Melt Roller Book
 

Many of us have those newish melt rollers that have some give to them (in contrast to the classic foam rollers which are hard as rock). You know, the ones that Ando recommends for laying on top of to push elevated ribs in.

While poking around Amazon, I saw that there is a new book on using them to relieve chronic pain:

"The MELT Method" by Sue Hitzmann
http://www.amazon.com/The-MELT-Metho...dp/0062065351/

The reviews are pretty good. I have ordered it just today. I still get rib pain all the time. My most frequent complaint now.

Anyway, if you try it, please post your experiences in this thread.

Hi,

I had heard about the MELT method just a few days ago. I was wondering how much an investment the roller etc are? My surgery is coming up June 18 with Dr. Donahue. I asked him when I would be starting PT and he said, (paraphrasing) I'm not really a fan of PT, I think he means after surgery as I know he has had people try it before. I don't expect I'd be using it right away of course, however I have friends who use those really hard rollers and her book and roller sounded a lot more pleasing.

I'm seeing ones on Amazon for $35 - $55. I searched for "soft roller".

I haven't had a chance to get into the book yet. Although I do the "Neck Decompress" that someone else posted about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Fu-m-MxKE

My rib pain that I mentioned has diminished since doing the inversion table which I've posted about elsewhere.

I have never met a TOS surgeon who *is* a fan of physical therapy.

They don't even talk to each other.

When one doc thought I had cubital tunnel, he sent me to their physical therapist and she had no idea what she was supposed to do with me. She called the doctor and still had no idea.

Thanks for such a quick response.

No problem. I forgot to mention that the other thing I do with the roller is to roll my t-spine back and forth on it to crack my back.

OPTP makes the MELT roller. The OPTP soft pink roller is identical aside from color and can be found cheaper (I ordered from amazon).

http://www.optp.com/Pro-Roller-Soft_PSFR36.aspx

Me too. Just be sure to keep the roller parallel to the spine when rolling your back and perpendicular when mobilizing side and front of ribs.

Hmm, parallel to the spine? I put it perpendicular to the spine and roll on my back, up and down. As seen in most of these vids:

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...m+roller+spine

Cool, looks like both orientations are beneficial. Thanks.

Yeah I use the other orientation for stretching the chest. But in that case I use a wider, softer yoga bolster.

I took the melt method class.
 

Hi ,
I have been using the pink roller for almost a year for my ribs per Dr. Ando.I bought it at optp.com. I love it. Recently I took a Master melt Method Class to learn how to use my roller on other parts of my body-I highly recommend it and I bought the little balls (for feet and hands- it comes with a dvd) and the book. the book has all the exercises in it. It helps mobilize different parts of the body without hurting it. It has alot to do with healing the nervous system and hydrating your tissues. It has alot in common with Feldenkries. I like the stretch and acupressure you get with it. I also use a pinky ball on a stick to get into smaller areas like my armpits.

You can get more info on meltmethod.com and see if there are any classes in your area-but the book is pretty self explanatory. Be careful with the neck one though I hurt myself doing it.

I have a MELT roller and just purchased the book but since I am having surgery soon will probably have to wait on making full use of it. I was wondering if any of you who see Ando can describe the way he told you to use it for your ribs? I have a lot of rib pain and soreness and my 5th rib is elevated. Thanks!

you simply lay on it starting under your breastbone ,take 3 deep breaths (sometimes I do it longer) and relax into the roll. Then work your way up and repeat in 3 or 4 spots including on your breasts, until you are at your chin. Repeat on your sides and then 1/2 way between face down and side (45 degrees) . It shows something similar in the book but in the book you are on your back,but its the same concept. If you are really hurting you can wrap a towel around it and dont stay as long.

tos surgery
 

Hi
I was so wondering if u are having c-rib removed with ur surgery?
Dr. D. is wonderful, ur in good hands! Is it at MGH?
He gave me 3neck stretches & 2 climb the wall ex. To do, 3-4 x/day at home. No pt.
He says very important to do these for 1yr. Postop.
Best wishes!

Thanks Jkl you are awesome! I tried it today and my ribs felt better and less sore instantly! I wish I had the money and time to travel to see Ando just one time to learn some exercises, I wish I had been doing this all along....at least I can use it after surgery and until then. :)

happy it helped-I sent you a pm