I wanted to use a foam roller on my IT band, and I know it’s common practice to use PVC pipe as a replacement. I used the pipe last night and I seemed to work out some of the knots. Is it dangerous to not use any cloth/fabric covering over the pipe? Thanks.
Didn’t that hurt like hell?! I roll my IT Band using my huge foam roller and it hurts just doing that.
good Lord man, your pain threshold must be through the roof! as stated above, I get enough torture from a foam roller. i can’t imagine using a pvc pipe.
It was somewhat painful, but in that “hurts so good” way (like when I use the TP Massage Ball). I do believe it worked out some of the knots. I’m okay with the level of discomfort I get from it. I was just curious if I could damage the tissue.
In a pinch you can use a two liter also.
What size PVC pipe are you using? You can buy foam insulation wrap at Lowes or Home Depot pretty cheaply. That would help put some padding on it. I know they have that foam wrap in 1", but I’m not sure about larger sizes.
Naw dude, you are good. You dont need extra padding. Thats why I went with the PVC in the first place, cause the white foam roller was too soft and would get disformed. Those black foam rollers are pretty tough too. Oh and 6 inche or so is the best.
Keep it up.
I think it’s about 3" diameter.
Holy crap–what’s wrong with a 99 cent pool noodle?
But, FWIW, I often use a rolling pin…so I guess that’s not really any softer than PVc…
Wrap it in foam pipe insulation tape. It it will traction as well.
PVC should be fine for occasional skin contact (the issues with it are more about fumes and inhalation, especially when people spend all day cutting it). They make some wheelchairs out of the stuff, and they pump drinking water through it, so they know there will be skin contact. If you’re still concerned, you can always wear a pair of tights while using it.
Here’s an MSDS on PVC Piping: http://www.iplex.com.au/technicaldata/MSDSPVCPIPEFITTREV0505.pdf
Your bike probably costs what… $5k? so, a $25 FOAM roller can’t be a part of your self-care protocol so that you can continue to ride your $5k bike!!!
I had a fiberglass handle from a broken rake in the garage (the plastic fan part wouldn’t stay on). I swiped one of the kids swim noodles from the pool and cut it into about 18" lengths. I used a hacksaw on the rake handle and in about 10 minutes made 2 of them. I taped off the fiberglass edges, gave one of them to a friend and have been using the other one about 2 yrs.
I haven’t touched my bike in two years! I’m just running now. No, I won’t spend $25 for a foam roller if a sufficient and cheaper (free) alternative is available. I didn’t even pay for the pipe; I stole it from work.
Thief! Do you have extra bar tape laying around?
You’re Fired
.
No, I don’t. Sorry 
I use a cookie dough roller. $5 at WalMart. Works great for me.
No, I don’t. Sorry
I meant to wrap the pipe with.