86 | Foam Rolling – What is it really doing?
Welcome to episode 86 of The Optimal Body Podcast
Foam rolling – What is it really doing?
Confused about the different opinions on foam rolling? Feel an immense and soothing release when you foam roll? Breaking up tissue adhesions or getting more flexible with foam rolling? Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom dive into the science behind foam rolling and how foam rolling is a tool for accessing the nervous system. With more scientific literature, the beliefs around foam rolling as a self-myofascial release technique have been revised. They explore foam rolling in the context of pain, restrictions, and proprioception. By exploring these topics, they uncover how foam rolling ties into sensory stimulation, neurochemical feedback, and neural mechanisms, ultimately debunking outdated beliefs about foam rolling and its relations to mechanical fascial release. Tune in to learn more about how you can use the foam roller to optimize your day and exercise with intention and purpose.
We also mention VivoBarefoot and Intelliroll Flex Foam Roller (affiliate links) in this episode. To get your next wide and highly flexible footwear to finally free your feet and optimize how your body moves and feels, use code ‘TOB’ at checkout. To get your next versatile and flexible foam roller that perfectly contours to your body and provides just the right amount of pressure, use code ‘DOCJEN’ at checkout (affiliate code).
What you will learn in this PT Pearl:
1:45 – Introducing how foam rolling works
6:33 – Optimal foam roller pressure
8:00 – Intentional rolling
9:45 – Foam rolling and pain
11:54 – “Things get angry when they don’t have space.”
13:10 – Positive effects of foam rolling
15:27 – Enhancing proprioception
16:21 – When you should foam roll?
17:35 – The sensory homunculus
21:55 – Figuring out the right pressure
25:23 – Similar tools to explore
Research citations
Behm, D. and Wilke, J., 2019. Do Self-Myofascial Release Devices Release Myofascia? Rolling Mechanisms: A Narrative Review. Sports Medicine, [online] 49(8), pp.1173-1181.
Longoria, H., 2020. Understanding Fascia and the Benefits of Myofascial Release. [online] Tune Up Fitness.
Team, T., 2019. Groundbreaking Study on Self-Massage Using YTU Balls: The Science of Flexibility. [online] Tune Up Fitness.
Items mentioned in this episode:
We think you’ll love:
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!
Follow Me on Insta
Treat Yo'Self!
Sign up to receive NEW updates and exclusive mobility and movement tips! Learn how to relieve pain, prevent injury, and optimize movement through WEEKLY newsletters!