Beyond self-myofascial release: alternative uses for a foam roller

A foam roller is a great too to use when you need a little TLC and you don’t want to pay a lot of money for a professional massage. Many people think foam rollers are only good for self-myofascial release (SMR), but what many people don’t know is that they can be used for many other things, such as stretching, balancing, improving posture, and more. We came up with three things you can do with a foam roller beyond SMR.

Better posture – If you work at a desk all day, chances are your posture could use some improvement. One simple stretch performed with a foam roller can help to improve your posture, thereby reducing your risk for lower back pain. To perform the stretch, lay on your foam roller horizontally so your hips are at the bottom of the roller and your head and neck are relaxed on the top of the roller. Your feet should be a few inches apart and your heels a few inches away from the roller. Place your arms several inches away from your body and relax into a shoulder stretch. Let your shoulders open and allow your chest to stretch out. If you feel comfortable here, stay here for a few minutes. If you want to take things up a notch, bright your arms up towards your shoulders. Moving your arms increases the stretch in your chest and mobility in your shoulders.
Improving balance – foam rollers are often incorporated into exercise programs to increase balance and strength. Exercises that are often performed on wobble boards or Bosu balls can be performed using a foam roller.
Strength training – using a foam roller to perform common exercises can build strength and stability. For example, adding a foam roller to a plank gives a standard move a challenging twist because the roller has a curved, unstable surface. Try using a foam roller next time you do a plank, push-up, wall-sit, or bridge. Click here to learn how to perform these exercises with a foam roller.

Foam rollers are an essential item for professional athletes or fitness enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a foam roller, we recommend purchasing one of our CanDo^® foam rollers. We have rollers available in a variety of firmness levels and sizes to meet the needs of any individual or clinic.