[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines


Enter your E-mail Address

Enter your First Name (optional)

Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Health-E-News.

Home
Coaching Services David's Ezine
Submit Articles
Videos
PT Coach Blog
PT Coach
Member Log In
Appointments
Resources Search Site
Freebies
Comments
Patient Resource
PT Professional
Stroke Coach My Stroke Blog
Recovery Journal
Imaging Methods
Brain Health
Excuses
Back Coach Back Care Course
Tempur-Pedic
Back Exercises
Herniated-Disk
Sciatica
Computer-Ergonomics
Laptop-Ergonomics
Back-Strain
Back Tips
back-flexibility
Low Back Strain
Piriformis-Syndrome
Back Care Store
Back "101"
Shoulder Coach Tennis Elbow
Shoulder Pain
Knee Coach ITB-Syndrome
Torn ACL
Chondromalacia-Patella
Hamstring Strain
Hamstring Exercises
Knee-Dislocation
Foot/Ankle Coach Ankle-sprain
Plantar-Fascitis
Achilles-tendinitis
Exercise Coach Foam Roller
Vibration Therapy
Running
Pilates exercises
Quick-Workout
Thera-Ball Exercises
Yoga-Exercises
Nutrition Coach My-Nutrition-Coach
Smart Moves
Ester-Omega
Books
Sports Coach Golf-Conditioning
Sports-Injuries
About My Coach Why SBI?
Know Stroke
Ice Massage
KnowStrokeBlog
PT's Reviewed
Running Injuries

Foam-Roller-Exercises


Click here to watch our latest foam-roller-exercise video


Getting started guide



 

Foam-Roller-Exercises

These are a few sample self myofascial release (SMR) techniques to demonstrate how to properly perform foam-roller-exercises.

These foam-roller-exercises can also provide a means to help reduce tension in tight muscles and relieve stress in trigger points.

Please refer to your physical therapist to add specific notes, reps and sets related to your specific condition.

Exercise   PT-Notes
Hamstring SMR Stretch
1. Place hamstrings on the roll with hips unsupported.
2. Feet are crossed to increase leverage.
3. Roll from knee toward posterior hip.
4. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.



My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Adductor Stretch
1. Extend the thigh and place foam roll in the groin region with body prone on the floor.
2. Be cautious when rolling near the adductor complex origins at the pelvis.
3. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.



My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
IT Band SMR Stretch
1. Position yourself on your side lying on foam roll.
2. Bottom leg is raised slightly off floor.
3. Maintain head in “neutral” with ears aligned with shoulders.
4. This will be EXTREMELY PAINFUL for many, and should be done in moderation.
5. Roll just below hip joint down the lateral thigh to the knee.
6. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.




My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Quadricep SMR Stretch
1. Body is positioned prone with quadriceps on foam roll
2. It is very important to maintain proper Core control (abdominal Drawn-In position & tight gluteus) to prevent low back compensations
3. Roll from pelvic bone to knee, emphasizing the lateral thigh
4. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.




My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Erector Spinae Stretch
1. Position the client on the foam roller at the level of approx. T-2.
2. Instruct client to perform a drawing in and pelvic floor contraction to aid in spinal stabilization.
3. Once the client is positioned correctly, instruct them to roll slightly to one side (so that they are on the muscle that runs parallel to the spine and not the spine itself) and HOLD.
4. SLOWLY, the client should roll the foam roller down the side of the spine toward to pelvis, feeling for an area of increased tension.
5. Once found, the client should HOLD on this area for 30 sec - 1 min or until the muscle has relaxed about 50% (AVOID rolling over this trigger point area).
6. Once released, roll to another spot and HOLD


My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Lattisimus Dorsi SMR1 stretch
1. Position yourself on your side with arm outstretched and foam roll placed in axillary area.
2. Thumb is pointed up to pre-stretch the latissimus dorsi muscle.
3. Movement during this technique is minimal
4. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.




My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Sternocleidomastoid SMR Stretch
1. Standing beside a wall place roller against the wall and gently position the side of your neck against it.
2. Tilt the roller on a slight angle with the front being lower than the back.
navel and squeezing your glutes. Also keep the scapulae retracted.
3. Apply a small amount of pressure to the roller in the sternocleidomastoid area, gently move it around/up & down that area until a tender point is located.
4. Stop on the tender point, once it has eased by approx. 75% move on.


My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Gastroc Soleus Stretch
1. Place foam roll under mid belly of lower leg.
2. Cross left leg over right leg to increase pressure (optional).
3. Slowly roll calve area to find the most tender area.
4. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.



My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Tensor Fascia Latae SMR Stretch
1. Body is positioned prone with quadriceps on foam roll.
2. It is very important to maintain proper Core control (abdominal Drawn-In position & tight gluteus) to prevent low back compensations.
3. Foam roll is placed just lateral to the anterior pelvic bone (ASIS).
4. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.



My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:

 

Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Lattisimus Dorsi SMR Stretch
1. Start in a side lying position with arm outstretched and thumb facing upward.
2. Place the foam roll in the axillary area.
3. Slowly move back and forth to find the most tender area.
4. Once identified, hold tender spot until the discomfort is reduced by at least 75%.
5. Progress to the next tender spot.
6. Repeat directions on opposite side.



My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Pereonal SMR Stretch
1. Position yourself on your side with elbow under the shoulder, opposing hand placed in front of the body and opposite leg bent forward to help stabilize.
2. Position the roller on the peroneals (lateral gastroc/soleus region).
3. Leave hip on the floor.
4. Activate the core/glutes by bracing and squeezing.
5. Raise the hips upwards increasing the pressure on the lower calf.
6. Roll in either direction until a “tender point” is found, hold on that point until you feel the tenderness release by approx 75%.
7. Muscles are 3 dimensional, so don’t just roll in the same plane-up & down. You are allowed to move across the peroneal also.
8. Don’t continually roll back and forth quickly, this will antagonize the muscle and have the opposite effect we are looking for.
9. Stop on the tender point until tenderness eases.


My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 
Rhomboid SMR Stretch
1. This serves as a GREAT THORACIC MOBILITY TECHNIQUE AS WELL.
Preparation :
2. Cross arms to the opposite shoulder to clear the shoulder blades across the thoracic wall.
3. While maintaining abdominal Draw-In position, raise hips until unsupported.
4. Stabilize the head in “neutral”.
5. Roll mid-back area on the foam roll.
6. If a “tender point” is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.



My-Physical-Therapy-Coach comments:
 
Sets Reps Weight/
Resistance
 


Want more great illustrated exercises delivered to you monthy?

Subscribe to Health-E-News Now-It's Free!

Enter your E-mail Address
Enter your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry -- your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Health-E-News.

Contact us to personalize your foam-roller-exercises


footer for foam-roller-exercises page