What is Body Tempering?
Body Tempering to the hamstrings
Body tempering is a manual therapy technique classified as “Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)”. This specific type of IASTM involves rolling a weighted cylinder across a specific muscle group.
Body Tempering was developed by World Record setting Powerlifter Donnie Thompson in 2014. Instead of laying on foam rollers, a weighted rod was used to improve tissue mobility, reduce post work-out soreness and avoid injuries caused by tissue restrictions.
Many athletes use body tempering to improve their strength training and overall performance. Even collegiate and professional teams are now incorporating this into their warm-ups and strength and conditioning programs. Body tempering increases circulation to the muscles, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients, while also helping to remove more metabolic wastes.
You can use body tempering before a workout to prepare your body for intense exercise and athletics. You can also use it after your activity to promote healing and speed up muscle recovery. Here at Refuge, we use both 22# and a 44# tempering rods in our treatments to help improve range of motion, flexibility, mobilize myofascial layers, relax trigger points and reduce muscle soreness and tension.
The tempering rod is slowly rolled along the length of muscle and the pressure helps to release muscle tension, similar to using a foam roller. We also apply deep, sustained pressure to an area by keeping the rod in one place. This tissue release can be combined with active muscle movement to help further release tissue tension and restore mobility.
At Refuge, we commonly use tempering rods to treat tightness in the calves, hamstrings, glutes, and quads. Tempering rods are also used on the back, shoulders, and arms.
If you are having increased muscle tension and soreness, we may use the tempering rod as a tool to get you moving and feeling better. Next time you are scheduled for a treatment session, ask us about how body tempering can help you!
