Review: R8 Roll Recovery

In the past few posts I have mentioned using the R8 Roll Recovery tool that I received for Christmas . Having used this for almost a month now, I am in love with this roller and want to share my thoughts.

I will start off by saying that I really dislike the foam roller, and not for the obvious reasons. Most people don't like rolling around on the floor trying to manipulate the roller under some of their sore muscles or don't make time for this on a regular basis. While this is also true for me, my main dislike of the foam roller is that it never applies the right amount of pressure to some of my trouble spots. It is also really hard for a large foam roller to get into some of the areas that bother me.

Enter the Roll Recovery massage roller. This is a deep tissue massage roller that does all the work for you. After using this for several weeks, here is what I like about it:

• It is small and you can use it anywhere. No more having to roll around on the carpet or mat. The small design means the "wheels" can get into smaller and harder to reach areas of your body
• The pressure is much greater than any foam roller or massage stick. I am able to apply greater force that really gets into the trouble spots I have
• The range of motions is amazing. Instead of having to use your body to roll against a foam roller, you can manipulate this tool in many directions and places on your body
• Only a few minutes makes a huge difference. There is an instant "flushing" out of fluid and improvement in circulation. I instantly feel a difference in my legs after only a few rolls around the different parts of my legs. 

When I was dealing with my hamstring strain, the only relief I was ever able to achieve was using the painful Graston technique. The Roll Recovery tool finally stacks up to Graston. My biggest trouble area is the small spot on the upper part of my hamstring that connects to my butt. No foam roller can get to this spot, and the massage stick I use does not apply enough pressure. With the R8 I can easily get to this sensitive spot with enough pressure to instantly feel release. 

I never realized how tight my hips and IT band were after a run until I started using this. After ending a run, I would use the R8 and would instantly feel a difference. Before using it, my legs would feel stiff and heavy. After less than 5 minutes, I feel as if my legs are flushed out of all the fluid buildup and I have noticed my circulation is so much better. In the past I would struggle after hard runs with inflammation and I have not dealt with this since using this roller.

I strongly recommend this massage roller to anyone who runs, especially those that hate the foam roller or have not found relief from it. I was initally skeptical but figured I could ask for this "luxury" item for Christmas and I wish I had bought this sooner. Going into marathon training season I feel that this is an absolute game changer for recovery and preparation for back to back runs.