Massage roller: basic types

Massage roller - an effective tool for relaxing clamped muscles and overloaded joints. When pain is eliminated, professional masseuses resort to the technique of direct pressure on problem areas. The same effect can be obtained using a massage cushion for the back, arms, legs, thighs.

Soft roller

Soft massage rolls have low density. The surface of products of this category is elastic and well bends under the pressure of the fingers. A soft massage roller is suitable first of all for users who suffer from overexertion of gastrocnemius and tibial muscles.

When dealing with an elastic roll, you should perform slow, measured movements. During the massage, it is worthwhile to avoid actions that cause severe pain in problem areas, since such an approach to the use of the device can lead to an even more clamping of the muscles.

In general, a soft massage cushion can be an optimal solution for the elderly. Such adaptations are also suitable for athletes with a small body weight.

Medium hardness roller

This massage roll has moderate stiffness. Its surface is difficult to press with fingers.

Means of medium hardness are recommended to people who for the first time resort to self-massage. They are universal and therefore suitable for working out any muscle groups.

Rigid massage cushion

Hard devices have the highest density. When you press your fingers, their surface can not be deflected.

Massage rolls of this category seem to be an appropriate option for users who already have experience in operating similar products. Suitable hard rollers also for people that have a large body weight. Pay attention to such funds are recommended for experienced athletes with an impressive amount of muscle mass.

Massage rollers with corrugated surface

Products of this category are suitable for working out almost all muscle groups, from the back to the feet. The most effective such rolls in the massage of large muscles. Thanks to special grooves on the surface of the roller, deep tissue stimulation occurs, lymph flow is activated, normal blood circulation is restored. All this contributes to the removal of the pain syndrome, the rapid removal of toxic substances from the body.

The corrugated roller for feet is especially effective. At the same time, it is recommended to use it extremely cautiously to work out the area of the spine. The protruding grooves can exert excessive pressure on the vertebrae, which can lead to their displacement and cause new pain.

Massage ball

The device is used for an accentuated click on the so-called trigger points, which are the focus of pain. Small-sized balls are used for deep impact on tissues. The latter are suitable for massage of the legs, shoulders, buttocks.

A large-sized massage ball allows for less intensive muscle mass training. The device manifests itself most effectively when it is necessary to eliminate pain in the quadriceps and biceps femoris muscles.

Duoball

If we talk about unloading the spine, the most practical means here is the so-called Duoball, represented in the form of connected with each other elastic balls. During the self-massage session, each ball delicately works through the muscles located along the spine.

A paired massage ball perfectly straightens the back, stimulates deep tissue, which contributes to their quick relaxation. Naturally, for this you can use a regular foam roller. However, in this case, the massage will be more superficial.

There are several variants of doubles for self-massage. Large balls are designed to study the thoracic and lumbar spine. Adaptations of small size - for the neck zone.

Tips for choosing

To choose the right roll for self-massage, it is recommended to start from own physical needs. First of all, it is necessary to decide whether universal adaptation is required or a means for accentuated elaboration of specific muscle groups.

Professional athletes should concentrate on the level of the stiffness of the massage rollers, since their density should correspond to the features of the training cycle. The optimal option for serious athletes is the purchase of one of the most suitable foam roll, massage ball and dubol.

In general, to determine the best means for self-massage, it is enough to identify for yourself several solutions that are suitable for the price, and to test them directly in the store. This approach will allow you to select the most practical, useful and effective tool, the purchase of which does not hit the wallet.