If you have a painful or problematic area, you’re probably wondering: “Can I do Myofascial Release on myself?” Or “Do I really have to pay for this, can’t I just roll out on a ball or foam roller?” Today, I’m going to answer these questions and cover the pros and cons of self Myofascial Release.
Here is a list of all the pros of Self Myofascial Release:
1. It’s Free, Or Low Cost. All you need is some basic equipment like a golf ball, the Rolga, and/or the Tiger Tail and you can do as much Myofascial Release as you like.
2. It’s Convenient. You don’t need to schedule time with a massage therapist if you have the tools you need. Just take a work break and roll on the floor.
3. It Can Be Highly Effective. Certain areas respond very well to the right Myofascial Release tool. For example, if your flexor digitorum brevis in your foot is tight, a golf ball applied with adequate pressure can be super beneficial.
While there are many advantages to Self Myofascial Release, here are the downsides:
1. You Need To Own, And Know, The Right Tools For The Right Areas. Often time I see people using what I consider the wrong tool for the job. For example, a tennis ball isn’t going to ever be a great tool for rolling out your calves. You need to know, for example, that a tiger tail is a better tool for the calves and how to use it.
2. You Need To Make Self Myofascial Release A Habit. The only way to get great results with Self Myofascial Release is to do it often. New habits can be difficult to form, and if you don’t make it a habit, you’re really just putting off getting the treatment you need. Make it a habit or get the professional help you need.
3. You Need To Know Where To Work With Self Myofascial Release. Often times where the pain is the problem is not. If you don’t have the skills or anatomy knowledge to assess and then treat all of your problematic areas, you might consider hiring a professional to at least add to your self care routine.
4. You Can’t Treat Every Spot Well With Self Myofascial Release. Some areas are not well suited for Self Myofascial Release and the hands of a skilled therapist will work much better and be much more comfortable.
5. You Have To be Comfortable Inflicting Some Level Of Discomfort On Yourself. Where are all my sadomasochists at?! Sometimes, fixing a problematic area involves really getting into a muscle and loosening it up. Sometimes this involves some pain that might be too difficult to inflict on yourself. If this is the case, you should hire a professional.
Self Myofascial Release is a powerful, convenient, and affordable tool. The more knowledge you have while performing Self Myofascial Release, the better the result you will achieve. That said, depending on which areas are problematic, treatment from a skilled therapist will likely be worthwhile as hands often work better than objects. My recommendation to all people would be to use Self Myofascial Release in addition to working with a therapist for maximal benefit.
Pain Solutions Massage Therapy & Personal Training
Phone: 415.518.2125
Email: ben.beeler2014@gmail.com
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-7pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-7pm
Thursday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-7pm
Friday: 8:30am-10am, 1pm-6:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 2pm-6:30pm
