Fresh Look at Foam Rolling
Whether you are a therapist, trainer, or simply someone immersed in the health and fitness world, you are most likely very familiar with the use of the foam roller for myofascial release. The foam roller has numerous functions, but its aid in releasing the fascia and underlying muscle tissue is certainly its most popular. Despite this fact, I constantly witness patients or clients who seem uncomfortable on or frustrated with this modality.
Incorrect positioning on the roller seems to be what keeps most beginners from realizing the maximum benefits of the exercise. The following video is an attempt to help us rectify common issues people encounter. Using some of these basic tips with patients will hopefully change the mindset they have about the quality of this stretching method.
Author: WesleyThornton
2 Comments
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Comments
I’m not surprised you witness patients who are “uncomfortable with this modality.” After all, it hurts like hell! (Disclaimer: I go to PT to treat chronic pelvic pain, more specfically pudendal neuralgia. Thus, I’m uncertain to what degree my condition may make the roller more painful for me.) The first time I tried the roller, I was in so much pain that I couldn’t move: I had to call my husband to help me get off the floor. Now, I use the roller by doing the old “bump and grind” against the wall. It gives me more control over the situation, and I find that I am gradually able to apply more weight or pressure to the roller. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll actually get on the floor with it. Please cut us patients a little slack, though!
Kim,
Thank you for your input. Wes finds this the easiest way to set up for rolling out your muscles on the foam roller (while on the floor). Your tip to do it against the wall is a great one for working your way into it slowly.