| A foam roller is an incredible tool for anyone who | | | | The work on a foam roller will actually release the |
| is engaging in intense training and workouts. | | | | tension and create space in the fascia, giving the |
| Whether you are an avid runner, are involved in a | | | | area more movement. |
| regular strength training program, or a competitive | | | | The foam roller can be used on most major |
| athlete; foam rolling is a great technique to | | | | muscle areas including the quadriceps, hamstrings, |
| improve performance. | | | | IT band, upper and lower back, and the shoulder |
| First let me describe how and why the foam | | | | girdle. When using the foam roller, the individual will |
| roller works. Everyone has what is called | | | | place the area they want to work on the roller |
| superficial fascia, which is connective tissue | | | | and roll slowly, eventually moving through the |
| located just below the skin. This is the stuff that | | | | entire muscle area, concentrating on the "tight" |
| connects muscles, blood vessels, bones and | | | | areas. When doing this, the individual will likely feel |
| nerves in the body. Together with the muscles | | | | knots or a "pins and needles" type of a feeling. |
| this creates the myofascia system. | | | | This is normal and regular foam rolling will reduce |
| When people are training hard, have had injuries, | | | | pain and discomfort. |
| or do not stretch enough, the fascia can become | | | | This self myofascial release technique is important |
| tight and bundled together. What this means in | | | | for anyone with any training background and will |
| the real world is that everything feels tight and | | | | improve performance, reduce the risk of injury, |
| restricted, usually causing some discomfort or | | | | reduce chronic and acute pain, improve joint |
| even a reduction in overall training performance. | | | | mobility, and improve overall movement quality. |