You can get foam rollers that have a softness to the surface but are still firm enough to be effective. They are more expensive.

http://www.power-systems.com/p-3416-...m-rollers.aspx

You can also get a ball with the same surface as the old gym balls/dodgeballs, but about 6 inches in diameter. We stock pile those at the clinic, fill them with air to desired firmness and roll on that the same way that you would use a foam roller. It's definitely less intense and it's a cheaper solution. Then when things get better you can go back to trying the regular foam roller at the gym.