Isn’t it funny how moms always seem to have the time and money for a massage whenever they want one? Just kidding! Most of us are lucky if we can squeeze in a quick shower between tossing a meatloaf in the slow cooker and tidying up the bathroom. With all the nursing, baby-toting, house cleaning, and endless mom duties, I’d say we definitely deserve a massage. But finding the time or resources for one can be tricky, especially when our partners are just as exhausted.
Before my current pregnancy, I used to do Crossfit regularly. Because of previous complications like placenta previa and a partial abruption, intense workouts weren’t advisable until we knew the placenta’s position. One thing I really missed about Crossfit was the foam rollers available there. They always recommended foam rolling after workouts, and there was a variety to choose from, including basic foam ones that didn’t work for me and homemade versions made from PVC pipes.
Some of these rollers were covered with a soft layer, while others were just bare PVC pipes, which felt the most effective but were quite painful. I own a Rumble Roller, which I’ve had for years, but it’s a bit too intense during pregnancy. I wanted something smoother and since new foam rollers can be expensive, I decided to make a DIY version inspired by the ones at Crossfit.
From my experience, using a foam roller feels incredible after a workout and can provide muscle relaxation similar to a massage. Many claim that foam rolling can benefit muscle fascia, which is the connective tissue covering our muscles. This tissue can get tight, leading to stiffness, and specialized massage, known as myofascial release, can relieve this tension and improve flexibility. A study even showed that foam rolling could enhance range of motion without affecting performance. Other studies suggest it boosts the effectiveness of stretching and supports proper fascia development since our bodies continually produce this tissue.
Foam rollers are often dubbed the “poor man’s massage” because they allow people to enjoy self myofascial release benefits at home. I preferred the firm, smooth handmade rollers at Crossfit over my Rumble Roller, which acts more like a deep tissue massage tool. I realized making a PVC foam roller at home was simple and cheap, costing me less than $10 because I already had some materials.
I’ve also discovered other simple tools, like lacrosse or tennis balls, to target specific areas or massage the bottoms of my feet. Despite feeling a bit silly, I recently bought a Theracane for those tight spots in my back—it works surprisingly well and is much cheaper than a massage. Another handy option is the MOBO system, offering ways to work on trouble spots from head to toe.
These easy, affordable tools let me enjoy some of the massage benefits at home, in between cooking meatloaf and scrubbing bathrooms. It’s not quite the same as a traditional massage, but I’ll take what I can get! Have you ever used a foam roller or tried a myofascial massage? Did it help you?
