Foam Roller
Just bought myself a foam roller. The foam roller is a firm foam log that is six inches in diameter. It is used to roll against the muscle knots with your own body weight to generate the direct pressure. Imagine using a rolling pin to roll out lumps in bread dough. I have read that it is a good alternative to repetitive trips to the massage therapist. Bottom line: The foam roller is said to be an inexpensive, yet highly effective way to treat and prevent the most common injuries seen in runners. My IT band has been bothering me a little lately, and with the increase in mileage and speed work during my half marathon training, I thought it might be helpful. I will be using the foam roller after my runs and will give an update on how it works out for me.
Here are some good articles about the foam roller:
http://running.about.com/b/2008/06/29/foam-roller-exercises-for-tight-muscles.htm
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=9911
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285–11556-0,00.html
GoFit 6-Inch by 18-Inch Foam Roller with Core Performance DVD
Update: Click here to read how it worked for me.
Slow and Steady Still Finishes the Race
-Middalia Wayman
Filed under: My Gear
I look forward to reading your report on the foam roller. There are many reports on the great effects of those. Like you, I have been bothered by my IT band and have been thinking of buying one.
Have a great day
I posted about these too and they are great! you will love it. I used it after an IT iinjury during Disney and really am pain free. I can still feel points of pain in my band on my outer right leg but I roll each time after a run and every day at least once, if not twice, and I do pressure point massage and it has really, really helped. Will look forward to seeing what you think!
In my experience, foam rollers do work, but they’re super painful to use, so I find it difficult to “remember” to use it. Like so many things in life, if you’re willing to put some effort in, you’ll see the rewards for your trouble.
Seems like ITBS is an epidemic these days. Lots of bloggers, including myself have been desperately trying to find a remedy and we’ve all been directed to the foam roller so you’re on the right track. It hurts like a mo-fo but it works wonders! Good luck