The science behind foam rolling; Is it good for you and what do the experts say about this commonly used method of self treatment.

The science behind foam rolling; Is it good for you and what do the experts say about this commonly used method of self treatment.

As many of our patients already know, I am a huge proponent of foam rolling and many of our patients rely on this important self treatment method to get relief when their body tightens up on them. You can view our foam roller exercises here.

Over the past 20 years, our understanding of how the myofascial system operates has improved markedly and myofascial release has become main stream medicine.

We now understand the myofascia controls movement, acts as an exoskeleton and even has its own nervous system elements that are interconnected with the muscles as well as our organ systems.

Myofascial release will improve how you move and how your spine functions.   It has been clinically proven to work if it is applied properly.   There is more evidence than ever that problems with movement leads to chronic pain and myofascial release improves movement.

The research behind foam rolling is growing, and it has a growing fan base.

Originally only used by athletes, however, now the general public has been using foam rollers to improve the way they function and feel. Foam rolling was recommended by Moshe Feldenkrais, the Israeli physicist and engineer who pioneered the Feldenkrais Method of movement therapy, started using the rollers as part of his technique to improve physical performance in athletes years ago.

The web page Bustle recently published a well researched article on foam rolling.  Check it out below

Is Foam Rolling Actually Good For You? This Is What A Doctor Has To Say
By CAROLYN DE LORENZO

Lots of people are stoked about foam rolling these days. Foam rolling devotees report benefits like more flexibility, increased range of motion, better blood circulation, injury prevention, and improved muscle recovery. Foam rolling works by massaging the myofascia, aka the areas where the body’s connective tissue and muscles meet, relieving tense muscles and improving blood and nutrient flow throughout the body. Foam rolling, which involves rolling different body parts over a foam tube, supposedly offers an inexpensive way to self-administer a simple myofascial release technique, so you can reap all the benefits at home with an inexpensive piece of equipment. But while it sounds amazing, many people want to know if foam rolling is *actually* good for you.

Buzzy fitness trends come and go, and those with staying power are those that offer solid benefits that stand the test of time. According to TIME, there is some research that supports the reported benefits of foam rolling. In a study published in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, researchers found that foam rolling, when combined with traditional stretching techniques, was more effective at releasing and relaxing the hip muscles than stretching alone.

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