How To Foam Roll 6 Common Tight Muscles

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider if you have questions about a medical condition. Please don’t ignore professional medical advice or delay getting help because of something you’ve read here. If you think you might have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 right away

How To Foam Roll Tight Muscles

In This Article:

• Benefits of Foam Rolling
• Foam Rolling Safety Tips
• Types of Foam Rollers
• How To Foam Roll A Tight Muscle
• Releasing Commonly Overactive Muscles
• Calf Release
• Hamstring Release
• Piriformis Release
• Hip Flexor Release
• Latissimus Dorsi Release
• Upper Trapezius Release
• Summary
• References

Benefits of Foam Rolling

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release, or self massage. It involves the use of a firm object to apply pressure to a relieve an area of muscle tightness. Some of the benefits of foam rolling include relieving muscle soreness and tension and improving flexibility. [1] Foam rolling can also help restore muscular balance in your body and improve posture.

Foam Rolling Safety Tips

Always speak to your doctor before engaging in any form of physical activity, including the use of foam rolling. 

1. Avoid foam rolling areas that cause feelings of sharp pain, numbness, tingling or pulsating. This sensations might mean that you are on a nerve or blood vessel and it is important that you move away from that spot. 

2. Avoid foam rolling in areas where varicose, or enlarged, veins are present. Varicose veins are most common in the legs, specifically in the calf region, and can be caused by damaged valves, which result in increased pressure within the veins. [2] 

3. Avoid foam rolling if you had a recent injury, such as a muscle tear or broken bone [1].

4. Avoid foam rolling joints, such as the knees, elbows and ankles to prevent hyperextension of the joint [1]. 

5. Use precautions when foam rolling during pregnancy [1].

Types of Foam Rollers

Foam rollers come in many forms and are typically cylindrical shaped and made of dense foam. Some are smooth and others are textured with ridges on them. Beaded massage sticks are commonly used among runners and you can even use a small ball, such as a tennis ball, lacrosse ball or softball in place of a traditional foam roller. We recommend the Amazon Basics foam roller: 36″ Foam Roller ($20 Amazon)

How to Foam Roll A Tight Muscle

Foam rolling involves applying pressure to an area of tension on a muscle. These areas of tension are found on commonly overactive muscles, such as the calves, hamstrings, adductors, hips, lats, rhomboids, upper traps, and neck muscles. Include foam rolling in your warm-up routine before stretching and starting a workout. 

To begin, start by sitting on a hard and flat surface. Place the ball or foam roller under the muscle and “roll” to an area of tension or pain. The pain that you feel should be dull but tolerable. Once you find the right spot, hold the ball/roller on the spot of tension for 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Try to breathe and relax during this process, and you will start to notice that the muscle tension decreases over time as the muscle releases. When the pain is significantly reduced, try to find 1-2 new spots of tension and repeat the process. 

Releasing Commonly Overactive Muscles

Calf Release [30s – 2 min Hold]

Sit on ground. Place ball under one leg & roll above the ankle to below the knee until you find a spot of tension. You may find more tension in your calf when leaning your leg slightly to the side. Repeat on both sides.

Hamstring Release [30s – 2 min Hold]

Sit on a bench or chair. Place ball under your upper leg to the side. Move the ball from above the knee to below the hip on the hamstring muscle. Add pressure using your hands if you are sitting on a soft surface. Extend your leg to increase tension on the ball if needed. Repeat on both sides. 

Piriformis Release [30s – 2 min Hold]

Sit on a foam roller with knees bent and hands behind back on floor for balance. Cross your right leg over the left and lean to the right. Make sure the foam roller is on the upper side part of your right butt. Repeat on both sides.

Hip Flexor Release [30s – 2 min Hold]

Lay on your side with the foam roller placed below the hip bone. Have your elbow bent and legs extended with the top leg in front for balance. Lean forward and back until you find the spot of tension around your hip. Hold, then repeat on the other side. 

Latissimus Dorsi Release [30s – 2 min Hold]

Lay on side with foam roller below your armpit, under your shoulder-blade. Lean forward and back until you find a spot of tension. Repeat on both sides. 

Upper Trapezius Release [30s – 2 min Hold]

Place a small ball on the muscles to the left/right of your spine. Lean against the ball on a wall, rolling until you find a pressure point. Hold, then repeat on the other side.

Summary

Foam Rolling offers many benefits to alleviate muscle tension, overcome muscle imbalances, and improve posture. It is important to follow the safety tips when foam rolling. When choosing a foam roller, start with a smooth foam roller with medium density. Use a ball or textured foam roller to target a more specific area of tension with additional pressure. Remember to “roll” until you find a tight spot, then hold on the spot for 30 seconds up to 2 minutes per spot until you feel a release. A release is indicated by a decrease in muscle tension. Use this guide to release the six commonly overactive muscles in the body and move one step closer towards improved mobility and ideal posture. 

References

1. Chertoff, J. (2019, April 11). Foam roller benefits, risks, and how to. Healthline. Retrieved January 15, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/foam-roller-benefits  

2. Varicose veins. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2022, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/varicose-veins  

3. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). https://www.nasm.org

4. Brookbush Institute. https://brookbushinstitute.com/