What Are the Benefits of a RAD Roller?
People often blame muscle and joint stiffness for their body aches, but this discomfort could also be caused by the connective body tissue known as fascia. Fascia-related pain can be relieved by applying pressure to the tissue, either through massage therapy or a self-massage tool such as the RAD roller.
What Is Fascia?
Fascia is the connective tissue that keeps muscles, bones, and organs in place. The tissue stretches as the body moves, helping to maintain body alignment. However, fascia can lose its suppleness due to a sedentary lifestyle, repetitive movement, or overworked muscles. The layers of tissue become thick and dry, tightening around muscles and limiting movement. Over the long term, tissue fibers can develop sensitive knots and adhesions.
How a RAD Roller Helps
Similar in concept to a foam roller, a RAD roller is a massage tool used for a stretching technique called self-myofascial release. This practice involves using pressure to loosen knots and lengthen the fascia to restore its flexibility.
The original RAD roller looks like two balls joined together and is specifically designed for the neck and back. The center groove fits around each spinal joint to release tension without putting stress on the spine's bony protrusions. The roller is also designed to fit between the shoulder blades.
Here are some of the benefits of practicing self-myofascial release using a RAD roller:
- Relieves tension in the back, improving range of motion in the rib cage and at each spinal joint
- Works out adhesions or knots in the fascia to lengthen tissue and restore flexibility
- Gets rid of lymph and waste materials that are stuck by these blockages
- Decreases soreness and pain
- Improves body alignment and muscle imbalances
- Encourages muscles to function at their best
- Helps post-exercise recovery
- Promotes an overall feeling of wellness
Using the RAD Roller
To use the RAD roller, lie on your back with the knees bent. As described in this video, place the roller under the lower back and relax into the tool, feeling a release. Take deep breaths, and then lift the rib cage and move the roller up the back, working toward the base of the skull.
The self-massage tool is available in different levels of firmness. Pick a softer density for sensitive areas or when using a roller for the first time. Higher density rollers dig deeper into muscles. In addition to the original roller, RAD sells individual massage rounds for smaller areas like the jaw, hands, and feet. You can also buy softer recovery rounds and a variety of rods and accessories.
