Quick answer: Self Myofascial Release Video comes up often in our clinics. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Self Myofascial Release Video Guide: Exercises & Massage 2020!
Is it worth it to do self myofascial release? This video guide will show you the benefit of myofascial exercises and massage!
Research Studies:
Research studies do show that myofascial release helps 0% with muscle building!
Where it does help is decreasing inflammation and tightness for about 2-3 hours.
With good warming up and myofascial release, this can lead to rapid decrease of inflammation over time.
For more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31948000
Self Myofascial Release Video Guide
Self Myofascial Exercises:
The key is to perform the exercises for about 30-60 seconds per muscle group.
This means your quadriceps, your hamstrings and your calf muscles.
It can also work well for your lower back.
Recommended Myofascial Devices:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon product links below are paid affiliate links; I may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
We are big fans of foam rollers and massage sticks:
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Most new patients are seen the same week.
Handheld massage roller with a cushioned foam center. Original 18-inch model.
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
Pros:
Tiger Tail Original 18-inch handheld massage roller, with a 10-inch cushioned spinning center. Check the current listing for product details before buying.
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain.
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Handheld massage roller with a cushioned foam center. Original 18-inch model.
Pros:
Tiger Tail Original 18-inch handheld massage roller, with a 10-inch cushioned spinning center. Check the current listing for product details before buying.
Cons:
If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain.
Important Tips:
Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.
Pros:
Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.
Cons:
Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.
Important Tips:
Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.
Best Hamstring Stretching Device
Price:
$35.99
Price not available
Price not available
$44.99
Overview:
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)
Pros:
Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.
Cons:
More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.
Important Tips:
Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.
Pros:
Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.
Cons:
The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.
Important Tips:
Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.
Cons:
Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).
Important Tips:
Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.
Pros:
Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.
Cons:
These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.
Important Tips:
Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Consider these creams and gels to help loosen up your muscles for stretching!
Table setup not completed.
These are also great devices for bottom of the foot pain!
Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:
Best Premium Massage Roller
Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.
Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.
Price:
Price not available
$7.99
$12.51
Overview:
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.
Pros:
Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!
Cons:
More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.
Important Tips:
Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick
Pros:
Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.
Important Tips:
Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.
Pros:
Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.
Cons:
It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.
Important Tips:
Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):
Expert Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients with foot or ankle concerns — whether they involve acute injuries, chronic pain patterns, structural deformities, nail problems, or diabetic complications — can access expert fellowship-trained podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. We serve Livingston County patients from our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and Oakland County patients from our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208. Same-week new patient appointments are available; we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. In-office digital X-ray and musculoskeletal ultrasound are available at both locations for same-visit diagnostic imaging. Michigan patients ready for expert foot care can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402.
Heel Pain and Heel Spur Treatment in Michigan: Clinical Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients with heel pain — whether at the plantar heel (plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Baxter’s nerve entrapment), posterior heel (Haglund’s deformity, retrocalcaneal bursitis, insertional Achilles tendinopathy), or medial heel (tarsal tunnel syndrome) — benefit from a clinical diagnosis that identifies the specific cause and directs appropriate treatment. At Balance Foot & Ankle, heel pain evaluation includes weight-bearing X-rays to assess for heel spurs, calcaneal stress fractures, and bony pathology; musculoskeletal ultrasound to characterize plantar fascia thickness and integrity; and clinical testing for nerve entrapment. Treatment is targeted to the confirmed diagnosis: plantar fasciitis responds to custom orthotics, stretching, cortisone injection, and EPAT; insertional Achilles tendinopathy responds to heel lifts, footwear modification, and EPAT; nerve entrapment may require surgical decompression. Michigan heel pain patients can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Michigan Podiatry for Foot Pain: Getting the Right Diagnosis and Treatment
Michigan patients struggling with ongoing foot pain often find that self-care measures and general advice only go so far without knowing the specific cause. At Balance Foot & Ankle, podiatric evaluation identifies the actual diagnosis — distinguishing plantar fasciitis from Baxter’s nerve entrapment, sesamoiditis from turf toe, hammer toe from claw toe, or metatarsalgia from neuroma — and directs treatment that works for the confirmed diagnosis rather than the most common possible cause. Our fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons provide the full range of conservative and surgical treatment options, and we give honest advice about which approach is most appropriate for each patient’s specific situation. Michigan patients can schedule at Balance Foot & Ankle by calling (810) 206-1402 for our Howell or Bloomfield Township office — same-week appointments available.
Comprehensive Michigan Foot Care: What to Expect at Balance Foot & Ankle
Michigan patients who choose Balance Foot & Ankle for their podiatric care receive a thorough evaluation that begins with a detailed history of their foot problem — how long it has been present, what makes it better or worse, what treatments have been tried, and how the pain is affecting their daily activity and quality of life. Physical examination includes gait analysis, structural assessment, range of motion testing, neurological screening, and vascular evaluation when indicated. Weight-bearing digital X-rays are obtained at the initial visit when imaging is indicated. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is available for soft tissue characterization. Patients leave their first appointment with a confirmed or strongly suspected diagnosis, a treatment plan, and realistic expectations for recovery. Balance Foot & Ankle accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. New patients can call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Township Michigan office.
Want to Improve Foot Mobility?
Our podiatrists teach effective self-care techniques and provide professional treatment to keep your feet flexible and pain-free.
Cheatham SW, Kolber MJ, Cain M, Lee M. The effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roll or roller massager on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance: a systematic review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2015;10(6):827-838.
Beardsley C, Skarabot J. Effects of self-myofascial release: a systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015;19(4):747-758.
Schroeder AN, Best TM. Is self myofascial release an effective preexercise and recovery strategy? A literature review. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2015;14(3):200-208.
Insurance Accepted
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are products I personally use and recommend to patients.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles$40–45 The OTC orthotic I recommend most. Sub-$50 before custom orthotics. View on Amazon →
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel$20–25 Natural menthol + arnica topical. FSA-eligible — what I switched my family to from Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel. View on Amazon →
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Week Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-week appointment availability.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
