Benefits of Foam Rolling
Foam rollers are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They can be an effective and safe tool that may be used for self myofascial release in the comfort of your own home. They are most often used before a workout for a warm up or post-exercise as active recovery. They come in full and half length as well as different densities of foam and, most importantly, are completely portable so there is no excuse for not keeping on top of things!
Some of the befits of foam rolling include:
- Increase flexibility and joint range of motion
Using a foam roller before activity can help stretch out and lengthen muscles which can increase the range of motion available at your joints. Allowing your muscles to work through a greater range may result in better performance and the potential for an increase in strength and power.
- Reduce post-exercise soreness
Whether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, most people have experienced soreness after a period of being active. This soreness is often referred to as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Foam rolling can reduce DOMS post exercise when used straight after the activity as recovery.
- Improve circulation
It is vital to have good circulation as this is what carries the oxygen through our bodies. Poor circulation, amongst other things, can lead to compromised immune response. By using a foam roller, we are encouraging blood flow to the desired area. This means more oxygen and nutrients will be delivered to the site which promotes good tissue health and healing which could lead to a faster healing process.
- Prevent Injury
Foam rollers can also be an effective tool in injury prevention. At Peak Osteopathy we encourage our clients to engage in a consistent routine of suitable stretching and exercise in order to maintain the body at a low risk level of injury. Foam rollers alone will not prevent injuries but may form part of your management program to help reduce tightness or overuse in key muscle groups.
We always have foam rollers readily available for purchase at the clinic so please don’t hesitate to give us a call or ask your Osteopath if you have been wondering whether a foam roller might be beneficial in the management of you or someone you know.