Pro-Tec Athletics Foam Roller, Deep Tissue Massage Roller for Recovery, Therapy, Flexibility, Circulation, and Muscle Release

I use this roller for my back. It accommodates the spine nicely, having no ridges in the center. On the floor, I roll from my low back to the top of my shoulders. Carefully but with full weight, feet on the carpet, using my legs to push my body up and back with the roller traveling from lower to upper back and returning. I keep my spine in the center of the roller. I gives me a very nice back massage. With full weight overtop this roller, it gives a pretty deep massage. So I'm careful to start with speedier passes for a gentler intro. Then I transition to slower passes that go deeper. If I'm careful, it seems healthful. If haphazard, it has made me sore. UPDATE: after using this around a year, I've gotten used to it and grown to like it more and more. The "Y" shaped ridges really work on your back, they knead the muscles well. The design keeps ridges away from the spine, unlike many other roller designs. I upgraded my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars. It is the best roller I've found for my back.

I have lower back pain, related to arthritis and sitting in a chair working at the computer all day. I saw this roller, and thought it might be useful, though was a little skeptical since these things often don't actually work. I've had it for a month now, and it does help my back. I use it twice a day for a few minutes each time, rolling on it up and down my lower back, putting as much weight from my back on it as I can. It doesn't entirely remove the stiffness and pain, but probably reduces it about 50%. If I used it more, it might do more. One downside is the instructions are limited so you have to play around with it to figure out how to use it with your own particular problem. That takes some time. It does seem durable and hasn't noticeably degrade from having my weight on it over the month. I definitely would buy it again. And I was not paid by the company to review the product, I paid full price for the product.

I bought it as most probably did as used by the author of the Bible of back pain, Christopher Kidowski. I looked for a cheaper version for a long time and finally gave up. Definitely over priced but I couldn’t find anything cheaper. As for the use, it is surprisingly uncomfortable and harder to roll up and down on your back then you might think. You need a surface that your feet can really grip on so carpet does not work. As a medical doctor, I believe his theory has some merit and I’m willing to try it. He is correct that all the bodies connective tissue is connected and they just don’t teach that in medical school the way he presents it. And it is certainly true that you can develop contractures and tight spots/trigger points in muscles and joints. Currently I have no disc problems but just arthritis in the posterior elements of the spine. My only pain now is in one SI joint, and I’m really hoping this will help because I have to wear a back brace to get through the day. My other comments are about the ball exercises so I will put them under my lacrosse ball purchase.

That is the decision you need to make before purchasing a foam roller. This one is unique in it has the Y ridges that make it perfect (only?) choice for someone looking to make fewer visits to chiro, even masseuse. All the others that I've seen are to help with stretching and sore muscles whereas the Y-Roller is all about getting after those knots and pinches, as well as minor spinal alignment/adjustments. A couple of recommends: 1) think of the Y roller like a set of tracks--remember the Autopia ride at Disneyland!? if you get those tracks right under your scapula, you can roll back and forward directing your movement so that you follow one track or another getting after your trouble spots from all directions without having to reposition the roller. 2) when you're after re-alignment of the upper spine and you have the single-track right up against one side of your spine, roll back and forward several times while changing where you put your arms--try "hugging yourself, extending your arms out behind you, in front and to the side until you find the position that works best for you and what your after. 3) the high density foam spines on this roller are not for everyone. consider if you like deep tissue or swedish massage. if you answer the latter, you may be looking for a less aggressive roller--don't purchase this and badmouth it, it's perfect for those of us who are of the mindset that there is no pleasure without pain. 4) it's absolutely the perfect dimension for stowing in your carry on, never leave home without it! 5) reviewers complaining about too small or difficult to balance on when aligning single-track to spine are likely on the larger size. if you're fit and/or average build you'll have no trouble figuring out how to balance over it. consider placing yourself close to a step, chair or other furniture you can reach back to and use for stabilizing the first few times or for particularly precarious 'floats'.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: This was considered a beginner's roller and now I understand why! It is extremely painful to use, but I feel better after using it! It was a good decision to not select one with ridges or knobby areas!

I used to have a back roller with a smooth foam pad and after 10 years, it degraded so much we had to get rid of it. Lately, the only rollers I've been able to find (and bought) have been the ones with a corrugated like surface which is a lot harder on the back. Glad to have found this one which, while it's not the same as the one we used to have, it works great for our backs.

Bought this for travel and love that I can pack things inside it.

Muy bueno

good product ... reliable, tough materials satisfied

Love this for foam rolling. Also have been using it as a prop in Pilates variations

This is great to use every day on your legs to keep you running. We have been using this product for over a year and we liked it so much we sent this one to our relatives