Implement Analysis: Vibrating Rollers

by Mitch Hauschildt, MA, ATC, CSCS

This week we’re looking at another implement that a lot of people have questions about…vibrating rollers.

A few years ago, everyone and their brother seemed to come out with a version of a foam roller that vibrates.  Suddenly, it wasn’t good enough to just roll on a foam roller, it had to physically move on its own.  Do they really work?  Are they a fad?  What is the best version?  We answer all of that and more in the video below.  I strongly suggest you take a few minutes and check it out.

My key points with evaluating vibrating rollers are:

• Strength of the vibration: If the vibration isn’t strong enough, it will dampen under a load, especially if someone is a larger individual.  As a general rule, you get what you pay for here.
• Size/Shape:  There are tons of sizes and shapes to pick from these days.  It all depends on what you are planning on using it for.  A ball fits better into the hip than a roller.  A larger roller may work better for larger areas and so on.  Make this decision with the end in mind.
• Texture:  Different rollers have a different texture or design on it.  They may just seem like they are there for looks, but actually different nubs, textures or lines do tend to have a different feeling.  Most of my patients prefer a textured roller over a flat one.
• Cost:  I’m a big fan of getting the best product I can for the money.  Cost definitely plays a factor here because some of these units aren’t cheap.

This information is based on my opinion.  And, while I have tested a number of them, if you have one that you like, feel free to let us know in the comment section.