Quote:
Originally Posted by craigepo
OK, I've been hearing about this foam rolling, but know absolutely nothing about it. Would you mind educating me a little more?
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Craigepo,
Really I think the foam roller is an easy way to mimic an actual massage. "Foam rolling smooths and lengthens your muscles, and breaks up adhesion's and scar tissue." - Mens health article.
Before a workout this helped me be more limber. Combined with some different stretches I was able to gain a lot of flexibility quick. After a workout I really felt that I was able to recover faster. Especially using one after long runs and rucks. Rolling helped me not walk around in pain.
Buddy of mine broke his leg badly. He used a prescribed cold (metal) roller on his leg to break up scare tissue and encourage healing. Was a painful as hell but in the end combined with physical therapy his leg healed well and he has full range of motion.
You can also use something as simple as a tennis ball on those little spots around your shoulders. Of course it hurts a bit but it's worth it. Not unlike a good massage.
Here's a few that are popular on the market.
http://www.roguefitness.com/the-grid-black.php
http://www.roguefitness.com/tp-cold-roller.php (The metal one my buddy used)
http://www.roguefitness.com/mobilitywod-gemini.php
There's a whole bunch of peer reviewed studies done on the foam rollers specifically. A lot of good stuff said and some even insist that reduces arterial stiffness and improve blood circulation.
I'll swear by them.