of the center groove on the wheel, a patented spinal canal technology for extensive stretch. For this reason, chirp wheels are more expensive in comparison to a yoga wheel. Look up “go chirp wheels” for more information about the special bundle pack and its impressive features.
If you are suffering from mild back pain, a yoga wheel will serve the purpose at a more affordable price.
A chirp wheel has a four-way stretch option, which is another feature that differentiates the two. Your roll on the chirp wheel will seem smoother and effortless with the additional support of the groove. A yoga wheel only offers a two-way stretch.
Chirp wheels are known to be more sensitive. It also makes the sessions less painful than Yoga wheels. A chirp wheel has a centered groove in the wheel that is designed to smoothly fit to the curve of your spine. Hence it makes the whole process less painful. Unfortunately Yoga wheels do not contain this winning feather.
Padding
A conventional yoga wheel’s padding is much less than a chirp wheel. Padding is important as it helps to ensure your safety. More padding reduces the pressure on the spine during movements. Therefore, the more, the better. A chirp wheel has a padding of 20mm on the exterior, ensuring safety and comfort. A yoga wheel usually has 5mm to 10mm padding.
Weight
A yoga wheel can hold up to 300lbs (136 kg), which is usually more than enough for yogis. A chirp wheel, being more advanced, can hold up to 500lbs (226 kg). This is because many people with back injuries often weigh more, hence the additional capacity to ensure safety.
Conclusion
Our final thoughts on whether to go for a chirp wheel or a yoga wheel comes down to your personal requirements. If you have been battling agonizing back pain for a long time, a chirp wheel can help you heal. You can always ask your doctor for a chirp wheel review to guide you.
You can strike out the option of chirp wheels if you feel your back pain is moderate. Luckily, you can fall back on yoga wheels for back pain, as they are the next best option for relief.
