Foam Rollers - Are They Worth Having?

Foam rollers are fantastic ways of releasing muscle tension and stretching tendons without an expensive trip for a sports massage. They are also great for working the core and improving flexibility and range of motion.

Firstly, foam rollers not only stretch the muscles and tendons, but break down what is known as soft tissue adhesion.

The sticking together of the soft tissue that connects muscles, blood vessels and nerves below the skin can occur, particularly after intense workouts or covering long distances on foot or on a bike. This adhesion can restrict flexibility and causes soreness and pain in what is known as the myofascia system in and around your muscles.

Foam rollers allow you to essentially give yourself a sports massage and a myofascia release; a technique whereby sustained pressure on the soft tissue and traction to the fascia breaks down the adhesions, releasing the tension and improving flexibility.

Foam rollers are inexpensive and, with guidance and practise, almost any muscle group can be targeted. £20 for a piece of equipment that could be almost as effective as an expensive sports massage could save you a fortune in the long run.

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial release is also thought to ease joint pains and muscle soreness including shin splits and IT band syndrome. The technique is tried and tested throughout the sports massage and medical profession. The rollers can target almost any muscle group or area of the body, from stiff quads to an aching back.

Why Foam Rollers Are Practical

The rollers are perfect for people working long hours in the office. Joints and muscles can become stiff from inactivity, particularly if you’re sat at a desk all day. This can lead to inflexibility and soreness, making everyday tasks that include bending or reaching quite painful. Practising the roller exercises releases this tension, increases blood flow to the muscles and allows you to get on with your day to day activities.

Rollers are also idea for manual workers, ideal for relieving muscle soreness after a day of heavy lifting or being bent over or crouched down.

Exercising using a foam roller can also help strengthen your core muscles. As you are using your own bodyweight to put the gentle pressure onto your sore muscles, you are often required to hold static positions for short periods at a time. This works the core and muscles in your stomach and lower back; toning and strengthening them.

In Summary

All in all, a foam roller is an inexpensive, effective way of reducing muscle and soft tissue adhesions, relieving pain, soreness and stiffness. They can be used for strengthening the coremuscles and are an excellent way of stretching, massaging and working your muscles in one go.