15/08/2026
Foam rolling isn’t necessarily useless, but the explanation you’re often given for why it works is.
Rolling around on a foam roller or smashing a lacrosse ball into a “tight” muscle isn’t physically breaking down adhesions, trigger points or reshaping your fascia.
What it can do is temporarily change how you perceive discomfort and movement, which can make an area feel less stiff or more comfortable for a short period of time.
And there’s nothing wrong with using it if you enjoy it or find it useful.
The problem is when it becomes a mandatory part of your rehab or warm-up because you’ve been told your muscles are “tight” and need to be broken apart.
If you need to foam roll every single day just to feel normal, it might be worth asking whether there’s a better way to address what’s actually limiting you.