The pain expert explains: Neck pain, stiff neck, and the use of fascial rolls to fix it.
I often see clients who have bought a neck roll and are not getting the desired effect. Why is that? Only one roll is bought, in a standard size. It would be better, based on my experience, to get 2 different sizes. One for the neck, (medium size), and one for both sides of the neck (the smaller roll). Yes, the sides. 
Who has thought of it?
How does the customer decide to buy a roll? She / He reads a reviews on “Amazon”, for example. And then buys the cheapest one. What can be bought wrong? It is only a roll.
How many rolls are gathering dust in the cupboard, Ladies and Gentlemen? And this for months. Years? Why?
-The roles are too hard.
-The roles are too uncomfortable.
-The roles cause more pain, although the aim is actually the opposite.
Why do some roles that I use with my clients have a groove in the middle? Not all roles. Some. Because the spine can be embedded there. When I roll the back or the neck. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Why do the rolls I use have different degrees of hardness? Ideally, a sole of the foot is treated with a different hardness compared with the neck, the outside of the thighs or the back. Of course, this is also possible. But it can be really unpleasant. Lets call it that. 
Let us summarise: Degree of hardness of the role – mentioned. Uncomfortable role – mentioned. Something else about the hardness of the roller – I use rollers with a softer, slightly yielding surface structure so as not to strain the neck. The inside of the roll should be harder so that enough pressure can be built up anyway.
Last point – the desired effect is not achieved.
Why is the roller not in continuous use, but is it lying in the drawer or standing in the cupboard? If this roll helps so much. Obviously it does not help well enough!
I believe, based on my experience, that the wrong technique is used when using the rollers. Too fast the speed when rolling, rolled in the wrong direction, too little pressure, too short a rolling time. I did not use rolling as a single form of therapy. I used it as a supplement to my usual treatment.
After the client has understood how to free himself from the pain, he is free to use this supplement for himself. In any case it is beneficial. The aim of all my treatments is to enable the client to free himself from pain without my further support. This means true independence.
To find a therapist who makes the pain disappear – a good goal. What if this therapist is no longer there?
Will the pain come back then? Is this still independence? I invite you to ask me questions if you are interested in the subject.
I will be happy if I have given you some new ideas.
See you next time.
Stay strong.
Matti
