SMR (self myofascial release)
What is Fascia?
Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance similar to a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery, and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is actually one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way, you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are also known as myofascial points. These spots are located on specific spots on your muscle and the surrounding tissue. These trigger points are one of the most common sources of referred pain. This means that when the trigger points are pressed or activated, pain is felt somewhere else in the body. For example, you may have a trigger point in your foot that causes pain in your ankle.
What Can A Foam Roller Treat?
It releases trigger point. Releasing trigger points helps to reestablish proper movement patterns and pain-free movement, and ultimately, to enhance performance. Utilizing stretching alone is not always enough to release muscles tightness. Imagine a bungee cord with a knot tied into it and then envision stretching the cord. This creates tension, stretching the unknotted portion of the muscle and the attachment points. The knot, however, has remained unaltered.
Foam rolling can assist in breaking up these muscle knots, resuming normal blood flow and function.
What Can A Lacrosse Ball Treat?
Lacrosse Balls are one of the myofascial tools specifically designed to release these trigger points. By using the Lacrosse Ball to apply pressure to these points, the triggers are released, the muscles are eased and the pain alleviated. Depending on the trigger spot, the pressure may be painful at first, but after treatment, the muscles will feel noticeably relaxed.
Lacrosse Balls are specifically good for treating shoulder, buttocks and hip pain. They also work wonderfully on smaller muscle groups like the biceps, triceps, and calves. The small area of the Lacrosse Ball really allows the user the pinpoint the pain and really get in there to release the trigger points. When used before and after training, the Lacrosse Ball aids in preventing soreness as well.
SMR (self myofascial release) has some general benefits for our bodies:
▪ Aids in preventing injuries
▪ Gets rid of knots and tightness in your muscles
▪ Physically de-stresses your body so it can work more efficiently
▪ Increases flexibility
▪ Increases blood flow, which helps for faster recovery from workouts
▪ Reduces soreness from workouts
