Foam Roller Antics

[BigGingerBob]

Oh my goodness, it's painful.
I haven't used a foam roller for a large number of months and I started using a water bottle as I can't afford a proper one.
It feels amazing 10 seconds after but when I'm rolling my IT band it's torture.
Does anyone else use these? Techniques please!

[a boardman]

Yes it is very sore I suffered itb trouble coming into London marathon.

Took 2 weeks off 4 weeks before marathon rolled and stretched every day, did 1 13 mile run before marathon and finished it pain free. (I did get itb taped up at expo)

So as much as roller do the stretches and rest it.

[Melchett]

I do as often as I can, Argos do pretty cheap ones too. I have the one that looks like a giant Tampon with the three inserts. I would have thought a (full) water bottle would be less forgiving than a foam roller!

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9...

There are plenty of vids on Youtube for rollering different body parts. But, I find the IT band is ALWAYS the most painful. I have only one suggestion here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqO29l90C_E

[hyperblue]

Very painful to start, if it's too bad try taking some of your body weight off it using your other foot.

It does get easier though My roller is a bit worn and now has two dents in it, think I need a new one!

[BigGingerBob]

Our rowing coach when I was at university said that if you were really brave you can use a rolling pin!

[Halb]

BigGingerBob said:

Oh my goodness, it's painful.
I haven't used a foam roller for a large number of months and I started using a water bottle as I can't afford a proper one.
It feels amazing 10 seconds after but when I'm rolling my IT band it's torture.
Does anyone else use these? Techniques please!

http://mobilizemephysio.com/?p=220

[arun1uk]

I've heard a lot of conflicting stories about ITB and loosening with a foam roller - any success for you guys?
I recently got a roller myself and would it to be a godsend for hamstring and calf stretches. I play a lot of racquet sports, so short sharp movements which affects my running performance.

After a few weeks of rolling, I can already feel my calves become more relaxed and reduced pain on my Achilles.

But....my god does it hurt when ITB stretching!

[Cheib]

If it's too painful don't go too close to the knee/hip joints.

There is no short cut though...but it does get better!