Foam Rolling for Fibromyalgia

Foam Rolling for Fibromyalgia

The first thing to know about foam rolling is that there are a lot of nonsensical and made up claims for it with a lot of pseudoscience. The warning is be careful what you read about the use of foam rolling by the gurus and pseudo experts. The claims that get made for the use of foam rolling are not backed up by the scientific research on it. Having said that, it is useful. Athletes use it as part of a warm-up and recovery routines. It can help for some specific conditions such as self-massage for plantar fasciitis.

It does not loosen fascia, that is impossible. Its does not release toxins – that is a claim often made by the scientifically illiterate…. and so on. Do not believe the hype.

Given the muscle pain and trigger points in fibromyalgia, can it actually help beyond the hype and personal anecdotes that surrounds its use? While the research does show some benefits in athletes and muscle aches, there is an extraordinary lack of research on its use in fibromyalgia. There is this study (in Italian) that showed that in people with fibromyalgia that the group that used the foam roller did better than the control group on measures of depression, pain, anxiety and sleep quality. So that is a good finding and does support the use of foam rolling in fibromyalgia.

By all means, please try the foam roller. It does appear that it can help. Just do not fall for the hype, marketing and pseudoscience that gets claimed for it.

All you need to do is buy a foam roller (online or at the local sports shop) and find a program (online, in books, or get a personal trainer).

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon Basics High Density Foam Roller for Exercise and Recovery, 24 Inches, Black
  • High-density foam roller in Black
  • Ideal for balance, strengthening, flexibility, and rehab exercises
  • Firm, durable polypropylene maintains shape; molded edges for added comfort
  • Lightweight and easy to carry to class and to reposition during workouts
  • Wipes clean easily
SaleBestseller No. 2
TriggerPoint 13" Multi-Density Foam Roller - Relieves Muscles, Improves Mobility
  • IMPROVE MUSCLE RECOVERY – Multi-density GRID features a three-dimensional surface that provides more efficient muscle recovery by promoting tissue aeration as you roll, while promoting the flow of blood and oxygen for optimal muscle recovery
  • OPTIMIZED FOR COMFORT – Unique foam construction with proprietary Distrodensity Zones is perfect to use on both tight, sore muscles, as well as soft tissue, for a more effective recovery experience
  • PERSONALIZED ROLLING EXPERIENCE – Multi-density GRID pattern of varying ridges and nodules replicate the feeling of a massage therapist's hands, allowing users to utilize different areas of the roller to target key body parts
  • DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE – EVA-foam-wrapped, hollow core design is firmer than traditional foam rollers, delivering a deeper compression-like a sports massage on tight muscles, knots, and kinks to achieve comfortable, effective, and targeted muscle recovery
  • BUILT FOR FREQUENT USE – Durable EVA-foam roller maintains its shape without breaking—even after repeated use—allowing you to use the same roll-intensive recovery patterns massage therapists use for highly effective recovery
Bestseller No. 3
Foam Roller Set - High Density Back Roller, Muscle Roller Stick,2 Foot Fasciitis Ball, Stretching Strap, Peanut Massage Ball for Whole Body Physical Therapy & Exercise, Back Pain, Leg, Deep Tissue
  • " Whole Body Massage Foam Roller KIT " – You can get a high density 12" deep foam roller, a 15” anti-slip massage stick, a Peanut Massage Ball, 1 Plantar Fasciitis Ball: a solid heavy-duty 2-in-1 and spiky ball, 78” Stretching Strap, 1 Massage Guide,1 Nylon Bag, Relieve muscle soreness, massage away stress and rehabilitate injuries.
  • " Relief Muscle Injury and Improves Performance " – One of the best recovery tools to treat muscle pain and increase performance and flexibility. Rolling before and after workouts is part of a great stretching routine. Increases blood flow to the massage site, and flush away stored lactic acid with the included spike ball. Reduce stiffness and pain before and after workouts, exercise, running and training with the deep tissue massage extra firm ball.
  • " High Density and NO Squeezing Noise " – These are Solid high density foam, are capable of supporting up to an amazing 300lbs of weight, they will not lose their shape after heavy use, have No squeezing noise, and Repels Liquids, enabling you to use them for a wide variety of exercises without worrying about compatibility; They are will help you achieve better performance for many years to come.
  • " PORTABLE NYLON BAG and SPACE SAVING " – The total body wellness kit comes with a durable Portable nylon mesh bag to increase portability that doubles as a yoga mat carrier. makes it the ideal companion for anywhere. Simply throw the set in your bag and use it anytime, anywhere.
  • " PROVEN TO INCREASE PERFORMANCE " – Perfect for positioning, balance, postural and muscle re-education, spinal stabilization, body awareness and coordination, and strengthening activities. This set is great for physical therapy and exercise , back pain , massage therapy, rehabilitation,before and after workout warm ups and warm downs, and yoga. Foam muscle rollers help to relieve muscles tension and increase muscle reflexology.
SaleBestseller No. 4
Foam Rolling: Relieve Pain - Prevent Injury - Improve Mobility; 60 restorative exercises for m
  • Woodworth, Sam (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 192 Pages - 11/08/2016 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 5
Yes4All High Density Foam Roller for Back, Variety of Sizes & Colors for Yoga, Pilates - Black - 36 Inches
  • GREATER BENEFITS: Our foam roller for back with various sizes, colors enhances muscle recovery, massage, physical therapy, deep tissue work and improves flexibility, bodybuilding, running, weight training, and yoga.
  • THICKER FOR BETTER RESULT: High density EPP adds Further firmness to our body roller, making it suitable for professional trainers.
  • MULTIPLE SIZES: Our yoga roller is available in four sizes 36x6 inches for full back, 24x6 inches for more versatile and easier control, 18x6 inches for smaller muscle groups, and 12x6 inches for one specific area and saving space.
  • COMPACT DIMENSION: Measuring 36x6 inches, our EPP exercise roller is lightweight and easy to carry anywhere.
  • PRACTICAL AND VERSATILE: Our durable foam roller for legs is designed to hold up to 300 pounds and withstand even the toughest sessions with ease, taking your workout to the next level.
Bestseller No. 6
ProsourceFit High Density Foam Rollers 18 - inches long, Firm Full Body Athletic Massage Tool for Back Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Post Workout Muscle Recuperation, Black
  • VERSATILE MASSAGE TOOL: Ideal for pre and post-workout by massaging and releasing tension from muscles including back, legs, neck, calves, IT band, hamstrings, lats, and glutes for overall better mobility
  • FIRM MASSAGE – High-density foam structure provides a deeper massage than standard foam rollers, and is extra firm to support all body types without losing shape after regular use. Effective for all fitness levels from beginners to advanced. Maximum weight capacity is 300 lb
  • BODY AWARENESS – This versatile fitness tool offers instability for Pilates core exercises, spine stabilization, balancing exercises and body-awareness
  • LOW-MAINTENANCE - Made from high-density expanded polypropylene (EPP) that is easily recycled and is water-resistant for hygiene and easy maintenance.
  • VARIETY OF SIZES AND COLORS – Choose from 4 sizes: full-length 36 by 6 inches for full back coverage, 24 by 6 inches for more compact, 18 by 6 inches for smaller muscle groups, and 12 by 6 inches that’s ideal for travel and space-saving. Comes in solid and speckled designs: black, purple, blue, pink, red, orange and green.
Bestseller No. 7
ProsourceFit High Density Foam Rollers 18 - inches long. Firm Full Body Athletic Massager for Back Stretching, Yoga, Pilates, Post Workout Trigger Point Release, Black
  • EXTRA SUPPORT - Firm high-density foam structure of the half-round foam rollers provide extra support for all body types while practicing balance, core exercises or stretching without losing shape after regular use.
  • STRETCH & STRENGTHEN – This versatile fitness foam rollers work to help stretch tight muscles after a workout or can be used as a core stabilizer for muscle strengthening. Try with multiple sizes of the dense semi-circle foam rollers together for an extra fun challenge!
  • TEXTURED GRIP - Patterned surface provides gentle non-slip grip and extra traction during hand or feet half-round foam roller exercises like push-ups, planks or single-leg lunges. It also provides extra safety when used for physical therapy exercises.
  • EASY TO MAINTAIN - All our firm fitness foam rollers are made of durable and eco-friendly high-density expanded polypropylene (EPP) that's easy to clean and lightweight
  • TRAVEL FOAM ROLLER - Available in 12 inch, 18 inch and 36 inches, all half-round foam rollers are designed for convenient storage and portability for on-the-go workouts at the gym or in a hotel room
SaleBestseller No. 8
321 Strong Foam Roller - Medium Density Deep Tissue Massager for Muscle Massage and Myofascial Trigger Point Release, with 4K eBook - Orange
  • 12. 75 inches x 5. 25 inch diameter , lightweight yet rugged solid core massage roller with EVA tread and triple grid 3D massage zones mimics the finger , palm , and thumb of a therapist's hands .
  • Medium density muscle roller is comfortable to use - making it easy for beginners , but still effective at penetrating the soft tissue layer of tired muscles . Soft enough to use while in pain from lower back injury , sciatica or plantar fasciitis .
  • One of the best recovery tools to treat muscle pain , increase performance and flexibility. Rolling before and after exercise sis part of a great stretching routine . Increases blood flow to massage site , flushing away stored lactic acid .
  • Stretch overworked and strained muscles of the leg , arms , and feet by rolling during your warm up and cool downs . Provides instant benefit to the hamstring , IT band , glutes , and calves by delivering superior massages at home or in the gym .
  • Loved by runners , exercise athletes , yoga and pilates students , swimmers , physical or sports therapy patients , and aid those just doing a normal fitness workout . Great for the arch of the foot , and any part of the superior body but the spine or neck .
SaleBestseller No. 9
Foam Rolling For Dummies
  • Ryan, Mike D. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 432 Pages - 01/07/2021 (Publication Date) - For Dummies (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 10
THE ORIGINAL BODY ROLLER - High Density Foam Roller Massager for Deep Tissue Massage of The Back and Leg Muscles - Self Myofascial Release of Painful Trigger Point Muscle Adhesions - 13" Black
  • 3D textured rollers measure 12.5 x 5.5 inches with triple massage zones to replicate the fingers , thumbs , and palms of the human hand .
  • Roll before and after your work out at the gym , Pilates , or yoga to condition and stretch muscle tissue , and remove painful trigger points . Dual grid design has finger zone with ridges , and spiked bumps on the opposite side .
  • Great for runners , after a long workout , or as part of your stretching routine . Heavy Duty EPP construction tough enough for athletes , and still comfortable enough for a beginner .
  • Choose from lightweight and portable 13" model or get full body coverage with our 17" model to get physical therapy grade massages , deep stretches , and acupressure relief all in the privacy of your own home .
  • Speed up recovery , treat muscle pain , increase performance , flexibility , and mobility . One of the best fitness tools to help your body recover , rolling before and after exercise is critical for beginners and pros alike .

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Michael Administrator
My name is Michael and I have had fibromyalgia for a very long time. I have tried everything and nothing for it. Everything has worked and nothing has worked. It is a constant battle to find a glimmer of anything that may help, even a little bit. I hope I can help you.