To make it simple, this guide will explain how Foam Rolling’s affects on your body, so that you can understand the science behind it.
Myofascia. This is a word which means “muscle band” ;“myo” meaning “muscle”and“fascia”meaning“band”. And that is, in essence, what it is. It is
basically a web, but a three dimensional one. It is made of elastin and collagen
connective tissue fibres, and is surrounded by a viscous fluid. This is so that it can
make the fascia strong, but very flexible. The fluid acts as a medium for
transportation, as well as lubrication.
Trigger point. This is the cause of a large percentage of chronic pain. To be
simple, a “trigger point” means a point that is very irritable and sensitive. It is
normally located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. One of the most common causes are microscopic tears in the fascia, which connect to your muscles. This can be caused by trauma or repeated stress…such as exercise. Other times, it can be caused by having an unhealthy posture, as well as by repetitive tasks (such as typing).
Because so many of these fascial tears occur because of repetitive activity, they are far more likely to happen again than other injuries. When it is repaired repeatedly by your body, more and more tissue starts to build up, forming a lump in the muscle fibre. This is a trigger point. There, the fascia becomes locked in a contraction and cannot relax. This is because the muscle has become shorter with every time it was repaired, and a protective barrier forms to protect against any further damage. If the muscle fascia has reached its shortest possible point, a
trigger point will form.
Most commonly, this trigger point will cause pain in the local area, or even spread
to other places. This can cause a limited range of motion in the muscle. If you palpate the trigger point, it will cause pain over the general area, but can also cause a radiating pain or a muscle twitch. Common conditions related to trigger points incluce sciatica, sinusitis, lower back pain, and headaches
