What does my physio think about foam rolling?

What does my physio think about foam rolling?

What is Foam Rolling?

Foam rolling -  rolling parts of your body over foam rollers, which come in a variety of densities, textures and sizes, using your bodyweight to apply pressure and give a self-massage before and after exercise to help with recovery – is very popular in the fitness world. The idea is that you roll slowly and when you find a tender spot, you focus in on it by rolling back and forth until you feel it soften or release. But does it actually help?

Is foam rolling good for me?

Our spinal specialist Physio Shari says

“As popular as foam rolling is, there isn't actually any research evidence that supports it. I don't routinely recommend it.”

Emily, our soft tissue therapist, triathlon coach, athlete personal trainer, comments: 

“It depends on where you roll and when you roll. There are many conflicting studies and reports. From an athlete’s point of view, it boils down to if it makes you feel better, roll it, if it causes pain more than 7/10, then don’t. Foam rolling can feel like a self-massage which should be done when the muscles are warm and as part of recovery.”

Stuart, our specialist knee and foot & ankle physio says:

“Foam Rolling or any other form of muscle release may help reduce tightness and soft tissue stiffness and thus can assist. It can be beneficial after exercise.”

Our sports injuries specialist Nick comments:

“Whilst there’s no credible evidence to back up claims of the magic of these things, if they help then why not? They won't do any harm.”

If you’re injured, in pain or just need some advice, call us on 02030 12 12 22 to book an appointment with one of our specialist physios.

COVID-19 The Road To Recovery

COVID-19 The Road To Recovery -

Advice From The Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy

Have you had Covid-19 or know someone who has had it?

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has developed a brand new animation to help patients who are recovering from Covid-19 to self-manage their symptoms with physiotherapy guidance. This is a great resource for you to share with your friends and families to help ease some of their anxiety about recovering from the virus and getting back to normal life. The animation is titled COVID-19 The Road To Recovery and you can watch it below:

This short, 90 second animation illustrates what people can expect when recovering from Covid-19; reassuring them that it may take time to get their energy and fitness back. It also provides advice on simple measures that anyone can take to ensure the best recovery possible; like keeping active and partaking in low-intensity exercise.

If you or anyone you know have concerns about your recovery from COVID-19 we encourage you to seek the advice of a Chartered Physiotherapist, GP or other Health Professional, who can provide bespoke advice and support. You can also see more information about Covid-19 recovery from the CSP by visiting this link - Covid-19: the Road to Recovery.

If you’d like an appointment with one of our physios, please call us on 02030 12 12 22 to book an appointment.

NEW: One To One Physio / Rehab / Yoga Sessions

NEW: One To One Physio / Rehab / Yoga Sessions

Our specialist physiotherapist, Alex, is now offering one to one physio rehab sessions which include the use of yoga to help strengthen your body. Of these sessions Alex says:

“These sessions are perfect for anyone who is curious about introducing yoga to their exercise routine. I often meet a lot of resistance from people who have thought about starting yoga but are overwhelmed at the thought of a class filled with super bendy people standing on their heads!

This is not what yoga is about and I'm here to help you find your way into your yoga journey in a safe and personalised way. I’ve been a Physio for almost 20 years now and this gives me a deep understanding of the body, its movements and limitations, and also how to work with any injuries you may have.

Yoga for me is about being 'flexible' (not the bendy type!) in how you practice and what suits you ,and having one to one sessions really is the best way to achieve the best outcomes. These sessions are also great if you are looking to enhance your overall strength, flexibility and wellbeing by training your body and mind in a very different way to before.

I meet many clients who are regular yogis and then come in with an injury which may or may not be related to their yoga practice. When we have looked at some of the postures together we can identify small areas and modifications which can make a huge difference in two main ways: one is by not stressing certain areas in a unhealthy way and the other is to gain more connection and balance on the mat, deepening your awareness of the pose you are in. The adjustment might be very small, but unless it's pointed out you won't feel the benefit of it.”

So if you've been thinking about it and want to find out more then please contact us to book in a session with Alex.