Foam Rollers for Training and Health

I recently attended a foam roller (travel) workshop and I learned something amazing about myself. After all these years of working out, my muscles were tight. I could not believe the pain I initially felt while rolling out my quads and hips. I had to learn more about how it works.

The foam roller not only stretches muscles and tendons but it also breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. By using your own body weight and a cylindrical foam roller, you can perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia while increasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues.

Myofascial Release utilizes slow elongating strokes that work with the connective tissue fabric know as fascia. Myofascial work restores movement and flexibility of the body. This technique un-adheres those "glued areas that feel stuck." Fascia is a connective tissue that forms a network throughout the body that wraps around every muscle, organ, nerve, and vessel. Areas of fascia under continuous stress, direct trauma and areas of disuse can become adhered to surrounding structures.

Fascia adhesions are the major cause for stiffness associated with over use, incorrect use, repeated strain, poorly healed injuries and aging. As I work with older, aging clients, this work is becoming more important for both trainers and for therapists. I am developing a new workshop dedicated to working with Foam Rollers that will be available this year.

In my next blog I will present more tips on working with Foam Rollers.

Learn more about strength training at my Stability Ball Training workshops accredited for Massage Therapists and Personal Trainers across Canada http://www.gaiaadventures.com/bodyball.html

Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com.

Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures, Kinesiologist, Workshops
www.gaiaadventures.com

Foam Roller Workshop on Feb 25 in Vancouver, Advanced Body Ball Workshop Feb 26 in Vancouver.