I am applying some self-relief, but I need a hand. 
My calves have been stiff and sore all day as a result of thinking I didn't need to use my granny gear on any of the hills yesterday. Clearly I did.
So I had a brain-wave and have just been using a rolling pin up and down them, in a foam roller/'the stick' kind of way. How long should I do it for? A couple of minutes on each leg (can manage about 30secs before the pain is unbearable) or do I need to keep at it for longer?
What therapeutic effect is the rolling pin meant to have?
not really sure...but if it hurts it must be doing some good 
think the idea is to get rid of knots, increase blood flow, dunno really, was hoping someone would tell me...
You'd be better off with the other kind of self relief,at least it would take your mind off the pain.
you will not need or be able to do it for long 
a rolling pin is a lot harder than a foam roller and narrower so more pressure.
i now use a thin foam roller and can take one hand and foot off the floor and get lots more pressure but when i started the pain was unbearable but got a lot easier and increased flexibility
the jes...: true, but not for very long
edit: thank you MrSmith!
Update: OWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!
MrS: Is it supposed to hurt more after???
What therapeutic effect is the rolling pin meant to have?
Making his calf muscles feel better than before rolling
Not sure that I'd bother with the rolling pin business. Whatever you do make sure you give it some beans. I was told by the physio that my Achilles snapped because my calf muscle was too tight. Use a hot water bottle on them and do some proper stretch exercises.
1) Face a wall and stand 12 inches away from it.
2) Extend one leg behind you, keeping both feet flat on the floor and your rear knee straight.
3) Lean toward the wall until you feel tension in the calf muscle of the extended leg.
4) Hold for 10 seconds.
5) Repeat with the other leg.
All the best.
MrS: Is it supposed to hurt more after???
not as much as when doing it.
don't do more than a few mins and do your glutes/calves too, after a few days your legs should feel nice and loose plus you can put more pressure on the more you do it.
i don't have to use my roller every day just when my legs feel tight.
Deluded, ta for that. Been doing half-hearted efforts of that sort of stretch throughout the day, but just had a proper go as per your instructions. It feels like I'm not far off cramping up, I don't think the hot weather today has helped, I was sweating cobs just mowing the lawn at 11 this morning. Think I might have an electrolyte drink or else i can see myself being jolted awake at 3 in the morning . will keep stretching too.
Have a lie down with your feet up - as in properly up above your hips and do some calf exercises there. That'll help the gunk drain away and ease your pain.
Thanks all, off to watch telly with my feet up now.
Deluded stretch is good if done well, an alternative stretch would be....
1. Stand with your toes 10-12cm from a door jamb with your right foot pointing forward.
2. Bend you right knee towards the jamb trying to touch it with your patella, if you can touch the jamb then move back slightly.
3. Keep your body weight directly above your right knee, you'll feel where it should be.
4. Add a touch more weight by popping your left foot into the crook of your left knee.
5. Hold for a MINIMUM of 30 seconds.
6. Repeat on left leg.
Works a treat.
You must log in to post.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
