Who Needs a Foam Roller?
Foam rolling, also known as self-myofascial release, is a popular way of relaxing your muscles and releasing tension. It works by applying pressure to your body’s fascia, which is a system of connective tissue that runs throughout your body supporting your internal structures. When fascia loses it’s pliability, it can become tight and restricted. This can happen through sudden impact injuries, like a fall, or through overuse injuries that might occur from playing a sport or exercising.¹ Poor posture over time and inactivity are also common reasons that fascia might become damaged.² When this happens, movement becomes limited and if not addressed, can often lead to pain.
By using a foam roller, we strive to improve the quality and elasticity of the mesh-like fascia system which essentially links the entire muscular system.² Instead of stretching muscles in one plane of motion, as we might with a static stretch, myofascial release allows us to release the tissues in a three-dimensional way. People often refer to “knots” as the tight spots they feel in their muscles. Foam rolling helps to release these knots and is thought to act very much like self-massage.³
So to answer the question, “Who needs a foam roller?”, you might think the answer is YOU. And that may be accurate in a global sense. However, with a little more insight into self-myofascial release, you might find that there are other easy-to-find objects that can accomplish the same goals as a foam roller. After all, self-myofascial release is about applying pressure to tight, restricted areas in order to release tension in the tissues. What if you used a common everyday item such as a tennis ball?
In fact, you can use a tennis ball for self-myofascial release.² You can use a softball, a baseball or even a golf ball. You can find things around your house that will work in much the same way as a foam roller! The key in choosing your object is to know a little bit more about how the density and surface area will affect your technique.
Basically, the more dense the object is the more intense the massage is going to be. If you cannot relax your body onto the object without tightening up, then choose a softer item. When you apply pressure to an area, move the object around until you find the sensitive spot.³ Once you find it, relax your body onto the object and continue breathing normally. This can be done against a wall, chair, floor or other firm surface. Hold the applied pressure for anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes or until you feel a release.⁴
The other factor that will greatly influence self-myofascial release is the size or surface area of the tool you use. Basic physics tells us that if the surface area is smaller, the pressure will be greater. Using an item that is larger will have more surface area and spread out the force creating less pressure (or force per unit area).⁶ In other words, a golf ball is likely to be a very intense tool, and may not be the best choice for someone starting out with myofascial release. The foam roller, on the other hand, will be much less intense and is a popular choice for the major muscles of the body.
When you think outside the box, you will find that there are many different materials around your house that can be used to smooth out and reset your fascia. Pool noodles are great because you can cut them up to fit different parts of your body. You can insert a tool handle or dowel if you want to make one more firm.⁷ Towels, washcloths, and pillow cases can be rolled up tightly and used. Balls of all types are wonderful tools to use and are easy to throw in your bag and take to work. Some popular choices are softballs, baseballs, lacrosse balls and racquet balls. Larger balls like medicine balls and basketballs are also great choices, but not as easily transported. I like to throw one of the smaller balls in a long sock and use it against a wall to reach upper back, neck and shoulder areas.
Ultimately, when choosing an object, be sure to pick one that you think will exert an appropriate amount of pressure on the tender regions. You don’t want to cry out in pain, but you want to be able to release any knots you might have in the tissues. Start out slowly and err on the side of larger or softer items until you get a feel for what works for you. Self-myofascial release can be done daily, and in fact, the more consistently it is done, the more potential it has to do great things for your body. By realigning the elastic muscle fibers, we can relieve the feeling of tightness in our muscles and begin to move more freely.
References:
¹Bryant, Cedric X., Daniel J. Green, and Sabrena Newton-Merrill. “Chapter 16 Exercise Programming Considerations and Guidelines.” ACE Health Coach Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Wellness, Fitness, and Lifestyle Change. San Diego, CA: American Council on Exercise, 2013. 457-59. Print.
²Heffernan, Andrew, CSCS. “The Web of Life.” Experience Life. ©2014 LIFE TIME FITNESS, Inc., 01 Nov. 2011. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
³McGrath, Christopher, M.S. “Why You Should Be Foam Rolling.” ACE Fit. 3 Oct. 2013. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
⁴Brookbush, Brent, MS, PES, CES, CSCS, ACSM H/FS. “Guidelines for Self-Administered Release Techniques.” Brent Brookbush. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
⁵Penney, Stacey, NASM-CPT, CES, PES, FNS. “Foam Rolling: Applying the Technique of SMR.” NASM Blog. © 2014 NASM National Academy of Sports Medicine, 21 Aug. 2013. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
⁶Kurtus, Ron. “Pressure Is Force per Unit Area.” Ron Kurtus’ School for Champions. 18 Mar. 2006. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
⁷Hester, Frank, CMT, NCTMB. “Self-Help Myofascial Release Methods.” Self-Help Myofascial Release Methods. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
Warning: Illegal string offset 'gplus' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 231
Warning: Illegal string offset 'twitter' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 232
Warning: Illegal string offset 'linkedin' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 233
Warning: Illegal string offset 'facebook' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 234
Warning: Illegal string offset 'pinterest' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 235
Warning: Illegal string offset 'delicious' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 236
Warning: Illegal string offset 'stumbleupon' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 237
Warning: Illegal string offset 'digg' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 238
Warning: Illegal string offset 'tumblr' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 239
Warning: Illegal string offset 'reddit' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 240
Warning: Illegal string offset 'buffer' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 241
Warning: Illegal string offset 'vk' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 242
Warning: Illegal string offset 'blogger' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 243
Warning: Illegal string offset 'twitter' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/classes/base.class.php on line 156
Warning: Illegal string offset 'gplus' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 231
Warning: Illegal string offset 'twitter' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 232
Warning: Illegal string offset 'linkedin' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 233
Warning: Illegal string offset 'facebook' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 234
Warning: Illegal string offset 'pinterest' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 235
Warning: Illegal string offset 'delicious' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 236
Warning: Illegal string offset 'stumbleupon' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 237
Warning: Illegal string offset 'digg' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 238
Warning: Illegal string offset 'tumblr' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 239
Warning: Illegal string offset 'reddit' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 240
Warning: Illegal string offset 'buffer' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 241
Warning: Illegal string offset 'vk' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 242
Warning: Illegal string offset 'blogger' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 243
Warning: Illegal string offset 'facebook' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/classes/base.class.php on line 151
Warning: Illegal string offset 'gplus' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 231
Warning: Illegal string offset 'twitter' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 232
Warning: Illegal string offset 'linkedin' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 233
Warning: Illegal string offset 'facebook' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 234
Warning: Illegal string offset 'pinterest' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 235
Warning: Illegal string offset 'delicious' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 236
Warning: Illegal string offset 'stumbleupon' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 237
Warning: Illegal string offset 'digg' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 238
Warning: Illegal string offset 'tumblr' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 239
Warning: Illegal string offset 'reddit' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 240
Warning: Illegal string offset 'buffer' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 241
Warning: Illegal string offset 'vk' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 242
Warning: Illegal string offset 'blogger' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 243
Warning: Illegal string offset 'gplus' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/classes/base.class.php on line 162
Warning: Illegal string offset 'gplus' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 231
Warning: Illegal string offset 'twitter' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 232
Warning: Illegal string offset 'linkedin' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 233
Warning: Illegal string offset 'facebook' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 234
Warning: Illegal string offset 'pinterest' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 235
Warning: Illegal string offset 'delicious' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 236
Warning: Illegal string offset 'stumbleupon' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 237
Warning: Illegal string offset 'digg' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 238
Warning: Illegal string offset 'tumblr' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 239
Warning: Illegal string offset 'reddit' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 240
Warning: Illegal string offset 'buffer' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 241
Warning: Illegal string offset 'vk' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 242
Warning: Illegal string offset 'blogger' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/functions.php on line 243
Warning: Illegal string offset 'linkedin' in /home/customer/www/trainingtips.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/dpArticleShare/classes/base.class.php on line 167
About Diane McDowell
As a Personal Fitness Trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Diane helps others find their path to fitness. Since fitness is a lifelong endeavor she knows it should fit each person’s lifestyle. Regardless of gender, age, physical abilities, or access to exercise equipment, fitness can be something enjoyed by all.
With a specialty certification in Functional Training from ACE, Diane helps people improve their overall quality of life by teaching them how to move more efficiently. She assesses posture for muscle-joint imbalances that can cause movement compensations and lead to injury. Diane also helps older adults find ways to be more active and stay independent for as long as possible.
Diane develops personalized fitness plans for individuals and small groups and helps implement them in a setting that fits their lifestyle. People enjoy the convenience of working out in the comfort of their own home, local park or even their office.
When Diane is not working with small groups and individuals, she helps businesses promote a healthy workplace by addressing the health and fitness needs of employees and delivering motivational wellness talks.
