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The Grid, a new foam roller available from TriggerPoint Performance targeting athletes and other people maintaining a fitness routine, may well be an improvement on foam rolling for myofascial release. It sells online for $39.99 + shipping ($9-30 depending on location and priority) compared to the basic 6" x 36" and 6" x 18" foam rollers sold online and in many athletic stores for $15-45 depending on size and quality of the foam.
One of the apparent advantages is that is only 13" long which makes it easily fit in your athletic bag and it does not require a lot of space in the car or at home like a bulky foam roller. The raised gridded surface is composed of several different density foams which will provide a varying depth of penetration, which may be an advantage over a foam roller which provides a single, virtually uniform level of penetration to your soft tissue.
Self myofascial release can be administered anytime and perhaps even more beneficial when used to loosen up your soft tissue immediately before or after a workout session whether it be running, swimming, crossfit, weightlifting, yoga, or pilates.
When a certified myofascial therapist administers myofascial release, they are applying either a "skin stretching" technique or softer massaging penetration as they stroke parallel to the tissue fibers, concentrating on specific bundles, and are able to "feel" the tissue responding and apply varying pressure as they think it requires. Like any specialist, they all have their own beliefs, experience, and interpretations, and who really knows if the full benefits are being realized (at $80/hour). The most well known person today writing and teaching MFR is John Barnes, and he advocates an almost supernatural approach which is a cause of debate.
However, the benefits of MFR is now widely accepted in the medical and health professions. Actual medical research results about combined myofascial release and triggerpoint therapy:
http://www.fasciacongress.org/2009/abstract_pdf/J_088R%20Vagedes%20Myofascial_Release_Triggerpoints_DeepBreathingTraining%5B1%5D.pdf
The major advantage of self maintenance is the money savings. For a minimal one-time fee (less than the cost of a single visit to a myofascial or massage therapist or chiropractor,) a person can enjoy some degree of self myofascial release therapy. It can also be employed at anytime and as often as a person likes, and is much more convenient and time efficient because it eliminates scheduling and tranporting oneself to an appointment. Self myofascial release with the right tool is available when you want and perhaps need it, whereas with a professional, you must wait for your appointment.
While the MFR technique is a gentle manipulation parallel with the fiber bundles, I believe there is also additional benefits by gently stretching tissues in every direction. Other than a CMT or RMT, one of the only ways to achieve this is rolling on a bundle of balls that can move freely in all directions.
And my sales pitch: the ShiatsuBag will allow you to administer self myofascial release and trigger point therapy, plus acupressure, and self massage. You can add or remove the hard and soft balls to adjust the type and amount of tissue penetration, and your movement direction, and speed. Also you can use it anywhere, on any surface, floor, bed, sofa, recliner, car, table, or chair. 30 day money back guarantee or longer if really want your money back. I've sold 100's so far and never had complaint or return, but lots of thank you's.
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