Is foam rolling helpful for muscle pains

  • March 23, 2020

Quite often people search for how to or actually attempt foam rolling to address muscle issues. But the question is, is it TRULY helpful?

In short, some would say YES but others NO.

Why is it that some people find benefit, but others do not?

Well, basically it comes down to what is the exact problem that needs to be addressed? And is that problem or issue likely to respond?

For some people with sore or tight muscles, their body will in fact respond in a positive way to the stimulus from the foam rolling. It will trigger the necessary muscle reactions to “relax”. Thus allowing the muscle to feel better.

While in the case of others, the rolling does nothing but cause pain. It does nothing to alleviate pain or relax the muscle.

So how do you know if it will work for you?

You may be someone who will benefit if:

  1. You have previously gotten relief from massages
  2. You have gotten relief from acupuncture or dry needling
  3. You found past experience with foam rolling was helpful
  4. The relief you got from rolling was generated within 2-3 sessions

If none of these apply and you have yet to find benefit from foam rolling after several sessions, then it probably isn’t the thing that will help you.

Tips to consider if/when you foam roll

  1. Do not roll over any bony areas. This is likely to hurt and not be productive
  2. Start with only about 1 minute per muscle area. This will allow your body some time to adjust
  3. Stop if you feel worse afterward or do not notice any benefit after 3 sessions.

Frustrated your muscle pain just won’t go away with foam rolling like others you know. Don’t worry, even if this technique is not for you, something else will surly help. If you would like to start getting some answers on what will help you feel better, then fill out this QUICK FORM to request your own personal call to discuss what is limiting you. No need to wait. Act Now.