Course Description:  In Introduction to Myofascial Foam Rolling, students learn to use soft foam rollers to glide and shear muscles and the surrounding fascia, like myofascial massage. Foam rolling is an effective way to soften fascial adhesions and scars, increase range of motion (ROM) and stretch muscles.

In the Advanced Myofascial Foam Rolling class, soft balls and stretchy bands are added to the routine. The soft foam balls stimulate lymphatic flow which will decrease inflammation and speed healing. Stretchy bands help isolate specific muscles and activate nerves that strengthen the targeted myofascial unit.

Both the Introduction and Advanced classes are comprised of five 1 and 1/2 hour sessions, where each session builds competency and confidence. These are facilitated foam rolling sessions where students learn to place and manipulate foam rollers to address pain, hypertonicity, trigger points, tender points and adhesions. In the advanced class, learn to apply additional myofascial tools including stretchy bands and soft myofascial balls.

Myofascial Foam Rolling presents self-care protocols for hands, arms, back, neck, knees, and other problem areas. These are not typical lead and follow sessions.  ZOOM allows for observation and corrections in the moment as students practice.  The goal is to develop flexible exercise routines that can address tightness, difficulty in movement or pain. Beginners and experienced practitioners can benefit from this class.  Protocols are easy to learn and practice can be adapted on the spot for medical conditions. 

Myofascial Foam Rolling creates mindful and focused movement and pressure with the roller (and myofascial foam balls, and stretchy bands in the advanced class).  Students learn to apply a somatic tool that will positively impact body awareness, flexibility, functionality, and muscle strength and lymphatic flow (in the advanced class).

We will explore:

  • Research indicating the positive effects of myofascial foam rolling and bodywork
  • How foam rolling creates glide and shear to put a two way “stretch” on fascia, like myofascial massage
  • How advanced foam rolling engages the neuromuscular component of myofascia to strengthen the myofascia
  • Opportunities to practice foam rolling protocols for upper back, chest, arms, pelvis, hips, legs and neck for self-care
  • Using Myofascial Foam Rolling to soften and lengthen fascia and muscles and to wake up the nervous system connections to targeted myofascia
  • Adapting Foam Rolling for special conditions