Foam Roller for RSI Help?
I've recently joined a new gym and one of the physical trainers there introduced me to something called a foam roller. It's a three foot wide dense foam cylinder, maybe about 6 inches thick. You basically put it on the ground, then roll your muscle over it (pretty much any muscles in the body, legs, back, etc.) and if you hit a tense spot (i.e. trigger point), you hold it for a moment with pressure, and that's supposed to help relax and get the knots out of your body.
I was a little inhibited since we were trying it next to all the big guys grunting and throwing weights around, but I decided to order one with instructions and what not so I could try it at home.
I'm excited to give it a try because any number of the RSI books I've read have implyed that problems with the wrists or hands often stem from issues higher up. For example, I sit at a computer all day and tend to develop tension in my upper back, despite having ergonomic furniture and taking frequent breaks. As I understand it, the knots that develop can pinch your nerves and lead to long term problems. I've found massage somewhat helpful, but who can afford to go get a massage three times a week?
Anyway, I'm hoping the foam roller will help and be something I can do at home. They're pretty inexpensive. The one I ordered through Amazon was under $25 including shipping:
I'm expecting it to arrive in about a week and will post more thoughts on it after I've had a chance to play with it.
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