What to do with that foam roller at the gym?

The foam roller is possibly the least intimidating piece of equipment in the gym. It’s light. It’s no-tech. And like most things in the gym, you’ve heard something about its benefits, seen a few people using it, and wonder if you should be doing the same. What is myofascial release? Foam rolling is a myofascial release technique. The fascia is a sheet of fibrous connective tissue made of collagen that surrounds muscles. It holds muscles in place and helps them glide through their range of motion, says Carina O’Neill, DO, medical director of Spaulding Outpatient Center–Braintree. Think of the relationship like an orange cut in half, she suggests: the edible sections are the muscle, the surrounding white part is the fascia. Whether you use massage, chiropractic care, or foam rolling, when you press on one tissue, you unavoidably press on the other. There are spots where only fascia is being worked, such as the bottom of the foot and the iliotibial band that runs along the outside of your upper leg, but mostly it’s a combination. Why is myofascial release performed? Muscles and fascia can become tight from overuse, repetition, body mechanics, and weakness. In response, the body may protect itself by limiting your range of motion. That protection can be a benefit, except when it doesn’t allow the body to heal itself or move freely. “Muscles tighten up for a reason, but sometimes they don’t get the memo that they can loosen up because there’s no tissue damage,â...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Back Pain Exercise and Fitness Health Source Type: blogs