Self Myofascial Release Video Guide: Exercises & Massage 2020!
Is it worth it to do self myofascial release? This video guide will show you the benefit of myofascial exercises and massage!
![Self Myofascial Release [Foam Roller & Massage Stick PROS & CONS!]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JN1ndjLIS0k/maxresdefault.jpg "Self Myofascial Release Video 1")
Research Studies:
- Research studies do show that myofascial release helps 0% with muscle building!
- Where it does help is decreasing inflammation and tightness for about 2-3 hours.
- With good warming up and myofascial release, this can lead to rapid decrease of inflammation over time.
- For more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31948000
Self Myofascial Exercises:
- The key is to perform the exercises for about 30-60 seconds per muscle group.
- This means your quadriceps, your hamstrings and your calf muscles.
- It can also work well for your lower back.
Recommended Myofascial Devices:
We are big fans of foam rollers and massage sticks:
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick
Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit
Price:
$39.95
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
A well reviewed foot massage unit.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won't fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick
Price:
$39.95
Overview:
This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.
Pros:
Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won't fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
Pros:
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Cons:
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
Important Tips:
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:
Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
A well reviewed foot massage unit.
Pros:
Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.
Cons:
A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!
Important Tips:
This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Consider these stretching devices as well:
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$37.97
$24.36
$45.95
$69.95
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won't slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can't balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don't injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn't stretch for you!
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.
Price:
$37.97
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won't slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can't balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Price:
$24.36
Overview:
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Pros:
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Cons:
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Important Tips:
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don't injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Price:
$45.95
Overview:
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Pros:
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Cons:
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
Important Tips:
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn't stretch for you!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$69.95
Overview:
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Consider these creams and gels to help loosen up your muscles for stretching!
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
Price not available
$28.60
$149.99
$19.99
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
$28.60
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
$149.99
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$19.99
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
These are also great devices for bottom of the foot pain!
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
$7.99
$14.24
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Amazing Price, Great Reviews - Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Great reviews - near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don't freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Pros:
Great reviews - near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Price:
$7.99
Overview:
Amazing Price, Great Reviews - Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Pros:
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
Important Tips:
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
$14.24
Overview:
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don't freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):