The Benefits Of Foam Rollers

Last week, we discussed the importance of stretching and the difference between static and dynamic forms. Now it is time to talk about foam rollers. Foam rollers and massage sticks help to stretch muscles and tendons, and breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. Simple exercises that utilize your own body weight with a cylindrical foam roller allows you to perform a self-massage or myofascial release, breaks up trigger points, and soothes tight fascia. It also helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues. This technique helps to soften and lengthen the fascia, resulting in the breakdown of scar tissue and adhesions between the skin, muscles and bone. This technique has been shown to relieve pain from many different injuries and syndromes in the body as well as improve flexibility and the range of motion for joints.

Using foam rollers for massage is an inexpensive method of achieving these benefits and to target specific injuries. The foam roller can target those sore and hard to reach areas in the privacy of your own home. They are also convenient for travel. Many gyms also stock these devices as they have become so popular. They cost between $20- $100 and can easily be found online.

Therapeutic bodywork is INTEGRAL to the success of any exercise program. It is as important as staying hydrated, warming up, and consulting your physician prior to working out.

I would like to extend a heartfelt and humble thanks to my Personal Trainer Traci Lynn Cowan for all of her expertise, continued support, and contribution to this column. 

Mark A. Eisenhart is a sponsored athlete, spokesperson for Warrior Force TM, transformational speaker, actor, writer, and model garnering international publicity on TV, radio, and print. He has appeared on over seventy programs including the CBS show The Doctors, The Jeff Probst Show, American Ninja Warrior, several local and national TV news and sports radio programs, in eight magazines, and writes a column for Inspiyr and Super Raw Life Magazine. Later this year, he will publish his first book which he intends to adapt for film. He is also the host of Rattle the Cages Radio, a health and wellness program on the www.voiceitradio.com network, which airs on Monday nights from 8:00- 9:00pm EST. Please visit his website at www.getimpowerednow.com for more information and to stay in touch.