Peloton featured Physical Therapy Central’s Dr. Devin Trachman, PT, DPT, MTC, Clinic Director of Physical Therapy Central’s West Edmond Clinic, in a recent article on the benefits of foam rolling for your legs. So often, active individuals make working out the main event and give little thought to the recovery portion that should always be included. When you skip over the recovery portion of your workout, you’re risking being able to move your body without experiencing any pain.
Foam rollers push against muscles to alleviate soreness and tension and can be used on many different parts of the body. Dr. Trachman highlighted many of the benefits that come from foam rolling, including:
- Improving flexibility and range of motion
- Preventing Injuries
- Recovering Faster
When it comes to foam rolling your leg muscles, Dr. Trachman advises a systematic approach. Start by isolating each muscle rather than attempting to roll the entire leg simultaneously. For instance, your hamstrings are likely to be tight if you’re a regular biker or runner. Foam rolling them before or after your workout can aid in recovery. Next, move on to your calves, especially if lunges or jump roping are part of your routine. Finally, focus on your quadriceps, a muscle often overused by weightlifters, runners, and cyclists. Regardless of the muscle, Dr. Trachman suggests targeting each one for at least a minute.
Foam rolling can be incorporated into your stretching recovery routine or done independently. In fact, Dr. Trachman says there’s no wrong time to foam roll; you will benefit from foam rolling whenever you can fit it into your schedule. While foam rolling can hurt slightly as you roll out tension, you should never experience any unbearable or sharp pains.
If you have any questions regarding foam rolling, schedule an appointment with a Physical Therapy Central physical therapist today. To read the full article, please follow this link: 3 Foam Roller Moves to Soothe Sore Legs.
