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• Specialized massage techniques
• Foam Rolling for Cellulite
• Dry Brushing for Cellulite

Foam rolling is one of the most popular ways for athletes to seek relief and recovery after a workout, but it’s also often recommended for cellulite. Can it really work?

Cellulite, for the uninitiated, is a condition that impacts up to 90% of all women. In fact, it’s so common that calling it a condition isn’t right at all - it might be better to call it a secondary sex characteristic, much like having rounded hips.

Foam rolling for cellulite is a massage technique that allows you to achieve deep muscle and fascia release by yourself, without needing to visit a massage therapist. It’s considered a self-myofascial release technique, which means that it probably helps loosen up tight fascia, to reduce overall fatigue and muscle soreness as well as to improve flexibility during exercise.

In this post, we’ll explore if foam rolling can truly help with cellulite, and if so, how you can do it most effectively! 

Table Of Contents

FAQs: What People Ask About Foam Rolling

How often should I use a foam roller for cellulite reduction?

If your goal is cellulite reduction with foam rolling, you’ll want to start out using the foam roller as often as you can. Once a day for 5 to 10 minutes is probably ideal, and you’ll likely see results within a few weeks or months. With time, you can slow down to only using it a few times a week, which will help you maintain your results. 

Are there any risks associated with using a foam roller for cellulite reduction?

Yes, but they’re mild if you only use foam rollers for cellulite. In general, using foam rollers correctly should be safe, although it may lead to some bruising after the fact. If you experience a lot of bruising, though, you should stop foam rolling and investigate whether you have an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

The risks usually come from using foam rollers for cellulite on the neck, back, or other areas with bones or connective tissue. Risks of improperly using a foam roller include nerve damage, severe bruising, and even short-term paralysis.

If you have any existing health conditions, make sure to speak to your doctor about whether foam rolling is safe for you.  

Is foam rolling a substitute for exercise or not?

Considering foam rolling is the massage of choice for athletes, we think it’s pretty clear that it’s NOT a substitute for exercise. Foam rolling and exercise go hand in hand, helping to keep the body strong, improving blood flow, and preventing pain. That said, neither exercise nor foam rolling is an ideal solution for cellulite on its own, but both will help if they’re combined with other cellulite treatments.