Review on Soma System Portable Muscle Massage Roller [Soft] - Ultimate Solution for Self-Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, & Physical Therapy. Relieve Neck & Back Pain, Perfect for Pilates by Stephanie Mann

Over the past few years I've been experimenting with different myofascial releases to relieve tension and pain. The SOMA Muscle Roll is the winner for effective and quick action on hard-to-reach and deep areas of the back, hips and thighs. The dual rubber wheels are small and strong so they can reach hard-to-reach places and they are adjustable. I have been teaching Pilates for a number of years and all of my clients, like me, have muscle tightness in some part of their body. Using SOMA tools like the SOMA Muscle Roller before a workout helps relieve tension and allows us to move more freely and fully. I have found that with a muscle roller I can achieve more effective and faster relaxation of the thigh (side, back and front) and lower leg than with a large foam roller or a ball. Over the past few years I have had back tension and pain on a regular basis. I've found the SOMA Muscle Roller to be very effective in helping me find tight spots and relax when I'm lying on the floor with the roller under my back. My back felt relaxed and loose after using muscle rollers for just a week. Sometimes I use two muscle rollers under my back, one on top of the other. I also have a slightly stiffer blue SOMA muscle roller. When using back rolls, I lie on the floor with my knees raised and feet on the floor. I start with rolls under the lower back and then move up the back. First I lie motionless over the rollers, then I let my upper body swing slightly forward, back and side to side, the pelvis lowers and then rises slightly. Sometimes I put a small SOMA foam roller under my head for support. When I swing my upper body back and forth, my head swings along on the foam roller and my neck is also freed. When it comes to the upper back, I like to use both muscle rollers together, with no headrest, so the exercise allows for both myofascial relaxation and chest (upper back) extension.