When to foam roll?

[simonwilliamstutor]

I've recently bought a foam roller (and dubbed it The Punisher). Just wondering if there's a best time to use it. So far I have been using it most nights when sat watching TV. Nearly all my runs are in the morning so is it best to use it straight after stretching or is the evening OK too?

[misswobble Graduate10]

I only use mine if I get hurt. You then roll the adjacent body parts as it helps reduce inflammation. Be careful what and where you roll. If in doubt there are various posts on YouTube from folks that know what they're doing. My physio gave me specific instructions thankfully ☺

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I use mine most nights (my hubby loves the floor show 😉) and sometimes if I'm very tight after a long run too. I've read you should stretch after foam rollering although I haven't experimented with this and do my stretching before.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

IP...Okay... I know this is really a silly question... but having seen loads of posts about these rollers... what are they for and how do you know if you need one????

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Not a silly question at all floss. They're a tool for giving yourself a really deep massage. They work on tight muscles to increase flexibility and mobility and looser muscles mean more fluid running and less prone to injury.

I would say if you run then you need one but I'm a big supporter of them. They've got rid of various aches and niggles over the years and keep me more supple.

A friend of mine who's not a runner tried my roller when she stayed with me recently. She couldn't use it to begin with because her calves were so tight and it was too painful. But she was amazed at the difference it made and has since invested in one and uses it every night too!

They're not that expensive so it's definitely worth trying. I've heard of more converts after the first time rather than people not using them again. Be brave and go for it 😖

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you...

[misswobble Graduate10]

They are for manipulating muscles and tissue. Folks who have tight bits use them. You need to respect them though or you could make things worse. I used one when I was recovering from shin splint but only under specific instructions how to do it as I had very inflamed tissue. You don't roll that but rather a way from it. You don't roll the side of knees and hips etc as you can hurt yourself. There are some experts on YouTube who do specific rolling for injury treatment which are worth a look at.

[poppypug Graduate10]

I don't use mine on the same day of a run, normally the day after if I have a tight calf or glute.

Lots of info on YouTube , but ease yourself in with them gently at first .

Good Luck ! xxx