Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM FEB 2018 | Page 34

What is a Foam Roller, & What Do You Do With It? By: Dr. Kerry Rodocker-Wiarda Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians Gateway Chiropractic - South Shore, PLLC [email protected] Foam rollers provide self-myofascial release therapy. Self-myofascial release is performed by applying pressure to areas of muscle tension using your own body weight. Foam rolling is performed using direct pressure or in a rolling motion. Direct pressure treats smaller areas, while rolling treats larger areas. Foam rolling causes compression to the soft tissue and increases blood flow to the area. Increasing the blood flow to the area enhances the body’s healing response to the injured tissue. Benefits: · Enhance joint range of motion · Decreasing the effect of acute muscle soreness · Delayed onset muscle soreness Foam rollers can vary in diameters, densities, lengths, materials, and textures. Some foam rollers even use vibration to increase the intensity. While other foam rollers are not even made of foam. Current literature measuring the effects of self-myofascial release is still emerging. Studies suggest that foam rolling, and roller massage may be an effective intervention for enhancing joint range of motion and pre and post exercise muscle performance. If you think that foam rolling is the right addition to your fitness plan or therapy, ask a licensed health care professional experienced in rehab or fitness. If you have a foam roller and don’t know how to use it, join me for a free workshop on Foam Rolling for Low Back Pain at Gateway Chiropractic – South Shore on February 20th at 6:30 PM. Call and reserve your spot 281-334-9300. 33 MOMENTUM / February 2018