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The number of individuals using the foam roller is at an all-time high! Designed to release "trigger points", scar tissue, tight muscles and restricted fascia. In a nutshell, your clients use
their own body weight to roll on the round foam roll, massaging away restrictions to normal soft-tissue extensibility. By releasing the trigger points you help increase the blood flow and bring the
proper nutrients to the restricted area. You will also increase the range of motion to the affected joint and to the muscle. By using the myofascial roller in conjunction with a specific
individualized rehabilitative exercise program the results are quite amazing. Increasing elasticity in the muscles improves flexibility, which can reduce the chance of muscle pulls, strains, and
tears. In addition, rollers used after workouts can release stress and assist in decreasing muscular soreness.
As their popularity has grown, so has the development. Rollers are available in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes, densities, and lengths. Whether aimed toward being used for myofascial release,
proprioceptive, strength, balance, or core training all rollers have a function, and the right roller for you awaits!
When choosing a foam roll, product density is very important. If the foam is too soft, less than adequate tissue massage is applied. On the other hand, if the foam is too hard, bruising and more
advanced soft-tissue trauma may occur, leading to further restriction, initiation of the inflammatory process, decreased range of motion, pain, and decreased performance.
Three Basic Types of Rollers |
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| Standard White:
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High quality foam, Lightweight, soft, can lose its shape after time
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| Black:
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Molded foam technology geared for moderate to heavy users, resistant to breaking down, smooth and firm in density
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| Marble:
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Closed cell, heat molded foam technology allowing it to withstand the heaviest of usage. Firm density, excels at proprioceptive, balance and stability
exercises.
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Benefits of Rolling
- Correct muscle imbalances
- ↑ Joint range of motion
- ↓ Muscle soreness & relieve joint stress
- ↓ Neuromuscular hypertonicity
- ↑ Extensibility of musculotendinous junction
- ↑ Neuromuscular efficiency
- Maintain normal functional muscular length
Foam Rollers are a great tool to add to anyone’s toolbox! Foam rollers allow certain muscles to be manipulated that would be difficult to achieve with traditional stretching techniques.