Thoughts on foam rolling?

[Princess Roo]

My calves have been pretty tight, despite daily stretching. Do you think foam rolling would help with this? How often/when? Any particular roller better than others? Thanks for any advice!

 

[slp1650]

I really liked the foam rollers for getting larger muscles and my back and I use a smaller "stick" roller to get my calves, shoulders and arms. Although both are great to roll out your calf, the stick is a bit more convenient because you can pack in in a suitcase and take it on trips with you (although don't take it on a carry on because security sometimes pulls them as "weapons" and will make you trash it... happened to my friend).

As for time, I like doing it after my workout and then possibly in the evening and then next day. If I'm really sore I'll try and roll at least once a day. Although that might just be because I really like rolling out my muscles. You can also do it before workouts as well. When I swam for my college we'd roll whenever we had time...

 

[cewait]

Actually a foam roller is the better option for even calves Than the stick for one reason. Most folks will not push enough with the stick for the treatment to be effective. It will hurt must like a deep massage and it's too easy to just push only hard enough to feel something. Saying that, either works well and the stick is good for travel.

I will also suggest that a simple tennis ball on the calves will work, but you will need to really work it into place.

I use Trigger Point rollers. They are an improvement from a foam roller due to the convex curvature of the roller. You can pack them in a bag.

 

[Princess Roo]

Thank you both for the suggestions.

With the tennis ball, do you roll over it like the foam rollers or use your hand to push it in? I'm seeing directions both ways from a quick Google. I do roll my feet with a golf ball every night and that has been helpful.

Also, related to not using enough pressure...is it possible to use *too* much pressure and hurt your muscle?

 

[cewait]

Thank you both for the suggestions.

With the tennis ball, do you roll over it like the foam rollers or use your hand to push it in? I'm seeing directions both ways from a quick Google. I do roll my feet with a golf ball every night and that has been helpful.

Also, related to not using enough pressure...is it possible to use *too* much pressure and hurt your muscle?

Use the tennis ball like a roller and use body weight to the force. I am not sure that one can use too much pressure... One would natually relase pressure before you hit that point. Though I want to caution about rolling at the ends of the muscle where connective tissue. One can possibly damage the insertion point of tendons.