Foam rollers

[Wasp]

Could someone pls explain acouple things about foam rollers. 1). Where are you purchasing them? 2). How and when do you use them?.

[OakLeaf]

Most sporting goods stores have them; any physical therapy clinic or athlete-oriented medical supply place will.

As far as how and when to use them ... that's a huge question. Two broad categories - self-myofascial release (both therapeutic and preventive), and advanced balance training. I don't have a link handy to good videos, but there's a lot on YouTube.

I suppose you don't really need to know much to get started on SMR. Roll around on it. Don't roll directly over a joint. Give extra attention to sore spots and knots, and expect it to hurt some, but don't go so hard that you tense up trying to unweight the area, or so long that you're excessively sore afterward. I just read something (sorry I don't have a link) that said unlike static stretching, foam rolling before exercise can be beneficial - but most people will do it after their workout as a preparation to stretching.

[SFLiz]

Use my foam roller almost every morning. I dedicate 30-40 minutes every morning for stretching before getting ready for the workday. Part of the routine includes my foam roller. I use it for any tightness in my hamstrings, IT band, side of thighs, calves, back muscles. After rolling, litte yoga, theracane - whatever I can fit in in the 30 minutes-, I feel worlds better and more aligned.

[pll]

You can get them off Amazon - that is where I got my current roller (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GUCAFG/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00) (I bought that one after a foam roller I bought at the physical therapy place I went started to sag in the middle; the foam just gave up_.

You can use them to stretch, almost massage, several muscles. For me, it is tight IT bands. Wahine, a member of this forum, has a couple of videos showing stretches for the shoulder, thigh and hip: http://www.youtube.com/user/wahinemultisport/videos?flow=grid&view=0

[ny biker]

I have a black foam roller from Perform Better. It came with an instructional dvd. I use it while I'm watching the Daily Show, shortly before going to bed.

I also have a lacrosse ball to target areas that are too small for the foam roller, like that spot just inside my shoulder blade that makes my neck hurt.

[Catrin]

I use a foam roller prior to my workouts at the gym, and on recovery days will do some light rolling at home in conjunction with a few mobility exercises I do to help with some inflexibility. I bought mine from a sporting goods store, and like the others have said, they are easy to find. I also have a massage stick for my calves, though you can also use a foam roller for that as well.

[Wasp]

Thanks for the information. The YouTube videos were very informative and helpful. I'm ordering myself a foam roller!