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Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) - Foam Rollers - A Brisbane Myotherpists Perspective

Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) and foam rollers

As with other self-myofascial release techniques, there are limits as to what is achievable with a foam roller in a self-treatment context. There are times when using a foam roller would be contraindicated (not advisable), though there are lots of videos of people foam rolling almost every part of their body. One needs to understand that a foam roller is just one tool in a toolbox of self-treatment options. Massage and soft tissue therapists have multiple tools or techniques in the toolbox too, and part of their skill comes from knowing when to and when not to apply each tool. Symptoms can become far worse if the wrong tool is selected, or if one misuses the tool and foam rollers are no different. Unfortunately, it appears (based on on-line videos) that there is a lack of understanding concerning the actual massage therapy techniques that a foam roller is trying to replicate. The full article about self-myofascial release using a foam roller explains far more about the limitations of the method and common mistakes when applying the technique.

The information on this page was written by Terry Davis MChiro, GradCertMentHlth, BSc. (Hons), Adv. Dip. Rem. Massag., Cert. WHS.


TotalMSK Clinic Brisbane
Ethical MSK Therapy Clinic and Myofascial Release Specialist




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