7 Benefits of Foam Roller Exercises
Foam roller exercises have extensive benefits for the structure and function of the body. With as little as 20 minutes of use, these exercises can speed up recovery, reduce your risk of injury and enhance the function of your muscles and immune system. Below, we outline 7 key benefits of using a foam roller before and after exercise.
1. Injury Prevention
Foam rollers play a vital role in injury prevention. Using a foam roller correctly can boost the circulation in your muscles and facilitate smooth movement. This conditioning enables your body to be prepared for activity, decreasing the risk of injury.
2. Increase Range of Motion
The benefit of foam rollers is largely due to their ability to break down tight muscle fascia and soften the tendons. This improves the flexibility of the targeted muscles, increasing your range of movement.
3. Prepare for Workouts
Planning a tough workout or have a big game coming up? Using a foam roller before the action could better prepare your muscles for a high level of activity, increasing your flexibility, range of motion and ultimately your performance.
4. Enhance Recovery
Want to reduce that post-exercise muscle soreness? 20 minutes of foam roller exercises after exercising is shown to speed up recovery and reduce the intensity of muscle tightness and discomfort.
5. Improve Circulation
Foam rollers also help to improve your blood flow. Delivering more oxygen to the muscles can aid in sporting performance and in recovery.
6. Reduce Stress
Foam roller exercises can boost your endorphins and activate your calming parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for rest, digestion and recovery.
7. Boost Your Immune System
Foam roller exercises target the release of tight muscle fascia. This release allows the body to detoxify and contributes to immune function.
To learn more about injury prevention or recovery, visit one of our experienced physiotherapists at Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic. They offer a range of services, treating conditions including sports injuries, back pain, neck pain, knee pain and more.
