Foam Rolling

Using a massage ball

Self-Myofascial Release, also known as Trigger Point Release involves using various tools like foam rollers to self-massage muscles in an effort to reduce soreness and assist in recovery. It has become increasingly popular over the last number of years and is a part of most professional and amateur athletes’ daily routines.

Self-Myofascial Release is a technique that focuses specific pressure on the fascia surrounding our muscles, a thin layer of tissue that covers almost everything inside our body.

Exercise can aggravate the fascia of our muscles, causing it to bunch in parts which develop into adhesions, it is these adhesions that can give us the sensation of tightness and soreness. Myofascial release is a way of working out the kinks in our body, placing pressure directly on the adhesions to release them, leaving the muscles in our body more mobile and better able to function.

Foam Rollers & Massage Balls

The most commonly used tool and method for Self-Myofascial Release is the use of foam rollers, cylindrical lengths of plastic covered in foam with varying degrees of hardness and texture, with some smooth and some spiky. Massage balls can also be used and work very well for specific areas which are difficult to reach with a foam roller. The massage balls tend to be often the size of a tennis ball with spikes on them to help increase circulation to an area and free up adhesions in the fascia.

Foam rolling and massage balls offer a safe way to break down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue formed from exercise or injury. This form of therapy is very popular with sports people and athletes of all levels.

Watch our video demonstration of using rollers