Best Foam Rollers in the UK

Causes of trigger points

The most common reason for trigger points is a muscular overload. When you overload your body, it leads to a trigger point formation. Such muscular overloads can be very different and not entirely obvious. One of such examples would be exertion overload associated with muscles weakness to perform some specific task. And this type of muscular overload is the most common one because people often exhaust themselves, not thinking about possible consequences. Another form signaling of trigger point formation is a repetitive stress overload which occurs due to repetitive movements every day. It can be sports activities or some housework, for instance. There is also a postural overload when your muscles are placed in an overstretched or over-shortened position for a long time. Such a form of overload can be neurological or mechanical and can easily go unnoticed by an untrained eye. Some physical traumas are also able to cause trigger points. Anyway, all these forms of muscle overload need a special care and everyday exercising.

Ways to use a foam roller

Sometimes even professional athletes happen to have no idea how to use this device properly. On the other hand, some people think they don’t need any guidance because they have already used a foam roller. But don’t you think that any sports equipment should be used properly to achieve maximum result in the shortest amount of time? We advise you to read the instructions and our helpful tips before using it. If you feel that your neck aches, put a foam roller under your neck perpendicularly forming a capital letter T. Then slowly roll until you feel where the trigger points are. For upper back pain relief, you should place this device under it and shift the body back and forth. As for the lower back, the movement is identical, but you should put your elbows and feet on the floor, raise the buttocks and roll. When you need to stretch your buttocks, place your feet flat on the floor and bend your legs. After that, shift the body back and forth rolling along your buttocks. Your feet can also ache after jogging or uncomfortable shoes. For feet pain relief, use a roller putting some pressure on it in a standing position.

Kinetic chain concepts

In order to understand the benefits of foam rolling, you should first know what is a kinetic chain. It consists of soft tissue system, neural system and articular system. This kinetic chain works as an integrated unit and all of its components are interdependent. That means if one segment doesn't function properly, others try to compensate leading to fatigue or muscle overload. For example, if your muscles are tight, they restrict your joints movement providing overload. SMFR (Self-Myofascial release) is the best way to return your muscular balance and maintain normal muscular length.

Why every yogi needs a foam roller

Yoga is one of the most ancient fitness art based on putting your body in different positions to increase your body stamina and capacity. As yoga exercises are very similar to foam roller exercises, this device can be simply applied in a yoga session. Such exercises help to release the fascia when it is restricted. That makes your movement feel restricted too and provides discomfort. Combining Yoga with a foam roller, you will release all stiffness in your muscles and feel free in your movement. It will improve your results and diversify your workouts.

Q: What does a foam roller do?

A: Foam rolling technology can also be called self-myofascial release (SMR). It can be used for trigger points and tension relief in your muscles. With this kind of device, you don’t have to exercise regularly. If you feel any pain in your muscles, you are able to use a foam roller to dispose of it even at home. Some scientists believe that such technology can also better a vertical leap and improve your flexibility.

Q: Does foam rolling feel good?

A: This factor depends on your exact situation and muscle preparedness. Of course, foam rolling can be painful for inactive people who sit a lot, but this feeling should not make you cry or call a doctor. You should feel the good kind of pain which stretches and oxygenates your muscles. This pain can be uncomfortable at first, but after that initial reaction, you will feel pleasure and comfort.

Q: What are the benefits of using a foam roller?

A: Foam rolling has only positive results. Using this device, you will get rid of muscle pains, massage your tight muscles, improve blood circulation and flexibility. After exercising with a foam roller you will feel lightness and pleasure.

Q: What type of foam roller material is better?

A: The first one, PE (Polyethylene) foam is the softest material. It will be great for those who don’t want a foam roller that is too firm or overly coarse. But this type of material is not strong enough for a long use. The EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam is an excellent and extremely lightweight material which will serve you for a long time. It delivers a slight sponge feel providing both good result and comfort. And the last one is EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) which is the coarsest foam roller material. It will be great for professional users. Which material is better depends on your preferences and needs.

Q: I need a yoga roller. Does it mean I can use any foam roller or I need to look for a specific one?

A: Also called a yoga foam roller or exercise roller it can be used not only for yoga session but any session to increase the efficiency of the workout. This means you do not need to search for any specific roller and can use one you've already got.

Q: Is it possible to use a foam roller as a massage roller?

A: Of course. You can use it not only for preventing injuries during workouts but also for relieving muscle pain and releasing trigger points. This device is multifunctional, so you don't need to buy additional massagers. Having a foam roller will be more than enough to brush off tiredness and stress, relax and to stretch your muscles after a hard working day.