I remember when I was training for my first ever half marathon, it was recommended to me that I use an old baking pin (yes the ones that you roll your biscuits with) to alleviate knots and tightness in my legs while I started to get sore from my longer runs. The baking pin worked wonders, but these days it is not necessary as technology and a running boom has made products, like foam rollers, more available to the average everyday athlete.
It can be overwhelming to know which products are right for you, with a plethora of options. There are different densities and textures for foam rollers, different types of massage devices, and then there are blades and tools like suction cups that anyone can buy within a typical athletic budget.
A lot of athletes that I start working with even have some of these tools; most households at least have a foam roller. However, many people have no idea how to use them correctly which can lead to injuries, overuse, or they end up frustrated with the tools and they sit to collect dust.
Over the next few weeks, I will be focusing my blog on how to safely implement Self Myofascial Release (SMR) into your workout routine as well as some of the products and devices I recommend as a coach to help athletes recover from their workouts and improve their mobility.
First off, what is SMR? Unless you have worked with a coach or have a background in sports therapy or training, this word is not commonly used when products are marketed to athletes. SMR is a form of "self massage" in essence. Myofascial release is the act of relieving adhesions or knots that form in your fascial tissue over time due to over training or injuries that are left untreated.
Before I start my blog series on SMR, please comment or reply with some ways that you perform SMR or what your favorite recovery and mobility routines consist of. As always, feel free to contact me with questions or tips on this by shooting me an email or scheduling a consult!
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