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Having used a foam roller at the gym and discovered the benefits of using one, I thought I'd invest in one.
Now my question is do I go for a plain roller,or textured massage type, or a medieval instrument of torture looking one?
Any advice and experiences gratefully received.
Depends on how much it hurt when you tried it before? I started out with a cheap simple roller and it brought tears to my eyes. When that one stopped being effective (either it got squished or I got used to rollering) I upgraded to a knobbly one
The texture / lumps doesn't make any real difference - it feels just the same.
I use one bought from the physio, it's hard as a rock and works well. I think it's also important to get longer rollers. Haven't tried a textured roller but I think firmness is key.
get a bit of drain pipe from a diy shop.
I find I can use the knobs (ooo errr) to put pressure on trigger points better than a smooth roller. I'm thinking about trying somethinglike a cricket ball next as I reckon that would be even more effective for trigger point relief
For trigger points get a Lacrosse ball, £2 from Ebay..
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Tin of beans works well.
I got the textured foam roller with the hard plastic pipe inside from Sports Direct for about £15. Not sure if the texture adds anything to its use as you don't feel them but the hard plastic pipe works a treat.
What is this foamrollerising you speak of?
Foam rolling is good for a bit of self massage and warming up. I do it myself.
IMO it's a bit over mythologised. Plenty of other techniques and mobility exercises out there that can have a bigger effect. Also if it starts to cut into time actually spent doing exercise it's very much counterproductive.
Saying that, they're cheap and fairly harmless.
[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/450/dp/B00GTUCYDG ]Decent solid foam one. Some cheapo ones don't last.[/url]
[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dsports&field-keywords=grid%20roller&sprefix=grid+ro%2Csports ]The "grid" ones are good because they're hollow, have a solid aspect to them (so they last) and fit in a gym bag better.[/url]
Also lacrosse balls, voodoo bands (I use a split latex innertube - brilliant), bands, etc, should be looked at as mobility tools.
Also started on a foam and graduated to a Sports Direct one with nobbles. Also use a hockey ball. Surprising how quickly it stops hurting.
66fit according to the mrs, she does more miles on the roller than I do cycling