Trainer’s endorsement! What are the best products for myofascial release?

How to choose a foam roller for myofascial release

Because there are many different types of myofascial release foam rollers available from various manufacturers, beginners often make the mistake of choosing a foam roller that does not suit their needs or that does not meet their objectives. Here are three ways to choose the right foam roller for you.

Finding a foam roller

How to select a foam roller (1) “Pay attention to the “hardness” of the roller!

The hardness of the foam roller varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. While hard foam rollers transmit force easily and provide strong stimulation, in some cases they may be too painful and cause muscle tension, making it impossible to relax the muscles at all. On the other hand, if it is too soft, the muscles will not be properly stimulated. Therefore, if you are buying a foam roller for the first time, it should be as soft as the belly of your thumb, i.e., it should be slightly concave when you press your finger on the roller. It is also important to check the material used. Soft foam rollers are made of urethane or polyethylene, while hard ones are made of hardened PVC or EVA, so it is a good idea to check carefully if you are thinking of buying one online. The most fail-safe way to choose a foam roller is to upgrade to a harder foam roller if you feel that the stimulation is not enough as you use it.

How to select a foam roller (2) “The difference in the unevenness of the roller is also a factor that determines the feel of the roller.

The basic shape of a foam roller is a cylinder with a smooth surface, but some foam rollers have an uneven surface. The flat surface gives the sensation of being “pressed by hand,” while the uneven surface gives the sensation of being “pressed by fingers. The flat surface is suitable for relaxing large surfaces such as the back with moderate pain, while the uneven surface works to improve the effect by locally approaching the trigger points that are the cause of the pain. There is no wrong choice between the two, but it is a good idea to choose the one you prefer after careful examination, as it has a great influence on the feeling of use. Incidentally, there are many types of unevenness, from angular to rounded, and from high to low, so it is important to check the type of roller you choose.

How to select a foam roller: “Select a shape that matches the area of the body to which it is applied!

Foam rollers can be broadly classified into three types: cylinder type, stick type, and ball type. Cylindrical types are good for stimulating hard-to-reach areas such as the buttocks, back, and backs of the thighs using their own body weight. However, it is not good at stimulating smaller muscles such as the arms and shoulders. The compact stick type with a handle can release myofascia in areas that are difficult to reach with the cylinder type, such as the front thighs, shins, arms, and neck, but it is a little less intense. The simplest ball type is suitable for pinpointing a single point, but it takes longer to loosen the entire body. Each type has different areas of strength, so choose the type that best suits your personal goals and lifestyle.