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Increase Your Range of Motion with Foam Roller Exercises

foam rolling pain relief

Self-mobilization to Treat Neck Pain

A new study shows great results from self massage using a foam roller. Foam rollers are cylindrically shaped plastic foam. Daily foam roller exercises help a patient  improve the alignment of the neck for pain relief. It is also used a a method of self massage to iron out knots and muscle soreness.

Foam rolling is a type of self-myofascial release; releasing tight muscles, connective tissue (fascia) and trigger points (sensitive points on muscles) with self-massage. Using a foam roller applies pressure to specific areas for pain relief.

Added Benefits of Foam Rolling

In addition to neck pain relief, foam rolling has many added benefits to your health and fitness.

  1. Do you have sore, tight muscles – even knots after a strenuous workout? Foam rolling is an excellent way to alleviate the pain and soreness after an intense workout.
  2. Post exercise, foam rolling also helps alleviate soreness is by moving the built up lactic acid and carbon dioxide out of the muscles and tissues, and into the lymphatic system.
  3. Improve circulation. Foam rolling increases blood circulation, which is great for a warm up before exercise helps muscles repair faster post workout.
  4. Increase range of motion. Long periods of inactivity and muscle and joint pain can decrease range of motion. Foam rolling is a great way help improve this and help eliminate pain.

One aspect of foam rolling is that it’s sometimes painful! But it only means that the patient has found and targeted the right area. Applying pressure to an already sore spot will produce some pain, but not unbearable pain. This will ease as you continue to move.

A foam rolling practice can help maintain overall health and pain relief. The equipment is inexpensive and the exercises are easy to learn. If you have a specific injury or spinal damage, please be sure to consult with a professional at our office before beginning this exercise.

 

Sources:

https://8fit.com/fitness/foam-rolling/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136085921830161X