Foam-rolling helps to prepare your muscles for the stresses of physical activity. It is used as a warm-up tool, as well as for recovery. The pressure of bodyweight on the foam roller creates an increase in blood flow. This improved circulation allows all the necessary elements to travel to the area and help the muscle. It helps decrease muscle stiffness and helps break down adhesions and scar tissues that inhibit proper muscle function. It isn’t the most comfortable feeling while using it, but that is expected. You can roll the same muscle from a few different angles to ensure you touch each possible affected area, or you can remain stationary and just apply pressure on the muscle. You will want to spend at least twenty seconds on any one area, while sore or tight muscles will benefit from a few minutes of attention. This can all be safely performed before and following exercise.

Heath Vermette, CAT(C), SouthSherbrook.com