A self-massage technique using a cylindrical foam roller to apply pressure to muscles and fascia, helping to reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, and aid recovery. Also known as self-myofascial release.
'Foam' refers to the material composition, while 'rolling' describes the action of moving the roller over muscles. The technique emerged in the 1980s from physical therapy practices and became mainstream in fitness and athletics in the 2000s.
Foam-rolling was initially dismissed by many coaches as a fad, but research now shows it can genuinely improve recovery and reduce muscle soreness. The technique essentially allows athletes to give themselves a sports massage, making recovery tools accessible to everyone, not just elite athletes with massage therapists!
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