Foam Rolling...to roll or not to roll?

[Crankin]

I thought about responding, but, I have even less expertise than Oak!
I have on-going SI joint issues, as well as various hip/back funkiness. I use the foam roller for tight hamstrings and hips, and a lacrosse ball to work the SI joint when it gets out of alignment. I don't spend a ton of time, as too much, especially with the lacrosse ball can hurt more than help. Since both my PT (MacKenzie trained) and LMT prescribed this, I do it. When my son was racing and had severe IT band issues, the PT prescribed the foam roller and it totally "cured" the issue.

[OakLeaf]

FWIW, the NY Times has a story this week about the US women's soccer team's recovery protocol, and foam rolling is part of it.

[AppleTree]

Thanks Oak and Crankin, I appreciate your viewpoints. The NY Times article is interesting. I've been foam rolling for several years now, and try to be consistent with it especially after longer rides. Just wondering if anyone else had read/heard the conflicting info on the IT band in particular. I am careful rolling out that side area and to avoid bony areas, as that can be the most uncomfortable area to roll out, but always felt that it was more helpful than not. And like you said maybe it's about not overdoing it. Which makes sense, right??!