What do fascia rolls really do?

The most important points in brief

• The fasciae are layers of connective tissue that form a shell for bones and tendons, but also for organs and muscles.
• They form a protective layer and create connections between the different parts of the body.
• But fasciae can stick together and cause pain in the body.
• Fascia rolls are considered to be a miracle cure for preventing this pain and releasing possible tension.

When fasciae are stuck together, we usually feel some tension in the corresponding parts of the body. Sometimes, however, a real pain can arise that makes training impossible. But where do sticky fasciae come from?

Why do fasciae stick together?

There could be several reasons for this. For example, the fasciae can start to stick after you have had an operation, as the protective layers are then often damaged. But a (sports) injury can also be responsible. Excessive and one-sided physical stress often also causes fasciae to stick together, as does insufficient regeneration. And stress in everyday life or insufficient exercise can attack the fasciae and cause sticking.

But what happens when the fasciae stick to the muscles, tendons or bones? First of all, this creates a certain pressure or tension. This tension either leads directly to a painful feeling, but it can also express itself in such a way that you are immobile in the corresponding part of the body or a feeling of tension spreads. But there is a remedy.

Fascia rolls with several positive effects

The foam roller - also known as the black roll - offers the possibility of self-massage. This allows you to loosen the sticky and inelastic fasciae and thus relieve pain, pressure and tension. This immediately leads to more mobility and, on top of that, to a strengthening of the connective tissue. If you use the fascia roll regularly, it will soon have a positive effect on the blood circulation.

This also stimulates - another good side effect - the supply of the muscles and tendons with nutrients, which in turn is good for the connective tissue. This not only makes it stronger, but also gains elasticity. It is practical that the use of fascia rolls is suitable for every part of the body - hips, back, calves, neck and so on.

Fascia roll - effect and application

In addition to relieving pain and tension, ligaments, muscles and tendons become more resilient over time thanks to the fascia roll, and you also prevent injuries. Further effects are an improved skin structure, an - often significantly - shortened period of time until the muscles have regenerated and the stimulation of the metabolism. Overall, you will also enjoy a more harmonious body feeling.

It is very easy to use, by the way. Before or after exercising, lie down with the appropriate muscle area on the tense or painful area and roll over the muscle. As soon as the pain starts, stay in the same position for a few seconds and then continue to roll very slowly. With the use of the legs and arms, you can reduce or increase the pressure or intensity at the painful area as you wish.

By the way: You can also use a fascia ball to precisely eliminate adhesions, tension and pain in the fascia. The balls can not only be used for exercises on the floor, but also on the wall.