May is National Osteoporosis Month, and this month we would like to feature our various OPTP foam rollers, which according to the popular Meeks Method helps reduce postural changes associated with osteoporosis.
Foam rollers can be great tools for several of the points of the Meeks Method 12-point approach, including Site-Specific Exercise, Postural Correction, Weight-Bearing Exercise, and Modalities. Let’s take a look at these four points and how our different foam rollers can be of use.
Site-Specific
According to the Sara Meeks website, “Site-specific Exercise”
refers specifically to concentrating on muscle groups in the spine
and hips called the erector spinae and the gluteal muscles. Foam
rollers are made to be site specific, as you can bear weight, roll
and balance on the roller in a variety of positions.
For instance, the OPTP
Dual Foam Smart-Roller is designed with a special shape to
facilitate balancing exercises that can help determine problem
sites and work out contractures. The flat surface on top makes it
more practical to balance on the spine, like the woman in the
photo above.
Postural Correction
Using the OPTP
Dual Foam Smart-Roller is also useful for Postural
Correction. Unhealthy postural changes are associated with
osteoporosis, so using the roller to correct posture strengthens
muscle and bone health.
Weight-bearing Exercise
The third point from the Meeks Method we would like to point out
is the importance of weight-bearing exercise, which the Meeks
Method defines as “bearing the body weight through the bones.”
Lifting weights, using gym equipment or swimming are resistance
exercises, not weight-bearing.
Foam rollers, such as the OPTP
Pro-Roller Soft Pink, are examples of tools that can be used
for weight-bearing. This softer pink roller makes weight-bearing
more comfortable and can prevent putting too much pressure on the
area of the body where weight is being exerted.
Modalities
Finally, the last point we’ll look at is Modalities. This
includes addressing pain and discomfort through a variety of
techniques, including massages and myofascial releases. According
to breakingmuscle.com, self-myofascial release has traditionally
been done with foam rollers, which are usually found only in gyms.
Skip the gym and get a foam roller for home use.
The OPTP Pro-Roller Firm Blue is ideal for self-myofascial release. Roll over this firmer foam roller on problematic muscle groups that need to be loosened. Untying these “muscle knots” will not only make you feel great, but also reduce injury risks.
Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about foam rolling activities that could be beneficial for you and your level of bone strength. Foam rolling is simple but carries a ton of benefits.