(CNN) - We all suffer from tightness and soreness from time to time, especially when we exercise. But sports fitness experts are finding that a simple piece of foam can do wonders to help stretch out those problems.
When Todd Bentsen strained his rotator cuff, he had a lot of discomfort. Stretching it out was difficult until his therapist suggested a foam roller.
"One of the reasons I have rotator cuff strain is that I don't hold my shoulder back far enough, so it helps me with alignment and my posture," Bentsen said.
Foam rollers offer many of the same benefits as a sports massage. Designed to stretch out muscles and tendons, the roller breaks down scar tissue that may have grown from a previous injury. It also rolls out tightness and increases blood flow to certain parts of the body.
"It's like a rolling pin we use in the kitchen to stretch out and lengthen out the dough, but instead we are lengthening out and stretching out our muscles," said Gerard Burley with Coach G Fitness.
Melissa Torres has used the roller for back pain issues. She likes it because it's simple and really loosens up the trouble spots.
"I just roll on it, on different parts, usually my back, around my legs, my lower back," she said.
Foam rollers are inexpensive, and with a bit of practice and advice from a good coach, you can target any muscle group.
"People are using them to warm up, to cool down, to help with recovery and prevention of injury," said Burley.
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