Muscle tension is caused by muscles stuck in contraction due to repetitive movements and poor posture among other things.  Pressure from self-massage rolling physically breaks the contraction allowing the muscle to fully relax again.  

When muscles are overused and stressed from repetitive motion or poor posture they become short and tight.  Self-massage helps relax and lengthen the muscles allowing the body to freely realign itself into a natural posture.

Immediate flexibility is gained from the release of muscle tension. Long term flexibility is retained from micro-tears in the fascia, caused by rolling, filling with elastin and collagen, creating muscles that are more flexible, supple and have greater range of motion. 

The rolling motion of self-massage pushes blood and lymph throughout the body and into congested areas and when pressure is released new blood is drawn in and lymph drains.  This action aids the body's natural cleansing process.

Pressure from the roller awakens sensory nerves previously dormant from consciousness and the connection between mind and body becomes stronger. 

Decreasing muscle tension and improving blood flow result in lowered anxiety and overall mood improvement.  When rolling is coupled with full and deep breathing the results are powerful.