Trigger Point Therapy with Foam Roller and Massage Ball

Book excerpt: A foam roller is a cylindrical log that is used as workout equipment for its usability and convenience. It was in fact initially used as a tooling aid during physical therapy sessions but has become an important part of a good workout regimen. It is a terrific product for self-massage, core stability, balance training, regular stretching, pain management, yoga exercises and Pilates. An individual might occasionally suffer from muscle pains because of the tightening up of the tissues. This tightening of the muscle tissue is usually known as muscle knot or simply a trigger point. To ease pains linked to the trigger points, one has to diffuse somehow or break up the knots. The roller is a type of exercise equipment that stretches muscular tissues and tendons plus it breaks down scar tissue formation and soft tissue adhesions. This book is a guide to using not only foam roller but also massage balls to break up knots, release tension, speed up recovery and increase flexibility.