Foam rollers have become more prevalent in gyms, exercise classes and therapy clinics during the past 10 years. Many physical therapists use foam rollers to help patients recover from injuries – and for good reason. This flexible piece of equipment can help to increase range of motion, shorten recovery time, and enhance healing.
You don’t have to be recovering from a procedure or injury to appreciate their usefulness. Anyone who experiences muscle soreness from stress, poor body mechanics or a workout can benefit from using a roller.
“Foam rollers are under-utilized and under-appreciated,” says Christopher White, physical therapist and manager of outpatient rehabilitation at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. “This versatile piece of equipment not only can help lengthen muscles before or after exercise, it can also relax and soothe aching muscles.”
Foam rollers work by breaking up adhesions that form in muscles or tendons. They also loosen trigger points (muscle “knots”), which feel like a sensitive spot in your soft tissues. Your body weight is what helps the roller target specific muscle areas.
“The rolling motion loosens, relaxes and lengthens muscles in much the same way as a kneading massage does,” Christopher says. “Rolling is generally not as intense or targeted as a deep-tissue massage, but that can depend on how much pressure your trigger point is willing to endure.”
Christopher, who uses foam rollers with many of his patients, is upfront about what to expect. “If you already have a roller, you likely have a love/hate relationship with them," he says. "The rolling process can be uncomfortable, and the body positions needed to utilize them correctly can be awkward. But you’ll ultimately feel the benefits.”
Choosing a Foam Roller
Foam rollers come in a variety of lengths, widths and densities. Choosing the right type of roller can help maximize the effects and reduce discomfort, so it’s important to try out a few before deciding which one to purchase.
Density
Along with using the rollers correctly, density is a prime factor in how effective a roller is at trigger-point release. Low-density rollers provide less intense pressure, providing a more comfortable rolling experience. Medium-density rollers provide more pressure because they are less flexible. High-density rollers provide the most pressure, but give muscles the fullest stretch.
Size
Long rollers (36 inches) are versatile and a good choice for your first foam roller. They provide more stability than shorter rollers, and are more effective when used on larger muscles such as quadriceps or hamstrings.
Short rollers (12-18 inches) work best on calves and other smaller muscles, and are the perfect size for travel.
Diameter
The majority of foam rollers are six inches in diameter, making it easier to comfortably roll your body onto it and then keep the rolling motion under control.
While most rollers are smooth (and best for new users), some come with surface texture that can intensify pressure on targeted areas. New to the market are vibrating foam rollers. The added sensation of the vibration distracts your muscles from the uncomfortable pressure of the roller, which lessens the sensation of pain. This type of roller, has also been shown to increase range of movement after only a few uses.
The standard foam rollers similar to those in gyms and physical therapy clinics ranges from $8 to $30; vibrating rollers can cost $70 or more. Rollers can be purchased online, at most medical supplies stores and usually at places that sell hand weights, exercise bands and yoga mats.
“Foam rollers may look like something you see in a swimming pool, but if utilized correctly, they can offer a lot of long-term benefits,” Christopher says. “They reduce stress, improve posture, decrease muscle soreness and generally make you feel more mobile, which are all important components of injury prevention and overall good health.”
