Foam rolling…have you heard of it? What is it? Why do it? I am going to give you an overview of this awesome muscle “massage” and why I swear by it. I have hip dysplasia, which started when I was about 3 years old when I had to get PT to walk. My hips were fine all my life until I was pregnant with my son 15 years ago. As a result of that added weight and the long ago dysplasia, I went from arthritis in my hip to the current state of my hip bone going through my pelvis.
Why?
Eventually, I will have to get a hip replacement, but for the past year there has been no deterioration so I am good to go. Due to this ailment, I have limited movement in my hips, therefore, my IT bands are as tight as they can be. (IT bands run from the knee to the hip on the side of the leg.) Foam rolling is the only thing that gives me any relief.
What?
Foam rollers are just what they sound like…a huge roll of foam…about the diameter of a log. They come in different sizes, textures, lengths, and colors. I have 2 different rollers: one is smooth and the other has the texture of a mountain bike tire. You roll whatever muscle you need “massaged” on the roller and, as a result, it hurts like %$#&*. After you are done, however, it feels AWESOME!!!
Where?
Foam rollers are pretty readily available: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, etc. In conclusion, I have included links to some wonderful articles that explain more about foam rolling and how to do it. Although one of the articles is written for a running magazine, you can use these exercises for any workout or sport. I don’t run at all because of my hip so believe me…foam rolling works for with sports and workouts. Give it a try…it will NOT disappoint.
*What is a Foam Roller and Why does it hurt? Breaking Muscle.com
*How to Use a Foam Roller Runner’s World.com
*7 Awesome Ways to use a Foam Roller Womens Health mag.com
Had to click because I’ve never heard of foam rolling. Very interesting!
Glad you took a look Sarah:)
This is something I haven’t heard of with the foam rollers. Will have to check them out at our local store.
I can’t live without my foam roller!!
Ooooh as a runner I have a love-hate relationship with foam rollers! I personally like the Addaday roller. It’s more like a stick and I feel like it’s a little more precise when I’m working on my IT band, but the big foam rollers are good too 🙂
Love/hate is a good description…I hate it when I’m doing it, but love how I feel after. I’ll have to check out that roller you mentioned.
So I thought foam rolling was going to be about a return to the hair rollers of my 70’s youth! 😉 Glad to learn what it is actually. Thanks for your candor about the pain – but no pain, no gain, right?
LOL Alexandra!! Yes…no pain, no gain:)
Never heard of this before! This sounds so great! Especially for ease of back pain in the long run. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
It is excellent for runners…give it a try.
I was just talking to my husband about this the other night! I didn’t know what it was called, but now I do! I’ll have to show this post to him. He’ll love it! 🙂
Virtuous Mama
http://www.virtuousmama.org
That is awesome!!! Hope the post helps you out:)
Gosh, that sounds awful but I guess those are the cards you were dealt and you’re doing everything you can to make it less painful for you. I hope that for many more years you still continue to sit at a standstill in terms of deterioration.
Isn’t foam rolling GREAT?! It hurts so good! I actually get quite a sweat on when I’m rolling and I’m always happy I’ve done so when I’ve finished. It just loosens everything up.
Have a great weekend hun. 🙂
Thank you for your kind and uplifting words Lindsay:) Right back at ya!!!
I have such a love hate relationship with foam rolling. I know it is super important and want to get better about doing it. Thanks for these reminders.
YES…love/hate….lol
The timing of your post is perfect – I was just sitting at my desk thinking, “I wish I had a foam roller at work”! I’m an avid indoor cyclist and runner and my roller is my lifesaver! I should dedicate more time to it, though!
– Kaitlin
kedgotwed.com
I just bought a muscle roller in addition to my foam rollers. It has a handle on each end and you roll it over whatever area needs it. It would be perfect for work…about the size of a collapsible umbrella. You can get them on Amazon.
I love my foam roller! My husband has had one for 20 years.
Wow!!!! 20 years….that is awesome.
I really got into foam rolling in high school when I get tendinitis in my calf and IT bands! I love foam rolling! It’s so helpful after a hard workout too!
I too have REALLY tight IT bands…so painful sometimes. LOVE my foam rollers.
I’ve been meaning to give foam rolling a try for a while now. I’ve always heard great things about it. So glad its been working for you and giving you relief. I had SPD during pregnancy and that pain was brutal & I can’t even imagine how painful it is to feel what you feel daily. Hope it keeps working for you!
Thanks Karina…give it a try:)
This is such a cool post! I have never heard of foam rolling, and I love learning new things! Thanks for a great post.
Glad you liked it Aarika
good timing! my hubby was just playing with his foam roller. i will send this to him!
Great Ananda..I hope it helps him
I need to invest in one of these. My calves get sooooo sore and it feels great when I use a blanket.
Totally worth it Angela…you can get them inexpensively on Amazon.
I’ve heard of it, but have never tried it. I’m glad that it brings you some relief!
Thanks Danielle
I always use my foam roller and I even have the same pink one!!
They are awesome, Liv, arent’ they??