Foam Roller
The Foam Roller by Australian Kettlebells
The Foam Roller is an excellent tool for self massage, de-activating trigger points and for functional exercise. Typically used for soft tissue work, stretching, massage, stability exercises, core strengthening, injury prevention, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, Pilates and yoga. The foam roller is now a key tool for fitness professionals and exercise enthusiasts.
Here’s what Dr. Aaron Anderson has to say about the foam roller:
Since 1995 I have been a strong advocate of foam rollers and use them everyday in my private practice with my patients.
Foam rollers are an excellent tool for lengthening shortened muscles and strengthening weakened muscles. As they provide just enough instability, without being too unstable, patients are able to experience deep strong muscle stretches and perform challenging strengthening exercises without having to worry they are going to fall off the implement and hurt themselves!
I use also use foam rollers in exercises to maximize proprioceptive elements – lunging onto the roller, performing pushups with hands on the roller.
Many therapists use foam rollers for massaging muscles and getting myofacial release by stretching fascia and working an acupressure points. For example, for cyclists, there is no better massage tool to stretch out typically tight iliotibial bands! I use foam rollers to break down scar tissue post surgery with athletes who have had achilles tendon repairs, shoulder operations and back surgery.
Foam rollers can be used by all patients – from the most immobile, to Olympic Champions, hence they can be prescribed for anyone who is needing muscle stretching, strengthening or rehabilitation.
Australian Kettlebells produce the best foam rollers and I endorse them, and use them exclusively.
Dr. Aaron Anderson,
Director Soma Osteo
Sport Scientist
Osteopath
Here’s a few foam roller videos:
Here’s a bunch of exercise ideas for using the foam roller.
To be added soon….
Foam roller links:
