Exec Physio Reviews the Best Foam Rollers of 2018 Oct 18 2018
Foam rollers are very popular for use in rehabilitation and physical training. We incorporate the use of them into physiotherapy exercise programs to improve joint mobility, soft tissue flexibility and progression of pilates based core stability exercises.
We have put together this review to help to explain the different foam rollers available so you can choose which roller is right for you.
Review of Our Top 4 Foam Rollers:
1. GRID Foam Roller by Trigger Point Therapy (£34 - £50)
Available in 33cm or 66cm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TriggerPoint-Roller-Online-Instructional-Videos/dp/B0040EKZDY?th=1
We Like:
1. Ridged surface for targeted rolling.
2. Hard wearing; the plastic inner tube means the roll does not soften and become misshapen over time.
The Downside:
1. Both the 33cm and 66cm rollers are too short if you want to lie on it length ways, vertically down the spine.
2. Some people find this roller too hard for sensitive areas such as the Iliotibial band.
2. Stott Foam Roller (£50-£150)
Available in 45cm or 92cm
https://www.physicalcompany.co.uk/stottr-pilates-deluxe-foam-rollers
We Like:
1. Hard wearing; the firm density of this roller makes it long lasting
2. Textured surface provides good grip.
3. Available as a semi circular roller for sitting and balance pilates-based exercises
The Downside:
1. More expensive than other foam rollers on the market and without any clear additional beneifts for the price this is not the best buy in our opinion.
3. PhysioRoom Foam Roller (£12.99 - £23.99) Available in 45cm or 90cm
We Like:
1. Reasonably priced
2. Hard wearing, firm roller
3. The smaller roller is suitable for most areas and is easy to store.
The Downside:
1. The 45cm roller may not be large enough for use on the thoracic spine horizontally depending on shoulder width.
2. The surface of the roller is completely smooth which may make it more diffiuclt to use on slippery surfaces such as laminate floors.
4. PhysioWorld Foam Roller (£20.99)
Available in 90cm
We Like:
1. Softer foam roller for people who cannot tolerate firmer rollers
2. Reasonably Priced
The Downside:
1. It may be too soft to achieve adequate soft tissue release, particularly on large muscle groups such as the hamstrings and quadriceps
2. The roller can soften over time and is not particularly hard wearing. So this is not suitable for heavy use.
Our Best Buy:
Overall, we recommend the PhysioRoom foam roller. It is firm enough for use on the whole
body and offers the best value for money.
For more information on how to use your foam roller please check out our videos:
Still unsure of which foam roller to get? Contact us via the website, email or phone and we will try to provide further guidance for your individual needs.
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