Foam rollers are now seen in almost any gym or therapy clinic. But do we know where foam rollers came from? Moshe Feldenkrais, a doctor of science, a judo master and pioneer in movement science was one of the first to use foam rollers as educational and therapeutic tools. Dr. Feldenkrais developed a method to create better learning conditions for human development, the Feldenkrais Method.
I was fortunate to discover foam rollers in the early years of my Feldenkrais® training and fell in love with them. I soon adopted them into my physical therapy practice and found that they assisted me in teaching people the many benefits of the Feldenkrais Method. For the last 7 years I have been working on a foam roller design to continue to assist people towards self care. While traditional foam rollers can be very helpful tools,they may not be right for everyone. Many people cannot tolerate their standard round shape, height and firmness. They can be too uncomfortable or even painful to lie on. As a balance training aid, a traditional round roller is very challenging -- often too unstable for many people to stand on. Even half round rollers, with one flat side and one round, are an incomplete solution; they restrict movement, they are not anatomically friendly, and in some positions, their hard corners pinch the skin.
The SMARTROLLER® is a patented design that solves these problems with its unique dual-curve design. The revolutionary new shape takes the advantages of traditional round and half round rollers to the next level, making a much more versatile tool for Relaxation and Relief, Fitness and Sports, mind-body disciplines like Pilates, Yoga and Feldenkrais® as well as Therapy and Rehabilitation.
Please be sure, as with any exercise equipment, you are cleared by your heath professional to use the SMARTROLLER®.
Go to OPTP to order your SMARTROLLER® today.
2 comments:
The Smartroller offers a new dimension in the use of foam rollers for balance, strengthening, and body awareness as part of an over-all fitness program.
The more rounded side increses the pressure on the spinous processes thereby assisting in the unloading, lengthening and re-alignment of the vertebral bodies and discs in preparation for strengthing of the most important spinal support muscle--the Erector Spinae. The flatter side offers a greater challenge to balance when lying on the roller, thereby stimulatig the nervous system and postural support muscles and .
The Smartroller has added another dimension to my program, The Meeks Method, in the management of the patient with osteoporosis and compression fracture.
I use my own Smartroller several times a week in my own personal fitness program.
Sara M. Meeks, PT, MS, GCS
I had completely forgotten about the old wooden rollers.
You new design looks great.
- Ryan
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