WHAT IS SELF MYOFACIAL RELEASE?
You might have never heard of self myofacial release, (SMR) but maybe you’ve seen white, blue or black foam rollers at your local gym, and wondered what they were.
Personal trainers, and physical therapists recommend roam roller SMR to improve flexibility, relieve muscle pain, and avoid injury.
The roller is used to release adhesions in order to restore flexibility. They’re an easy, inexpensive method of pressure point, deep tissue massage.
Simply place the roller over an adhesion by sitting, or leaning over the roller for 30 to 90 seconds, or less, depending on tolerance.
WHY USE A FOAM ROLLER?
Foam rollers are used to help release trigger points, that inhibit your flexibility potential. Trigger points are painful spots located in muscle that are caused by trauma. These inelastic spots are also called adhesions, or knots.
Rollers are a must for athletes, especially runners who need to break down soft tissue adhesions, improve flexibility, and range of motion in hamstrings, IT Band, and calves.
TYPES OF FOAM ROLLERS
Foam rollers come in a variety of sizes and density. Some are softer, while others are more firm. Length sizes range in inches from 36, 24, 18, and 12. Most rollers are 6 inches deep.
WHERE TO BUY
Amazon.com has a wide selection of foam rollers, and a handy chart explaining how to buy them.
Copyright 2013 Irene Pastore and Blue Moon Personal Training
Irene Pastore Fitness 