Is using a foam roller on a hip with arthritis okay/beneficial?
I have a client with early onset osteoarthritis and has had several operations – (wrists, neck, foot). She now has degeneration in her right hip but does not want surgery any time soon. Would use of the foam roller on all of the areas around the hip be beneficial and advised in your opinion (if client can stand it?)
Using a foam roller for self myofascial release can be great for almost anybody. But you should look into contraincidations for the use of foam rollers before having the client use one. Issues like veracose veins would be a one such reason not use the foam roller. But I would get clearance from the client’s doctor just to make sure.
As for teaching the client to use the roller, that is something that requires very solid knowledge of the proper use of a roller (or tennis ball, baseball, golf ball, etc.