How Do I Use a Foam Roller?

Tips for Using a Foam Roller

• Always check with your doctor before using a foam roller for myofascial release

• Perform foam roller sessions when your muscles are warm or after a workout.

• Position the roller under the soft tissue area you want to release or loosen.

• Gently roll your body weight back and forth across the roller while targeting the affected muscle.

• Move slowly and work from the center of the body out toward your extremities.

• If you find a particularly painful area (trigger point), hold that position until the area softens.

• Focus on areas that are tight or have reduced range of motion.

• Roll over each area a few times until you feel it relax. Expect some discomfort. It may feel very tender or bruised at first.

• Stay on soft tissue and avoid rolling directly over bone or joints.

• Keep your first few foam roller sessions short. About 15 minutes is all you need.

• Rest a day between sessions when you start.

• Drink plenty of water after a session, just as you would after a sports massage.

• After a few weeks you can increase your session time and frequency if you choose.

• Do not use a foam roller without your physician’s approval if you have any heart illness or chronic pain condition.

More About Techniques With the Foam Roller

•  

•  

• Find a tender spot on the area you are working and keep the roller on this spot. Wait for discomfort to diminish by 50-75%. This could take some time and be uncomfortable.

• When this area is no longer sensitive then begin to see if there are other sensitive areas and repeat.

• When this area is free of pain and can be rolled over, then continue rolling regularly to keep the area relaxed.

• Use the roller as warm up prior to activity and also for warm down after exercise

• There is some freedom for experimentation and “feel” when using the rollers. See what works best for you and manipulate the roller to the correct position.

Maintaining Your Foam Roller

Due to how foam rollers are manufactured, all foam products will have some surface imperfections. Imperfections such as surface bubbles, dimensional tolerance and differences in color are normal. These imperfections will not affect the performance of the foam roller and other foam products.

Normal use will cause indentations or pressure points. Pressure points may slowly re-cover, however, continuous pressure lasting several hours should be avoided. Do not store objects on top of foam items. Foam performs best if stored flat, away from sunlight and within temperature ranges between 75°F – 125°F.

 Cleaning:    

Use a mild soap and water mixture or Isopropyl Rubbing alcohol.  DO NOT use bleach solutions, oils or other chemicals as they can cause softening, discoloration and distortion of shape.

CK SPORTS carries all types of foam rollers; full, half size and even the new GRID.  Stop in and let us set you up with the best foam roller for your sport.