Is a Foam Roller a Good Investment?
If you have ever been in a gym, sports store, or physio clinic, you may have seen a foam roller. Many people don’t know the many advantages to using the foam roller.
Foam roller exercise therapy is a physical solution that provides numerous benefits. The therapy is a form of self-massage that can be done either before an exercise session or after the workout to aid muscle recovery. Though the foam roller has benefits that are surprising for many people and even trainers, people still ask if it is a good investment. So we have listed some of the benefits of a foam roller to help you decide if it’s really worth your money for you.
Improved Hamstring Flexibility
Stretching has always been the standard method of decreasing muscle tightness and improving range of motion. The more flexible your muscles are, the more power you produce. A stretched muscle stores more energy. When the muscle is less stretched, it decreases the force output, thus affecting your performance. A foam roller uses the rolling force to improve the performance capability of the flexible tissue.
Enhanced Circulation
Good circulation is crucial for overall health. Because blood carries oxygen throughout the body, it is important to have good circulation to avoid a host of problems such as numbness, nerve damage, tissue damage, impaired cognitive ability, and a weak immune system. The myofascial release from the foam roller improves circulation by allowing blood flow in the tight and restricted areas.
Reduced Stress
The self-myofascial release, induced by the foam roller, reduces the stress hormone called cortisol. When you exercise hard, it leads to tension build-up in your muscles. The rolling force on knots of tension in your muscles with the foam roller will also give your mind a sense of relief, triggering the joy-inducing neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain. The foam roller exercise also helps to generate serotonin – a mood-enhancing hormone in your brain.
Decreased Soreness
Whether you are an athlete or a weekend runner, you may sometimes experience Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). DOMS is related to pain and stiffness in your muscles that can set anywhere in your body after an intense workout. A foam roller reduces the chances of getting sore muscles.
Now that you have a solid understanding of the benefits of a foam roller, you can now decide if it can be a good investment for a physical solution. If you are still confused, you may book an appointment with our physiotherapist for more information or demonstration on how to effectively use the foam roller for your own recovery.
