Stick/ Foam Roller

robinph

So other than the stick being a stick and the foam roller being a foam thing that I presume you roll...

What are they?
Why would you use one?
How do you use them?
Who would use them?
When do you use them?
etc, etc, etc

All I've been able to pick up from any previous discussions on them is "They are great", "It hurts a lot" and "It fixed me" type comments which really doesn't help me figure out what it's for or why anyone would want/ need one or what you would do with it.

sconhome

robinph wrote: »

So other than the stick being a stick and the foam roller being a foam thing that I presume you roll...

What are they?
Why would you use one?
How do you use them?
Who would use them?
When do you use them?
etc, etc, etc

All I've been able to pick up from any previous discussions on them is "They are great", "It hurts a lot" and "It fixed me" type comments which really doesn't help me figure out what it's for or why anyone would want/ need one or what you would do with it.

Long piece of string...

Basically both are tools that help with self management of muscle and myofacscia release. You use them in similar ways to roll tightness out of muscles giving a form of self massage that release knots and tension caused by training.

The stick is a flexible series of rings that you use like a rolling pin to literally roll across the muscle groups. The handle of the stick can be used for local trigger point release, glutes, hamstrings that kind of thing.

Foam rollers you lie on and roll a series of different muscle groups using your own body weight to activate the therapy. There are many different types of foam roller widely varying in price. The best by far is the Grid roller. Most are EVA foam base but this breaks down with use (like the EVA in your runners).

Most people turn to foam rolling as a result of injury, usually ITBS, but done regularly it becomes preventative treatment.

Lots of physios recommend rolling as it means the superficial muscles are kept supple and they find it easier to get through to treat deeper core muscles.

HTH.

BeepBeep67

The TP you tube site has some great instructional videos, obviously aimed at using their products, but the 'roller' techniques apply to any foam roller.
http://www.youtube.com/user/tptherapy

TFBubendorfer

What is it?

Official web site for the stick is here: https://www.thestick.com/

In reality it's a glorified plastic rolling pin. I was flabbergasted when I realised how much I had just paid for a bit of plastic, but in actual fact it's great. My calves tend to get tight and knotted up every now and then and if I used the stick on them 3 or 4 times a day they will be back to feeling good after a few days.

rom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJLxruO3su0

This link was given to me by my GP who is a specialists in sports medicine and is GP for at least two Olympians from London maybe 3. He knows his stuff.
foam roller is generally better for most stuff as you are putting more pressure aka body weight but the stick is great when watching tv or at the desk at work where you can't get away with using the foam roller. You want a foam roller to be as hard as possible so its a point rather than a larger area giving pressure. The cheaper ones compress and flatten out quicker. Normally it is the case with it that if it hurts you need to use it.

pistol_75

amphkingwest wrote: »

Long piece of string...

Foam rollers you lie on and roll a series of different muscle groups using your own body weight to activate the therapy. There are many different types of foam roller widely varying in price. The best by far is the Grid roller. Most are EVA foam base but this breaks down with use (like the EVA in your runners).
HTH.

+1 on this.