Foam roller work out — a rehabilitative tool

From southplattesentinel.com

This week we are going to talk about a rehabilitative tool that is extremely effective in the treatment of tendinopathies, muscle tears and strains, as well as aches and pains in general—the use of the foam roller. A foam roller is exactly what its name suggests—a roll of foam that is shaped somewhat like a pool noodle. The foam roller is a tool used to break up scar tissue, increase circulation, elongate tissue and facilitate stretching, as well as to promote healing. When the foam roller is used properly it can be extremely effective in the treatment of tendinopathies, muscle tears and other musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Let’s use for example the iliotibial band syndrome. The iliotibial band syndrome or ITB syndrome is a condition in which the broad flat tendon on the outside of the thigh is inflamed, painful and tight. When the patient uses the foam roller on the ITB, it both elongates and treats the ITB tendon to increase circulation, improve flexibility and decrease scar tissue. Although iliotibial band treatment can be uncomfortable, it is usually effective in the treatment of these conditions.

Another condition in which the foam roller is extremely effective in treating is piriformis syndrome. The piriformis is a muscle in the buttock which crosses the sciatic nerve and can cause sciatica in the leg as well as pain in the buttock itself which mimics back pain and back conditions of many types. Use of the foam roller on the piriformis is often effective in reducing spasm, improving flexibility and reducing compression of the sciatic nerve roots. The foam roller is a tool just like anything else and cannot fix a problem all by itself. However, when patients are given this tool as part of their rehabilitative program it is often really effective in allowing the tissue to return to its normal state.

As you can see, the use of a foam roller is something that can be extremely effective as part of a good home exercise program in rehabilitation. A foam roller should be firm enough to provide compression while soft enough to allow comfort. Foam rollers are readily available on Amazon as well as at local big box stores in the sporting goods section. For more information on how to use the foam rollers, I would suggest a quick glance over Youtube as there are many videos that cover the use of the foam roller and/or do not hesitate to call the clinic for a no-cost consultation.

https://www.southplattesentinel.com/2021/06/07/foam-roller-work-out-a-rehabilitative-tool/