Foam for Physiotherapy
It's well known that athletes around the world use foam to aid post-training recovery, but physiotherapists also use it widely across treatment and recovery programmes for all kinds of people. You needn't be an athlete to feel the benefits of different foam components.
Foam rollers in physiotherapy
There are several reasons physiotherapists use and recommend foam-assisted treatments. To improve range of motion, foam rollers reduce tension and stimulate the nervous system to encourage the brain to release muscle tone, and after a few minutes of rolling, muscle motion improves significantly. Rolling isn't the easiest form of physiotherapy, though, as depending on the target area it can require moderate strength and control. Foam is generally seen as an assistive tool that complements treatments such as acupuncture, stretching and deep-tissue massage, and rolling is most often used on the glutes, mid-back and quadriceps, where it's proven most effective.
Foam blocks for exercises
Alongside rollers, foam blocks are popular for physiotherapy, especially core and stability work, thanks to their versatility. They're often used to modify exercises, making them easier or harder as needed, and placed under the hands, feet or spine to keep the body correctly aligned for maximum benefit. In poses like Down Dog and Child's Pose – which you may know from yoga – blocks under the hands allow reduced-stretch versions, helping someone work certain muscles without fully maximising them while still building core strength safely and comfortably.
Which foam is used?
Physiotherapy components are frequently made from high-density polyethylene foam such as EFP30 closed-cell foam, which is durable and strong enough to support bodyweight, easy to clean and antibacterial. Popular aids come in many shapes – square and rectangular blocks cut to size, smooth and ridged rollers, spheres and semi-circles – and most have at least one flat side, making them suitable for stability exercises that reduce sudden movements. For related health uses, see our guide to medical uses of foam.
eFoam is a leading UK supplier of foam for physiotherapists and can make any shaped component to custom specification, varying size, shape, density and material. We supply physiotherapy patients, large organisations and independent physiotherapists alike. For assistance, please contact one of our friendly advisers.
Frequently asked questions
How do foam rollers help in physiotherapy?
Foam rollers are used to improve range of motion by reducing tension and stimulating the nervous system to release muscle tone. Just a few minutes of rolling can noticeably improve muscle motion, though it can require moderate muscle strength and control. It's most effective on the glutes, mid-back and quadriceps.
How are foam blocks used in physio?
Foam blocks assist core and stability exercises. Placed under the hands, feet or spine, they help keep the body correctly aligned, and they can modify an exercise to make it easier or harder, as in poses like Down Dog and Child's Pose.
What foam are physiotherapy aids made from?
Aids are frequently made from high-density polyethylene foam such as EFP30 closed-cell, which is durable enough to support bodyweight, easy to clean and antibacterial. Common shapes include square and rectangular blocks, smooth and ridged rollers, and spheres.
