Foam roller or stick roller?

jaded082
jaded082 Posts: 107 Member
edited November 8 in Fitness and Exercise
So I know very little about both although I do have a foam roller I got a couple months ago. I don't use it as much as I should as I still am not really sure how to use it properly. But the areas I do, it makes a huge different when I am sore.

I am just curious what others think of the two? Is one better than the other? And for pete sake, where can I learn how to more efficiently use the foam one I have?? lol

Replies

  • EllaIsNotEnchanted
    EllaIsNotEnchanted Posts: 226 Member
    edited November 2014
    I would utilize the web: sooo many youtube resources.

    Though you are utilizing the web by asking the question on what you can do, so good work... Youtube is great for a visual aid.

    The foam roller seems good for stretches and tension release. Really popular after being sore. There is technique for the back, leg, and even arm.

    The stick seems really good for access to the legs, but looks harder for access to other areas of the body (back).

    Both are pretty much used similar to a massage: primarily stimulating blood circulation.
  • lyttlewon
    lyttlewon Posts: 1,118 Member
    Both. I use a foam roller on myself. For my calves I have another person use the stick roller to get better pressure than I can on my own. Youtube has tons of foam rolling help.
  • amybg1
    amybg1 Posts: 631 Member
    Honestly use both, one will compliment the other. The Stick/TigerTail/whatever you have is good to work on the legs for the hip flexors, IT bands,etc though i find you don't use as much pressure using it as you do a conventional roller. It's also more space-saving obviously and I must say is quite handy on-the-go. The grips on the stick do well in working out knots...Trust me
  • veloman21
    veloman21 Posts: 418 Member
    I use foam rollers and one called a Triggerpoint. Excruciating....... but in a good way :-)
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Both. Which I use depends on what muscle(s) need attention. Some muscles are easier to hit with something handheld.

    If I could only have 1, I'd go with a foam roller.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    LAX ball works wonders too- not every tool is great for the whole body- no way I could tiger tail my IT bands- but I can handle it on my hammy's or my quads.

    I'd agree if I had to own one- it'd be a foam roller.

    (supplimented with a 3$ LAX ball and I'm pretty set)
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    JoRocka wrote: »
    LAX ball works wonders too

    Agreed... great on your glutes.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Another vote for having and using both. Check youtube for videos (there are lots) or set up a session with a massage therapist or PT to have them demonstrate the different techniques........money well spent!
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    edited December 2014
    I use both also. Foam roller is great for large muscle groups like hams, quads and back. The stick roller is great for neck/trap area, forearms, triceps, calves or when you cant roll on the ground.

    I use a baseball for glutes. Cheap and works great.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    jacksonpt wrote: »
    JoRocka wrote: »
    LAX ball works wonders too

    Agreed... great on your glutes.
    yup... I get a lot of milage out of mine for the scapula/lat issues I have- I get knots up there btw the spine and the scapula- that no amount of rolling can fix.

    LAX ball to the resuce!!!

    also that top hammy tie into the glutes- ball is perfect for working that out in a regular chair. seriously best 3$ I've spent in a LONG time.
  • lyttlewon
    lyttlewon Posts: 1,118 Member
    Oh, balls. I am a runner and I use a tennis ball on my feet. I have a friend who uses a lacrosse ball because it's harder.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    ah ha h ha h ha h ah

    I totally read that in a very BBC Top Gear voice:

    "OH BALLS!!!!!!"

    like "OH DAMNUT"


    baw ha haha ha- totally snorted in my office.
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    Agree with Chris and Jo, Lacrosse Balls are excellent. Foam Rollers don't work on my piriformis or quadratus lumborum, a Lax ball is the only way I can really get those muscles. A foam roller and lax ball should take care of about anything, maybe a tennis ball if a lax ball is too much for you.
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