The soft cylindrical tool used for self-myofascial release is a foam roller. It is placed between the body and the floor, allowing a person to use body weight to apply pressure while rolling over targeted muscles.
Foam rollers are commonly made from elastomeric foam and come in different lengths, diameters, textures, and firmness levels. Softer rollers are generally more comfortable for beginners, while firmer or textured rollers create more concentrated pressure. The practice is often used before exercise to temporarily increase joint range of motion or after exercise to reduce perceived muscle soreness.
A common mix-up is confusing a foam roller with a massage ball, lacrosse ball, or percussion device such as a Theragun. Those tools can also be used for self-massage, but a foam roller is specifically the broad cylindrical tool associated with foam rolling. Research suggests short-term mobility and soreness benefits, while claims about major long-term performance improvements remain less certain.