There’s a general buzz around the simple tools known as foam rollers, which are very inexpensive circular (or semi-circular) foam pads that are being used for certain kinds of fitness routines.

So who’s using foam rollers? Lots of athletes, as well as amateur workout participants, are using foam rollers for pre or post workout activities like stretching. Also, many patients recovering from injuries are finding foam rollers to be a good way to keep pressure off of wounded joints, bones or muscles while taking part in home physical therapy work. Runners, swimmers, dancers and many more types of fitness users make foam rollers part of their toolbox.

Then there’s the question of how these items are used. Generally, the user puts the foam roller between their desired body location and the ground, then rolls back and forth. This simple action works muscles and massages the body. Some fitness experts would call his kind of thing a “myofacial release”, but in plain English, it’s generally called a kind of self-massage activity.

There’s also some variety in foam rollers. Lots of users start with a half-roll, where one flat side sits on the ground, and then graduate to a full roller. There are progressive strengths of foam rollers for different body types. Some bargain-hungry shoppers have learned the hard way that foam rollers are specifically crafted to provide adequate levels of resistance – those who went out and bought pool floaters at Wal-mart have roundly confirmed that, for lots of body types, those just don’t do the trick!

But shoppers who found the right rollers for their needs often keep them for years. Some have reported foam rollers to be  useful in dealing with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia. They can be used for helping to ease lower back pain issues, or for alleviating limb cramps. Lots of trainers and individuals see these as multi-purpose tools for helping to build overall body response, where the foam roller adds an element to stretching routines that many coaches and trainers recommend after a power workout.

Of course, targeted use is always key. Just like any other routine, if you have existing problems in muscles, bones or any other kind of condition, consult a doctor before starting a foam roller program. Don’t leap into a do it yourself chiro routine without checking with your local chiropractor. However, used in conjunction with good solid training advice, these tools could be a real help to your body, in recovery, healing and much more, and you could add your name to the long list of people who endorse foam rollers as one of the best new things to come out of the fitness market.