On A Roll...

     You know scrolling through social media I often see links and ideas regarding foam rolling. I own a foam roller (or two, or three) and rarely do I ever roll on them! Why is that you might ask? Well, I admit to being lazy for one. For another, rolling is a lot of effort for a temporary gain. 

     

     So what's the point of having a foam roller if not to roll on it? I use it more like a fulcrum, by which I can leverage gravity for a myofascial stretch. Utilizing this method I have been able to bring about change without a lot of physical work. And let's face it when we hurt we don't want to be like a dog chasing their tail in the living room floor.  This method also effects more than one area at a time vs. "rolling" one area at a time. The foam roller I am using in the picture below is an OPTP Pro Roller Standard Density Foam Roller. It has the density or firmness of a foam yoga block. There is a much softer option, the  OPTP Pro Roller Soft. The soft one is soft enough to squeeze but does not "bottom out" when in use. 

                                      Doesn't this look peaceful?

     In the picture above, I am releasing tension in my neck and shoulders, pecs and low back. This is not the only thing I do with my foam roller but it where I start. I will be adding variations to this in future blog posts. Personally, I love the firm foam roller for addressing tension in the upper body and the softer foam roller for the lower body. But then everyone has their own preferences!

     Don't roll away! Release away tension and pain the easy way!

Until, next time...