Physiotherapy Tools: From Foam Rollers to Other Devices
By Dr Ian Gatt | PhD SLA MSc OMT MCMI MAACP MCSP HCPC BSc (Hons)
Head of Performance Services | GB Boxing & UK Sport Institute
Sports physiotherapy isn’t just about what happens on the treatment table — it’s also about the tools and technologies that support recovery, mobility, and performance in real time. From foam rollers to modalities like compression systems, athletes today have a range of options to stay primed, pain-free, and competition-ready.
But tools are only effective when used with purpose — and that’s where the physiotherapist comes in to provide advice.
Every Tool Has a Job
Various recovery tools are designed to do one or more of the following:
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Relieve pain
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Restore mobility
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Reduce muscle tightness
Athletes often turn to them before or after training, during rehab, or as part of a preventative routine. But knowing when, why, and how to use each tool is what separates effective recovery from wasted time.
Popular Tools Athletes Use – and How to Use Them
🌀 Foam Rollers & Massage Balls
Used to reduce muscle tension through self-myofascial release. Great for pre-training activation or post-session recovery. A physio can advise on the various tools available and the correct application based on individual needs.
💥 Percussion Massage Devices (e.g., Theragun, Hypervolt)
Deliver rapid bursts of pressure to soft tissues — useful for relaxing tight muscles. Can be a great warm-up or cooldown tool, but overuse could aggravate underlying issues.
🧊 Compression & Cryotherapy Devices
Help reduce inflammation and soreness after high-load training or games. Newer tech combines cold with intermittent compression for faster recovery. Physios often use these tools during the acute phases of rehab.
💡 Resistance Bands & Mobility Tools
Simple yet effective. Used for joint mobility drills and functional movement retraining. Often included in home rehab or prehab plans from physiotherapists.
Don’t Just Use Tools — Use Them Intelligently
Recovery tools are widely available — but self-treatment without understanding the why can be ineffective, or worse, counterproductive. A good physio doesn’t just hand you a foam roller — they’ll show you how to use it based on your sport, your body, and your goals.
Some questions we help answer:
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What is the source of your pain (i.e.muscle, joint, bone, neural, other)?
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If there is muscle tightness, what is causing it?
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Should you be rolling, stretching, or doing an active approach instead?
That context is key to getting real results.
The Takeaway: Tools Are Support, Not Solutions
From weekend warriors to elite athletes, recovery tools can play a valuable role, if used strategically. They support the work done in a clinic or training, and are great adjuncts for self management.
