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EXERCISE SERIES #1
IMPROVE POSTURE
By Craig Liebenson DC, Los Angeles CA


Purpose:To improve posture and reduce tension in neck, jaw, shoulders, and lower back.

Who can do this:

Anyone can use these simple exercises to help restoration of a more upright posture.

Back Stretch with Foam Rolls:

1. Beginner Position
Use: 36 X 6 inch ½ foam roll

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Starting position:
  • Sit back on the half foam roll placed vertically under the full length of your back
  • Have your head and neck supported on the ½ foam roll
  • Bend your knees with your feet on the floor
Stretch position:
  • Start with your arms at your side and then raise them overhead
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds
Progression:
  • Use a 36 X 6 round foam roll
  • Repeat 2x/day
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2. Intermediate Position

Starting position:
  • Place a 36 X 6 round foam roll horizontally on the floor
  • Kneel on your knees and place your forearms - just above your wrist - on the foam roll
  • Keep your elbows slightly bent
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Stretch position:
  • Raise your chest up towards the ceiling, then drop your breastbone down towards the floor
  • Perform 8-10 repetitions
  • Repeat 2x/day
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3. Advanced Position

Starting position:
  • Place the round foam roll horizontally on the floor just below your shoulder blades
  • Support your head in your hands and lay back over the foam roll
  • Keep your knees bent
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Stretch position:
  • Roll your spine backwards over the foam roll
  • You can slightly lift your hips and pelvis off the floor
  • Avoid letting your head fall back too far
  • Perform for about 30s
  • Repeat 2x/day
MORE EXERCISES FOR SLUMP POSTURE IMPROVEMENT ... pdf document




EXERCISE SERIES #2
LOOSEN OUTER THIGH MUSCLES

By Craig Liebenson DC, Los Angeles CA

Purpose:
To relax the outer thigh muscle and surrounding fascia.

Who is this for?:
Mainly indicated for runners with knee pain secondary to a tight iliotibial band.

Use:
  • 36 X 6 inch round foam roll


Starting position:

  • Lay on your side on the foam
  • Support yourself on your feet and forearm
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Technique:
  • Use the roll to massage the outer thigh from your hip region to just above your knee
  • If it is too painful place more pressure on your feet and arms than on the foam
  • If it is still too painful then place a towel over the foam
  • Roll over the thigh for 20-30s
  • Repeat 2x/day



EXERCISE SERIES #3
LOWER BODY STRETCHING
By Michael Lovegren

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Calf (Gastroc/Soleus)

  • Balance on both hands, shoulder blades down, and tighten core
  • Roll from knee to ankle, if possible, toes pointed up and out
  • Corkscrew hips and move foot, if possible, as you roll
  • Exhale as you push hips away; inhale as you pull hips toward
Image Side Calf (Peronius Group)

  • Balance on left elbow and right hand, keep hips up, and maintain a tight core
  • Roll from knee to ankle, stack legs
  • Same breathing pattern as calf roll, yet move foot, if possible, as you roll
Image Front Calf (Tibialis Anterior)

  • Balance on two hands and pressure left shin
  • Shift body to apply pressure to the muscular part of shin (do not put pressure on bone)
  • Roll from knee to ankle with same breathing pattern as calf roll, but replace knee instead of hips
Image Side Quad (Iliotibia Tract)

  • Set up like side of calf roll but start on the hip
  • Roll from knee to hip, slowly roll to find "hot spots"
  • Corkscrew motion, if possible, stack legs or drop right foot to ground
Image Quads (Quadriceps Group)

  • Balance on elbows, face down, with quads on foam roller
  • Work your way up the roller, tighten core
  • To place greater emphasis on one leg(left), cross right leg over the back of left, or shift body weight to the left
Image Inside of Quad (Adductor Group)

  • Balance on elbows inside roller, left hip and knee flexed on top of roller
  • Roll from hip to knee, slowing for "hot spots"
  • Shift weight toward roller for more pressure “stretch
Image Back (Thoracic Spine Mobility)

  • Begin with roller around mid balance with back flat, glutes raised, feet flat and close to glutes, shoulder blades down and depressed
  • Roll from mid to upper back, side to side to emphasize a stretch in the spine and lumbar/thoracic region
  • Arms raised straight up or behind head
  • Same breathing pattern as calf roll


DISCLAIMER:

The information on www.shapetoronto.com is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health-care professionals. Please consult your physician or book a consultation with SHAPE before changing your diet or exercise program, for diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and/or injuries, for advice regarding medications, and prior to making use of any of the information within our website, articles or newsletters.

 
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