Foam Rollers
Who uses a foam roller(s)?
And if you use one, what type do you use?
And if you do use one, why do you use a foam roller?
The reasons for these questions was that I had a massage the day after IM Australia, and that the therapist suggested that it might be beneficial to me.
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From time to time I have been getting these 2 issues, last year was terrible. Started with the glute pain & trigger-point but began expressing itself in my TFL too and cause me to sit funny on my bike. I found that if I rolled the glutes and TFL first thing every morning it was less painful for most of the day.
Since getting re-fitted by Todd, I haven't had any issues..... might had to do with functional leg-length discrepancy which Todd put in a shim. Time will tell.
Painful -Yes
Helpful -Yes
I don't buy into using as part of a warm up....but for trigger point work and "cold rolling" trouble spots they really help.
I Have a old 4 ft roller that I had planned to cut into a 1/3, 2/3 set..... Its larger than needed but I got it back before they where as popular and this was much less expensive than what is out now.
I've tried small diameter and knobby types ...but still like my standard type (its just long). Sometimes places like hardware stores or les athlete targeted stores will sell non flashy foam rolls for considerably less$.
I have a hollow short foam covered plastic one that I got for use in the office and also figured it'd be good for travel..... its kinda too short but works in a pinch.....2ft seems about right.
There is a lot of advice and videos out here on how to use..... one thing to remember its NOT aggressive back and forth rolling that does the work. Roll into a ouch spot and sink into it...lift and roll a inch or 2 then settle in with only a little rocking on the spot. Not much use on non painful areas...But it can be useful to "scan" for unknown tight spots! (shin/deep calf is sometimes a surprise spot on me)
You have convinced me to get one.
I borrowed one and I now know all about the pain