We all wake up stiff and sore every once in awhile. Whether we went for an extra-long run the day before or just slept in an unusual position, sometimes our bodies just don’t want to cooperate with us. Professional athletes have just as much, if not more, chronic pain as we do, but they need to go out perform day after day. So how do they knock that pain out and get back to work?

Foam rolling is one of the best ways to relieve everyday pain. Most gyms and sporting goods stores carry foam rollers, but the treatment is still relatively new. Still, there are some techniques you can do at home to help get relief from everyday back and neck pain. Each one takes about thirty seconds, and there are fourteen areas you’ll need to focus on in order to knock out all the pain. That means that you can stretch the pain out of your muscles and joints in just seven minutes! You can find rollers in a number of sizes, surfaces, and densities. When you’re choosing which one is right for you, you need to keep in mind your pressure tolerance. If you’ve ever had a deep-tissue massage, that should give you a good indicator as to how much pressure you can handle. A harder or bumpier roller will increase sensation. Be careful, because while foam rolling may make you feel great when it’s done, it can be uncomfortable to do at first!

Read the full article here: Stave Off Soreness Like a Pro Athlete