Is Foam Rolling Healthy? A Neuro Perspective

Foam rolling has been a staple in gyms for years now and you can't go to a weekend seminar without someone coming up with a new type of foam roller.   But WHAT IF all that rolling has a negative impact and what is the science behind that? 

--> Let's explore. 

I remember when foam rolling was first introduced at our gym years ago, and our massage therapist was completely against it. It wasn’t until I learned from Matt and Kathy why she was so opposed to the idea of "mashing" tissue until it hurt that I began to understand her perspective.

Her reasoning makes sense to me now, and it's what I hope to convey to you in the following words.

Foam rolling has become a ubiquitous tool in fitness, but its neurological impact requires careful consideration.

Short History Lesson

Initially designed by Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1980s as a gentle, mindful practice aimed at enhancing body tissue, foam rolling has evolved into a more aggressive technique, often used as a form of self-massage. This shift in practice raises concerns, particularly from a neurocentric perspective.

The Neurological Concerns

Aggressive and forceful foam rolling can be counterproductive, leading to increased tension rather than relief. This outcome can be understood through the lens of Wolf’s Law and Davis’s Law, which state that bones and soft tissues remodel in response to chronic stress.

When foam rolling is used repeatedly and with high intensity, the body may lay down more tissue as a protective measure, leading to increased tightness and reinforcing problematic patterns.

This highlights a critical issue: using foam rolling as a primary method for managing tension might exacerbate the very conditions it aims to alleviate. Instead of releasing tension, aggressive foam rolling may cause the nervous system to respond defensively, resulting in more tension and laying down more tissue (ie. Wolf’s Law and Davis’s Law)

Alternative Applied Neurology Approaches

A more effective approach involves gentle, mindful techniques that align with the nervous system's natural processes. By addressing the visual, vestibular, respiratory, and motor coordination systems, long-term tension reduction can be achieved.

Techniques such as visual and vestibular exercises, respiratory training, and motor coordination activities offer sustainable benefits by promoting overall neurological health.

For immediate relief, bottom-up neuro tools, such as banded mobility exercises and neurocentric body activation, provide faster and less painful alternatives to traditional foam rolling.

These methods enhance mobility, decrease pain, and optimize training sessions by focusing on the nervous system's role in tension and movement.  Essentially the goal of applied neurology is to remind the brain that it is safe, which would start releasing the tension that has been placed in those particular areas based on threat (stress).

While foam rolling can offer temporary relief, its aggressive use may lead to long-term issues. An applied neurology approach, emphasizing neuro drills and addressing the body’s neurological systems, offers a more effective, long-term solution for managing tension and improving overall neuromuscular health.

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