What is the benefit of foam rolling?

Foam rolling is a great way for the tissues and muscles to get gentle movement, and it also helps mobilize the back and open up the posture. Watch physical therapist Peggy Brill explain the benefits of foam rolling and the proper way to do it.

Transcript

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It will help to open up your posture and allow you to sit up straight or without so much effort. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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Well, foam rolling is a great way-- it not only lets the tissues and the muscles get movement and oxygen flowing

00:25

into them, but it also allows to mobilize your spine. So where your spine gets very stiff, especially for those of us who are all over our computers,

00:32

on our phones, it will help to open up your posture and allow you to sit up straight or without so much effort.

00:40

[MUSIC PLAYING] The best way to do the foam rolling is just get down on the floor or on a mat.

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Put the foam roller across your back, so it's perpendicular to your spine. Lie down on it across your rib cage and then just lift up.

00:55

Bend your knees. Lift up your buttocks. And then just roll your back back and forth on there, almost like you're acting like a roll--

01:02

that you're on a rolling pin for your spine. [MUSIC PLAYING] This is going to relax those muscles,

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and it's also going to mobilize your back that-- your midback that will help your lower back to relax and help you to be able to sit up with better

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posture, with less effort. [MUSIC PLAYING]