Can someone give me a 101 on foam rollers?
- Thread starter LizO66
- Start date
They're basically used for rolling out tight muscles.
My chiro has me use one in between appointments when things get tight.
You use your body weight to massage out the area, basically.
For me, my IT Band is a huge culprit in my knee pain. So I'll lay on the roller to get it to release. Magic!
Same thing when my back gets tight. The foam roller + body weight can get into the muscles where fingers can't.
Obviously if you have an injury, you don't want to use it.
But if you're tight, you can position it to hit just about every muscle group you need to.
For some of the more difficult areas, like inner thigh..I actually use a rolling pin.
My foam roller is almost as tall as I am.
My chiro has me use one in between appointments when things get tight.
You use your body weight to massage out the area, basically.
For me, my IT Band is a huge culprit in my knee pain. So I'll lay on the roller to get it to release. Magic!
Same thing when my back gets tight. The foam roller + body weight can get into the muscles where fingers can't.
Obviously if you have an injury, you don't want to use it.
But if you're tight, you can position it to hit just about every muscle group you need to.
For some of the more difficult areas, like inner thigh..I actually use a rolling pin.
My foam roller is almost as tall as I am.
Trixoo
Cathlete
If you search for foam rollers in the open forum, there was a discussion not long ago where somebody posted a great, easy to follow poster about foam rolling. I'd find it and put the link here, except I'm on a mobile device and can't. I think foam rollers are great, and so does my left hamstring. 
Beware, though, that although they can be almost magical in their ability to ease muscle pain/tightness, they can be uncomfortable to use, especially on the quads and IT band. Just FYI so that you don't think you're doing something wrong!
Beware, though, that although they can be almost magical in their ability to ease muscle pain/tightness, they can be uncomfortable to use, especially on the quads and IT band. Just FYI so that you don't think you're doing something wrong!
Nanbo
Cathlete
Can't live without mine ! I have a 36" one for home, and and 18" one for travel (really helps recovery after long downhill hikes...helps the IT band). My rollers are hard and gave me pain like I'd never had before for about a week when I used them....then, magic! I bought mine at Dick's Sporting Goods, but physical therapy sites have more firmness options. Some folks start out with a softer one to minimize the shock.
! I have a 36" one for home, and and 18" one for travel (really helps recovery after long downhill hikes...helps the IT band). My rollers are hard and gave me pain like I'd never had before for about a week when I used them....then, magic! I bought mine at Dick's Sporting Goods, but physical therapy sites have more firmness options. Some folks start out with a softer one to minimize the shock.
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Love to hate my foam roller Here's the guide I use for my hip flexor and ITB:
http://www.customstrength.com/foamrollguide.pdf
Also some basics about foam rolling:
FOAM ROLLING - Getting Relief from Muscle Pain and Soreness
Have fun
Here's the guide I use for my hip flexor and ITB:http://www.customstrength.com/foamrollguide.pdf
Also some basics about foam rolling:
FOAM ROLLING - Getting Relief from Muscle Pain and Soreness
Have fun
bonjonbart
Cathlete
I finally bought one today. I've been saying, "I should get a foam roller," for months and months. Can't wait to try it out - after my workout.
Jenniferlove
Cathlete
I love my foam roller and use it regularly - but for my upper back I need/use a Rumble Roller; it's rubber and has bumps on it, and it comes in different strengths (so to speak). It really works!
RumbleRoller Home
RumbleRoller Home
Jane Royse
Cathlete
That looks like it would be extremely painful - is it? I have a regular foam roller, but I have fibromyalgia, & I'm wondering if this might be just what I need!
Jenniferlove
Cathlete
Hi Jane,
I cannot put my entire body weight on the Rumble Roller since it is hard and can hurt; I lean against it and the wall so I can control the amount of pressure. So... it's as much or as little weight as you want to use.
They do specify to not use it on the Lower back, fyi, but they did not say why. I did anyway, fyi, since I have some lower back issues -- I quickly regretted it. My back was okay after a day or two but now I know better than to ignore their warning
I bought the black one (most firm). Perhaps if I had gone lighter I would be able to lie/lay on it and the floor (like I do with the foam roller) but the wall works just fine for the upper back.
Sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia! Good luck!
I cannot put my entire body weight on the Rumble Roller since it is hard and can hurt; I lean against it and the wall so I can control the amount of pressure. So... it's as much or as little weight as you want to use.
They do specify to not use it on the Lower back, fyi, but they did not say why. I did anyway, fyi, since I have some lower back issues -- I quickly regretted it. My back was okay after a day or two but now I know better than to ignore their warning
I bought the black one (most firm). Perhaps if I had gone lighter I would be able to lie/lay on it and the floor (like I do with the foam roller) but the wall works just fine for the upper back.
Sorry to hear about your fibromyalgia! Good luck!