runDisney Training Tips with AdventHealth: Foam Rolling 101

It’s time to get rolling! FOAM rolling, that is. Much of the training advice shared focuses on preparing for and during your actual run. This week, we are going to talk about a popular method for running recovery: Foam rolling.

What is foam rolling and how does it help your muscles? AdventHealth, the Official Medical Provider of runDisney, has a few tips to share on the topic and help you get the most out of your mileage.

Although scientific research on the practice is still in early stages, the benefits of foam rolling seem to work while being easily accessible and low cost, making it useful for runners. It has been shown to effectively reduce things like skeletal pain, improve circulation, increase range of motion and even improve mobility. Much like a deep tissue or sports massage, foam rolling tends to fall into the “hurts so good” category of pain relief. Despite the discomfort it can involve, foam rolling provides a range of benefits, including:

• Better range of motion as adhesions decrease and fascia becomes more pliable.
• Enhanced circulation from increased blood flow, especially in hard-to-reach extremities.
• Reduced inflammation thanks to increased blood flow delivering more oxygen and nutrients to sore or injured areas.
• Relaxation effects similar to a massage.
• Removal of scar tissue or muscular adhesions from rolling chronically tight or painful areas, causing them to break down

Never used a foam roller before? Head over to AdventHealth’s blog to learn how to foam roll the right way, choosing your roller, along with other great health and wellness content perfect for the runner-in-training.

What are some of your favorite ways to stretch those muscles before or after your training miles? Share with us in social using #runDisney in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.