This self-massage foam roller is top quality, the best I have seen so far. I suffer from recurrent back pain and hip joint pain which can flare up after exercise. However, I have to keep active and this roller is excellent as a post-exercise massager. It relaxes my largest muscles (thighs and gluteus maximus) after each session and has already relieved some knots and deep-seated muscle tension that was making me miserable. Also great to stretch my back over, one bit at a time. Having looked into myofascial release, I found lots of videos and articles online that explain the principles of self-massage and how to use these types of rollers. I would recommend a little research to get the most out of your purchase.