Falling for My Foam Roller

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I’m in love with my foam roller. Since I started physical therapy for greater trochanteric bursitis, I’ve been self-massaging with the Trigger Point foam roller I bought from a local running store. It is one of the best $40 investments I may have ever made in my personal health.

I realize many runners already are familiar with foam rollers, but I didn’t realize what an important part of my running and rehab arsenal one was until I actually owned one -- and, importantly, used it. Now, each morning and evening I settle in to do my prescribed floor exercises and end with a hip roll session to work out the knots and scar tissue built up from a year’s worth of neglect. The orthopedist warned it would hurt like an SOB, and she wasn't wrong.

I also use it to get the kinks out of my back and shoulders after hours sitting in front of a computer. And sometimes I relax at the end of a long day with roller-induced foot massages while watching my current favorite television show, “Revenge.”

I’m sure the exercises, the anti-inflammatory drugs and the electro-stimulation at the PT are helping, but the foam roller is getting the lion’s share of credit. It's pulled me out of my funk and when I’m well enough, it’ll come in handy to get my abs back in shape.

There’s no shortage of usages for one of these gems. And no shortage of videos. Only one more month of this therapy and I should be good as new. Almost. Maybe. Oh, who am I kidding.

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