What Are The Benefits Of Roller Massage Table?

A roller massage table is a chiropractic device designed for massage, traction, mobilization of the spine and relaxation. The table has a moving set of rollers that provide a kneading massage motion along the length of the back. The rollers travel up and down the table surface, providing gentle pressure and mobilization of the tissues.

Roller massage tables offer many benefits for chiropractic patients and clients seeking soft tissue work and mobilization. The rhythmic rolling motion can help improve circulation, ease muscle tension, enhance flexibility, reduce pain and stiffness, boost recovery, and promote overall relaxation of the back muscles. The tables allow chiropractors to provide a combination of massage, spinal traction, and other mobilization techniques during treatment sessions.

Improves Circulation

Using a roller massage table can help improve circulation in several ways according to studies. One study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that foam rolling helped venous return, which is the flow of blood back to the heart through the veins.

The compression from roller massage can help push blood through the veins and lymph vessels, reducing swelling and edema. Research also shows it enhances vascular function and reduces arterial stiffness.[1] This leads to improved blood flow throughout the body.

Overall, the increased pressure applied during roller massage provides circulation benefits by helping move blood through the veins and arteries. This can relieve swelling, improve flow, and enhance vascular health.

Relieves Muscle Tension

Using a roller massage table can help relieve muscle tension by breaking up trigger points and releasing lactic acid buildup in the muscles.

The pressure applied by the rollers mimics the kneading and stroking motions of a massage therapist to target tense, knotted up muscles. This helps break up trigger points, which are tight knots in the muscle that cause pain and stiffness. The rolling motion increases blood flow to improve circulation, which flushes out lactic acid that accumulates from strenuous exercise (https://www.tptherapy.com/foam-rollers.html).

The textured surface of the rollers provides a deep tissue massage. This myofascial release technique loosens the fascia connective tissue surrounding muscles to reduce muscle soreness. Using a roller massage table regularly helps keep muscles relaxed and supple (https://www.bodyback.com/products/quatro-limb-roller).

Enhances Flexibility

Using a roller massage table can help enhance flexibility in several ways. The pressure from the rollers helps stretch and elongate the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. Fascia can become tight and restrictive over time, limiting range of motion. Rolling stretches and softens the fascia, allowing for greater mobility and flexibility (Chronic Effects of Foam Rolling on Flexibility and Range of Motion: A Systematic Review).

In addition, rolling increases blood flow to the muscles being massaged. This provides them with more nutrients and oxygen, allowing the tissues to move and stretch more freely. The gentle compression loosens stiff muscles and helps them relax. With routine use, rolling can improve overall flexibility and mobility (Foam Rolling: 8 Magic Moves That’ll Relax All the Tension Away).

Reduces Pain

Using a roller massage table can help reduce muscle soreness and pain by releasing endorphins and blocking pain signals. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers that provide a sense of euphoria and relief from discomfort. The pressure from the rollers activates the release of endorphins, which not only ease pain but also improve mood.

The massage technique of the roller table also temporarily blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. The rolling pressure stimulates the nociceptors, which are pain receptors that send signals along nerve fibers. This stimulation interferes with the transmission of pain signals to the brain, providing temporary pain relief.

Studies show massage therapy reduces levels of substances involved in pain perception, like norepinephrine. One study found just 5 minutes of self-myofascial release with a roller reduced muscle soreness and percevied pain in the quadriceps (Source).

Boosts Recovery

One of the most powerful effects of roller massage is how it helps to boost recovery after exercise. Massage flushes out metabolic waste and lactic acid that builds up in the muscles during intense exercise. This aids in reducing muscle soreness and fatigue (Cheatham, 2015). By breaking up knots and tension in the muscles through massage, fresh oxygenated blood can flow in to repair damaged tissue. Increased circulation delivers nutrients to the muscles needed for rebuilding and recovery. Using a roller massage table allows you to fully relax while getting the benefits of myofascial release. Targeting large muscle groups like the legs after a hard workout can greatly accelerate the body’s natural recovery abilities.

Research has shown that self-myofascial release techniques like foam rolling can improve joint range of motion and flexibility both before and after exercise (Cheatham, 2015). The compression and relaxation phases of the massage help to lengthen tight muscle tissues. The R8 roller massage tool from Roll Recovery provides deep pressure to penetrate deep muscle layers (Roll Recovery, n.d.). The unique multi-density design allows the R8 to mimic the feel of a massage therapist’s hands. By increasing blood flow and range of motion to exercised muscles, roller massage helps you to bounce back faster and reduce soreness.

Sources:

Cheatham, S. W., Kolber, M. J., Cain, M., & Lee, M. (2015). The effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roll or roller massager on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance: a systematic review. International journal of sports physical therapy, 10(6), 827.

Roll Recovery. (n.d.). R8TM deep tissue massage tool. Roll Recovery. https://rollrecovery.com/products/r8-new

Improves Posture

Using a roller massage table can help improve your posture by releasing tight muscles and realigning your spine. According to https://fayazneurosurgery.com/improve-your-posture-with-a-foam-roller/, foam rolling the muscles along your back and hips can help relieve muscle tension that pulls your body out of alignment. As the roller stretches and massages these tight areas, it allows your spine to return to a more optimal posture.

Specifically, rolling the thoracic region of your back can help counteract the rounding shoulders and forward head posture that many people develop from sitting at a desk all day. This extension exercise elongates the thoracic spine to align the back and open up the chest. According to https://www.surreyphysio.co.uk/top-5/best-5-foam-roller-exercises-to-improve-your-posture/, this simple foam rolling move can help combat poor posture over time.

Overall, by using a roller massage table to regularly roll out tight muscles, you can keep your body aligned and maintain an upright, stable posture.

Reduces Cellulite

One of the major benefits of using a roller massage table is that it can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite forms when fat deposits push up against the connective tissue under the skin, causing a dimpled appearance. The mechanical pressure from a roller massage can help break up those deposits and smooth out the skin’s surface.

Specifically, rolling massage stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which helps remove toxins and excess fluid from the tissues. This helps improve the skin’s texture and reduce the bumpy look of cellulite. The massage action also increases collagen production, leading to firmer and smoother looking skin over time.

According to one study, using a roller massage for 12 weeks led to a measurable reduction in the appearance of cellulite in women. The women experienced improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and firmness (https://www.amazon.com/cellulite-roller/s?k=cellulite+roller).

Regular use of a roller massage can remodel the skin’s connective tissue and smooth out the fat deposits that cause a dimpled, uneven look. Over time, rolling massage can visibly improve cellulite-prone areas for smoother, firmer, and healthier looking skin.

Promotes Relaxation

Using a roller massage table can help promote relaxation by calming the nervous system and reducing stress levels. The rolling and kneading motion helps relax tight muscles and release built-up tension. This stimulation sends signals to the brain to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for lowering heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. As a result, feelings of anxiety and stress are decreased.

A study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience showed that massage therapy helps reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone. The rhythmic pressure and movement of massage is thought to help decrease activity in the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight or flight” response. With less stimulation in the sympathetic system, the body can relax and enter into a calmer state (1).

In addition, massage techniques improve circulation and body awareness. This helps quiet mental chatter and brings focus to the present moment. Massage therapy has been shown to enhance mood and overall well-being. The relaxation benefits are further amplified when using a roller massage table, as it allows the body to fully surrender and melt into the table (2).

(1) Field et al. Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy

(2) Bodyback. Benefits of Massage.

Conclusion

In summary, roller massage offers numerous benefits for health and wellness. Regular use can boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, enhance flexibility, reduce pain, speed recovery, improve posture, minimize cellulite appearance, and promote relaxation. The unique pressure applied by the rollers triggers positive physiological effects throughout the body.

Roller massage is simple to perform, requiring only a table and some basic technique. It can be done solo or with a partner. Sessions can range from 5-60 minutes depending on individual needs and time constraints. Many find the massage deeply therapeutic for both mind and body.

For those seeking to relieve pain, recover faster, improve flexibility, destress, enhance skin texture, or maintain overall wellness, roller massage is highly recommended. Investing in a quality roller massage table for home use can facilitate regular self-care and deliver lasting benefits over time. Consistency is key, so aim to incorporate sessions into a weekly wellness routine.