When to use a foam roller - Stuart Hinds

Pro-Grade Foam Roller

Foam rollers can be effective for treating trigger points

Foam rollers have been used since the 1950s to stretch ease and ‘rebalance’ muscular tension. Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais is credited with having been the first person to use them for therapeutic purposes.

Foam rollers come in various shapes, sizes and densities; they are cheap to buy and easy to use. Selecting the best roller is down to personal choice.

Often this depends on your height, weight and the area you are looking to treat.

Rollers can be very effective at deactivating trigger points both on their own, after hands-on techniques, and after dry needling.

Using a foam roller or rolling massage tool is simple; used properly they can also be very effective for improving:

• Balance

• Flexibility

• Coordination

• Relaxation

• Range of motion          

 

Trigger Point Massage

With self-help foam rolling, you are able to determine the amount of pressure you apply to a particular area and the duration of time you hold the point.

Whilst they are relatively safe and easy to use, it is advised to seek an opinion from a therapist or exercise professional about the best way to use them.

Here are some considerations for trigger point massage:

• A firm circular roller or rolling massage tool is advised

• Always familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the muscle before rolling

• When applying pressure, try to rest on the muscles/soft tissues and not the bones or joints

• Start close to the body and roll away from it. Roll up and down the taut band until you hit the trigger point/sweet spot

• Pause on the pain spot/trigger point for up to 5 minutes, or until you feel it melt away. Repeat as necessary

• Be aware of the posture of the rest of your body when rolling

• Move up and down from the trigger point slowly and carefully

• The foam roller can generally be used up to 6 times a day

 

 

Hamstrings

Step 1: Sit on the foam roller with your legs outstretched

Step 2: Support yourself by placing your hands on the floor behind you. Make sure the foam roller is directly under your hamstrings.

Step 3: Roll forwards and backwards from your glutes to the back of your knee.

Complete 10-12 rollouts.

Try this with your feet turned out, and with your feet turned in.

You can increase pressure by stacking one leg over the other.

 

 

 

Adductors/Hip Flexor

Step 1: Lie on your stomach and place one leg on the foam roller. Make sure the foam roller is directly underneath your inner thigh.

Step 2: Shift your weight onto the foam roller.

Step 3: Keep the inner thigh muscles (Adductors) relaxed.

Complete 10-12 rollouts (from your hip to your knee) on each leg.

 

 

 

 

Calves

Step 1: Place the roller under your Achilles heel.

Step 2: Place your hands on the floor behind you for support.

Step 3: Roll along the calves until you reach the back of the knee.

Complete 10-12 rollouts.

You can increase pressure by crossing one leg over the other.

 

Warning!

Remember – pain is an alarm bell, so if you feel exaggerated pain, stop! Be gentle and respectful to the points.

 

 

Glutes/Piriformis

Back pain, sciatica,

Step 1: Sit with your buttocks on top of the foam roller, bend your knees, and stack one leg on top of the other.

Step 2: Shift your weight to the side of the crossed leg and roll over your buttocks.

Complete 10-12 rollouts on each side.

 

 

 

Quadriceps (Quads)

Step 1: Lie face down on the floor with your weight supported by your hands or forearms.

Step 2: Place the foam roller underneath the quadriceps.

Step 3: Roll from above the knee to below the hip.

Repeat 10-12 times.

Note: You can increase pressure by doing this exercise one leg at a time. Start with one leg in the air or supporting on the ground, and then switch.

Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area

More Articles About Neck Pain and Trigger Points

More articles about Headaches and Trigger Points

Dry Needling for Trigger Points

NAT Professional Courses

Certify as a Trigger Point Therapist

Trigger Point Workbooks 

 

About NAT Courses:

As a manual therapist or exercise professional, there is only one way to expand your business - education!

Learning more skills increases the services that you offer and provides more opportunity for specialization.

Every NAT course is designed to build on what you already know, to empower you to treat more clients and grow your practice, with a minimal investment in time and money.

Best of all, we're always here to offer help and support.

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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.