Do you have muscle tightness or soreness? Do your muscles need to recover from the stress and strain that you put them through? Do you have a limited range of motion in some areas? These are some of the reasons to practice foam rolling for muscle detox.
Foam rolling, also known as self-myofacial release, is also an important area of focus for cancer patients and survivors. It feels like you are giving yourself a massage. You are rolling the soft tissue throughout your body. To understand the importance of foam rolling you need to understand that our bodies are a kinetic chain; everything is connected. Therefore, it works as an integral functional unit.
Since the entire body moves interdependently, if there is a muscle imbalance, another muscle will pick up the slack of the one not doing its job. This leads to muscle imbalances, tissue overload, fatigue, and injuries. Also, if muscles are not given the proper time to recover, then they stay stressed and inflamed. This, too, may lead to injury. Foam rolling can help minimize damage and improve recovery.
Reasons for foam rolling for muscle detox
- Corrects muscle imbalances: Foam rolling helps our muscles relax and provides the optimal length-tension relationship between muscles. This, in turn, will avoid imbalances and restrictions when we perform exercises. This also helps our Central Nervous System (CNS) provide positive feedback.
- Improves range of motion: When we exercise, knots can form in our muscles. This can interfere with our full range of motion. Foam rolling breaks up these knots to allow our joints to move in the full range of motion.
- Relieves muscle soreness and joint stiffness: Foam rolling for muscle detox enhances blood circulation to the body, which also helps remove toxins from the body. Foam rolling is most productive when done with hydrated muscles because they are more pliable.
- Improves neuromuscular efficiency: Foam rolling increases blood circulation, which helps bring oxygen to our muscles.
- Muscle relaxation: Our muscles relax due to activation of the sensory receptors that connect our muscle fibers to our tendons.
- Provides optimal length-tension relationships: Foam rolling breaks up adhesions and scar tissue.
Key areas on which to focus:
- Glutes/Piriformis
- Hamstrings
- IT Band and Quads
- Calves and Achilles
- Hips and TFL
- Lats and upper back
- Bottom of the foot
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