Not all of us have the time or money to visit the chiropractor and massage therapist as often as we would like to. This leaves us looking for things we can do between visits to keep ourselves feeling good.
Getting regular exercise is important. Just as important is stretching before and after as well as incorporating the act of foam rolling into the mix.
What is Foam Rolling?
All of the muscles in your body are surrounded by facia. The Facia is a think layer of connective tissue that encases every organ, cell, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle. Through repetitive movements and over use the facia can become stuck to or attached to the muscle fibers. This creates pain.
Foam rolling allows the facia to stay healthy and unadhered by circulating, through pressure, fresh uncirculated blood.
The healthier the facia the better you are able to move.
Foam rollers are available at your local sporting good stores, big box stores, and even online. There are many videos online to show you how to properly use them as well as your chiropractor, massage or physical therapist may give you exercises to do at home to help you relive pain and limber up.
Benefits of foam rolling include:
- Diminished Pain
- Less achiness
- Better flexibility
- Increase in range of motion
- Enhanced performance
- Faster recovery times
Tips:
- Anyone of any level can use a foam roller. You do not have to be an athlete.
- Remember to roll slowly
- Remember to breathe while foam rolling
- Consistency is better than intensity (try to roll regularly not just when you are in pain)
- Foam rolling is not the cause of the pain. Though you may experience discomfort when you first start or if you hit a sore spot the pressure and movement is helping your body to release tight knotted muscles and adhered facia.
Need and adjustment or a massage? Give the office of Kaster Chiropractic a call today! 239-332-2555.
We look forward to seeing you!