We all know that it hurts!! But what happens to the body when we use a roller?
You use your own body mass to exert pressure on the soft tissue – a form of self massage.
What foam rolling CAN do:
In summary, foam rolling is a great adjunct to a regular static and dynamic stretching program. However, it is should never be used as a SUBSTITUTE to regular stretching and the effects are often short term.
I do advise foam rolling to my patients and I do use one myself regularly.
*** HAPPY ROLLING! ***
Thanks for reading.
What foam rolling CAN do:
- Reduce the discomfort associated with DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) by reducing our pain pressure threshold (PPT). This is the minimum pressure we can tolerate before we feel pain. I.e. a higher PPT indicates increased muscle soreness.
- This reduction in DOMS may lead to a short term enhanced performance for individuals in sport who have limited rest periods. For example: sprint speed and power.
- It can facilitate lactate removal
- It can reduce oedema
- It can increase blood flow
- It can lead to SHORT TERM increase in joint range of motion
- It can alter our SENSATION of stiffness/tightness through modulatory changes within our nervous system.
- Lead to long term changes in muscle length or flexibility
- Lengthen of stretch fascia
- Break down scar tissue
- Break down adhesions
In summary, foam rolling is a great adjunct to a regular static and dynamic stretching program. However, it is should never be used as a SUBSTITUTE to regular stretching and the effects are often short term.
I do advise foam rolling to my patients and I do use one myself regularly.
*** HAPPY ROLLING! ***
Thanks for reading.
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