It's important to make your client as comfortable as possible during a massage. Various massage accessories can help with this, especially the use of knee rolls and foot rolls, which can enhance the sense of comfort and luxury during a massage. Using these bolster cushions can also help you as a massage therapist perform a better massage. Additionally, knee and foot rolls can be useful for other activities, such as yoga or stretching exercises.
When using a knee roll or foot roll for massage purposes, it's helpful to know that they are typically about the same width as a regular massage table. The knee and foot rolls from ZenGrowth are 65 cm long and made from high-quality vinyl or PU leather. We also offer covers that match our fitted sheets, which promote better hygiene and extend the lifespan of your knee and foot rolls.
Foot Roll, Knee Roll, or Bolster, Massage Cushion, etc.?
Roll-shaped cushions go by many names—foot rolls, knee rolls, bolsters, and massage cushions are just a few. At ZenGrowth, we use the terms “foot roll” and “knee roll” to indicate the height of the roll. A half-height roll is often placed under a client's knees, hence the term "knee roll." The cushion placed under the feet is generally taller, so we call our round cushions foot rolls. Of course, you're free to use whichever cushion you prefer in any way you like. For example, a knee roll can be used to support the neck, and a foot roll can be used to support a pregnant woman lying on her side during a massage.
How to Use a Knee Roll
A knee roll is a half-height, semicircular bolster. It is primarily used under the knees when clients are lying on their back during a massage. By elevating the knees with a knee roll, the pelvis tilts less forward when lying on the back, which flattens the lower back and reduces strain on it. This position is also highly relaxing, as many people find it more comfortable than lying flat. The more comfortable a client feels, the more they relax, which enhances the effectiveness of your massage.
Another common use for a knee roll is to support the neck. The height of a knee roll is ideal for supporting the head and neck, helping to relax the neck muscles. Many people feel uncomfortable lying flat on their back without something under their head, especially those with high blood pressure, as this position can cause pressure in the head. Placing a knee roll under the head can alleviate this sensation.
You can also use a knee roll as a foot roll by placing it under the feet when the client is lying on their stomach. However, since it’s lower than a traditional foot roll, it may not be as comfortable for clients with larger feet.
How to Use a Foot Roll
A foot roll is taller than a knee roll and usually fully round. It is primarily used under the feet when a client is lying on their stomach during a massage. Elevating the feet with a foot roll reduces tension in the calf muscles and hamstrings, helping these muscles relax and making them easier to massage more deeply. This position also alleviates pressure on the lower back muscles, making the massage more comfortable.
Foot rolls are also useful when massaging a pregnant woman lying on her side. Placing the upper leg on the foot roll helps keep the pelvis, and therefore the lower back, aligned. This position is also helpful for clients who find it uncomfortable or impossible to lie on their stomach due to severe back problems. Pregnant women may also find it comfortable to place a foot roll under their belly while lying on their side.
Of course, a foot roll can also be used under the knees as a knee roll.
Other Uses Beyond Massage
Although foot rolls and knee rolls are primarily used for massage, they can also be useful for activities like yoga. In certain yoga poses, a bolster can provide extra comfort and help the body relax even further. Additionally, knee or foot rolls can be used to distribute weight and alleviate discomfort or pain. Whether for massage, yoga, or other physical activities, a knee/foot roll is a fantastic way to enhance comfort!
