Runners: foam roller/the stick? suggestions needed

Mollydolly10

I am going to be needing some sort of foam roller/the stick for marathon training I can already tell, haha. Suggestions from runners on what to get?

I did my half marathon training without anything of the sort, but was sore for days and days afterwards no matter how much I tried to stretch

LOVEsummer

The stick and push HARD when you use it. I used the stick 2x on my IT band calves the day before the race, 2x the day after and not only did I run the race pain free but today I woke up and I'm not sore anymore! The foam roller is OK but I feel like my stick works so much better. Look up some youtube videos on how to use the stick because it should hurt like a deep tissue massage. You are going to do so well!!!! Ice baths helped a lot as well.

MissFit0101

Bump I need to know as well

IronmanPanda

http://tptherapy.com/

jeffrodgers1

I use the Stick. Roll it over your muscles with 20 strokes. I do it about three times a day during recovery.

As the previous poster mentioned, roll it hard enough that it hurts. The idea is to release the tension in the muscle like a deep tissue massage.

adjones5

I use the foam roller, it works wonders!

rbvaudrizle

I like the stick. I find it works really well on the IT bands and calves. I have to be in a comfortable place to use the foam roller. If you know how to use the foam roller it works really well. The stick also can be used to remove those scar tissue masses in my calves. Also it can be brought anywhere. I love the stick (insert joke here) !

maemiller

i use the stick. I really ache on my long runs (anything over 14 miles) and i use the stick all over. Next day im fine no aches. You just have to keep rolling on your muscles several time. I love it!

staceyseeger

i use the Stick, as well. Every day 2-3 times for many years.

CakeFit21

I use both.

El_Rapido

I've got a Sprinter stick, its really good. I use it on my calfs, quads and hams.

I've also got a foam roller which is better for ITB and glutes. I wouldn't be without either.

Flyntiggr

I have both - helps you pinpoint different areas.

hard foam roller and I have a Tiger Tail - recommended by my PT.

AlsDonkBoxSquat

I have both - helps you pinpoint different areas.

hard foam roller and I have a Tiger Tail - recommended by my PT.

Ditto, we have both. if it's one or the other go for the roller. I don't know the brand, it's big and black and was recommended by the personal training company at my gym.

TheCats_Meow

I do it old school and on the cheap. I use a wooden dough roller.

Ya know, the one you get at the grocery store to roll out cookie dough, dumplings, etc?

Yeah, that one

HollyMac20

I have a foam roller and LOVE it for my back and butt. It works on the quads, IT and hammies as well, but I think the stick would do a better job. I am hoping to get a stick soon.

ashleycarder24

bump

AliceIsRunning

I do it old school and on the cheap. I use a wooden dough roller.

Ya know, the one you get at the grocery store to roll out cookie dough, dumplings, etc?

Yeah, that one

I'm glad I'm not the only one who does this! In fact, I got mine at the 99 Cents Only Store! :laugh:

USCEE77

I prefer the foam roller, it's great for the hips, legs AND my back.

kit548emt

bump

kit548emt

I do it old school and on the cheap. I use a wooden dough roller.

Ya know, the one you get at the grocery store to roll out cookie dough, dumplings, etc?

Yeah, that one

I'm glad I'm not the only one who does this! In fact, I got mine at the 99 Cents Only Store! :laugh:

Hmm.... note for later lol! Thanks!

Barneystinson

Funny this topic showed up!

I just ordered "the Stick" and it should be arriving tomorrow. I currently foam roll but want something to REALLY loosen my calves.

Also, "foot rubz" foot massage balls are awesome after runs. Pop them in the fridge or freezer for a nice cool treat on the feet.

Mollydolly10

Thanks everyone for your SUPER quick and informative responses! From how my body feels after running, sounds like I could also benefit from both. I just went ahead and ordered the Sprinter Stick as well as a high density foam roller :-) can't wait to get then, already feeling like I could use a massage haha

jaxdiablo

I have both - helps you pinpoint different areas.

hard foam roller and I have a Tiger Tail - recommended by my PT.

Ditto, we have both. if it's one or the other go for the roller. I don't know the brand, it's big and black and was recommended by the personal training company at my gym.

Two things...
1. I don't run that much, but I get really sore so I'll have to look into the "stick" I used foam rollers and they helped a bit, but not much.

2. Are we sure we're talking about something to help with sore muscles? lol

DayAtATime

I use the foam roller and it has been a blessing in my life. I use it for my piriformis muscle and it has relieved ongoing constant pain.

monkeymomof3

Funny this topic showed up!

I just ordered "the Stick" and it should be arriving tomorrow. I currently foam roll but want something to REALLY loosen my calves.

Also, "foot rubz" foot massage balls are awesome after runs. Pop them in the fridge or freezer for a nice cool treat on the feet.

oh my gosh...foot rubz...I had never heard of these but my feet are almost always the one place that is sore! lol...need to get me some! May pick up a rolling pin as well

katatak1

When I started using mine, I did a lot of reading up on it. One of the recommendations is that you don't just roll over it. When you hit a spot of extreme tension, let it sit there for a bit until the pain starts to subside. The muscle will relax naturally.

drog2323

I do it old school and on the cheap. I use a wooden dough roller.

never thought of that! great idea!

mlb929

I have a double thump massage tool - it was about $100, which is more expensive than a foam foller, but I've had my massage therapist and physical therapist both told me this was better than a foam roller and worth the investment.

mlb929

I do it old school and on the cheap. I use a wooden dough roller.

never thought of that! great idea!

This is my second tool as well. Everyone that comes to my home laughs at the rolling pin by my chair, thinking I must be chasing DH around the house or beating the kids with it LOL.

kunibob

I've been using a foam roller, and it is fantastic for my quads but after about a month it wasn't doing much for my IT bands any more. I use a tennis ball now for my IT bands and good GOD does it hurt, though it does the job. Thinking of investing in a stick to make it easier to wield...the tennis ball is a bit awkward.

andreabball

http://tptherapy.com/

agreed! I have The Grid TP roller and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
-Andi