Roll it Out
What is foam rolling?
Foam rolling is a self-myofascial release technique that is used by many to help treat and prevent trigger point pain and symptoms. It can be thought of as ironing out the knots that are formed in our muscles from everyday life. Overactive muscles can cause the muscle to get “stuck” while contracted creating trigger points. These trigger points contribute to the shortening of muscles causing muscular tension imbalances, which then may cause joint pain.
An example of this muscular imbalance can be seen at the knee, as trigger points often shorten the inner region of the knee.
What are the benefits?
- The overall benefit to foam rolling is to enhance physical performance, but there are many other benefits to foam rolling. These include:
- Reestablishes proper movement patterns through pain free movement
- Improves blood circulation through fascia, muscles, ligaments, & tendons
- Helps you achieve elastic, healthy, and performance ready muscles
- Restores healthy tissue
- Smoothens and lengthens short, or tight, muscles
The main types of foam rollers/densities:
- High density - very firm & best suited for serious athletes because it intensely works out the muscles
- Low density - inexpensive & good for those just getting into foam rolling
- Other types simply have differences in density, size, and appearance