Foam Rolling and Spiky Balls

Foam rollers and spiky/massage balls have become an increasingly popular way to manage minor muscle tension and aches at home or after exercise. Our practitioners at Chadstone Region Osteo often get asked about when should you use them and which one is better, so we decided to write a blog post!

Both foam rollers and spiky balls are intended to help with minor muscle tension which often results from our daily lives (computer-related neck tension anyone?) or from exercise, for example you might enjoy using a foam roller for your quads, hamstrings or calves before or after going running. Foam rollers are often recommended as a good warm-up tool for pre-exercise, or as a recovery aid post exercise.

Whilst both are good tools to have in the tool kit, they are not the be all and end all. If using a spiky ball or foam roller feels good and helps reduce your tension, and you’re using it for short periods then either method is fine. However, you should not be causing yourself pain whilst using them!

However, if you have recurrent or prolonged muscle tension and you find that you are constantly rolling out the same muscles it is a good idea to have chat with one of our osteopaths, as sometimes muscles that are constantly tight need some help with specific strengthening exercises.

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, please email us if you need any advice! info@chadstoneregionosteo.com.au

Share:

More Posts:

Want to take up Swimming? Read this first!

If you’re someone who once found solace and joy in the waters but has taken a hiatus from swimming, it’s time to dust off that swimsuit and dive back in. Resuming swimming as a form of exercise offers a fantastic way to rekindle your love for the water while providing a full-body workout. Here’s a guide tailored for those familiar with swimming but looking to make a splash after a prolonged break, emphasizing injury prevention and gradual fitness building.

Free Migraine Seminar

Osteopath Dr Claire Richardson is hosting a free seminar explaining some of the causes, triggers and treatments for migraines – join us in person or online.

Migraines – Cause and Treatment

The word “Migraine” is used fairly loosely when describing a severe headache, however there are differences between headache (which can be severe) and migraine.
The word “headache” is a description of pain in the head, which can be caused by many different things, usually innocuous. Headache does not indicate the cause of the pain and thus, is not a diagnosis in and of itself. Not all severe headaches are a migraine, and not all migraines cause severe headache!

Rib Sprains

Rib sprains, as mild as they may sound, can actually be quite painful and disconcerting, and usually present as a sharp, localised pain on one side of the spine that is worse with movement and can also sometimes aggravated by deep breathing, coughing or sneezing.