Sports Medicine Institute

     
     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
     The following instructional guides were put together
     for use by active, healthy individuals.
We hope that
     you benefit from the information they provide and that they
     will keep you healthy and help you achieve your athletic
     goals. If you have any comments or suggestions please
     send them to mark[at]smiweb.org.

     Disclaimer: When done correctly by following the
     guidelines provided, these exercises should be safe and
     effective. If at any time you feel pain or discomfort while
     performing an exercise
STOP IMMEDIATELY and seek
     medical attention.

     Before starting any of the exercises outlined in these
     packets please consult with a medical doctor to insure that
     you are capable of undertaking these activities and that you
     do not have any conditions that would prevent you from
     performing them without the possibility of injury or harm.


A Guide to the Foam Roller
A Guide to the Foam Roller
We at SMI have found that the foam roller should be an integral part of every athlete's daily routine. Regular use of the roller can be beneficial for enhancing performance, preventing injuries, and expediting injury recovery.

Injury Prevention for Runners
A Guide to the Foam Roller
Stretching and strengthening exercises to help correct imbalances which can develop among different muscle groups. If these imbalances persist, the stress on particular areas of the body may result in injury.

Core Strength Guide
A Guide to the Foam Roller
It is imperative for every athlete to have a strong core. The muscles that make up the core help to prevent excessive movement of the pelvis. An unstable pelvis will put unnecessary strain on many of the body's structures.

Injury Prevention for Triathletes
A Guide to the Foam Roller
The body circuit is specifically designed for distance runners. The program has been broken down into four 4-week phases. The most effective way to utilize this program is to begin the first phase 4 months before your goal event.

A Guide to the Slant
for greater calf flexibility
A Guide to the Foam Roller
Stretching exercises to help to corrent imbalances which can develop below the knee. If these imbalances are allowed to persist they may place undue stress on particular areas of the lower leg which may ultimately result in injury.

Calf/Achilles Tendon Strengthening
A Guide to the Foam Roller
These exercises are specifically designed to strengthen the calf/achilles complex and prepare it for the stresses it must withstand during running.

Plantar Fascia Pain
A Guide to the Foam Roller
When plantar problems are left untreated and become chronic, the plantar fascia starts to degenerate. This complicates the problem and may severely prolong the recovery and rehab process.