Soma System Focus Roller. Effective and Versatile Deep Tissue Self-Massage Tool for Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Gua Sha, Soft Tissue Mobilization

As others have noted, there are some quality control issues. Additionally, I experienced poor customer service in response to those issues. Otherwise, the Focus Roller would be a 5-star item.PROS: As you can see from the images and description, the tool's design allows for flexibility in use. Full-blown massage, trigger point, or scraping-type massage. My favorite part is the wheels. The orange silicone wheel covers can be left on or removed -- you can leave them on for a more smooth rolling action or take them off to reveal notched teeth on metal wheels. Even the bare wheels feel good and glide smoothly no matter what part of the body you use them on. The profile of the wheels is also slim enough that you can really get into to areas that might otherwise be difficult with other tools or with your own hands. When using the wheels, the shape of the plastic handle is comfortable and provides good grip. With the exception of the quality control issues, I'd otherwise consider it a well-built and sturdy tool that would be useful to a variety of people and for a variety of uses.CONS: I received a Focus Roller that had a hairline crack deep within the plastic, right around where the two wheel legs form a U-shaped brace. Over time, even without aggressive use, this hairline crack became larger. Eventually, that entire encasement broke open -- I was left with two unusable pieces: 1. the main handle (now with a sharp edge), 2. a sharp shard of plastic still holding the wheels.I initially ignored the crack because I thought it was only a little air bubble from metal being molded in plastic. I realized it was more serious after I'd already missed Amazon's return window. I then contacted Soma System directly (via their own website) to inquire about a repair, replacement or even a discount toward a new purchase. But they never responded.I continued to use the roller since I was stuck with it. Soon after, the tool completely broke as I described earlier -- a full year hadn't passed since the time of purchase. I contacted the company for a second time, and was ignored a second time. Both times, I was polite, clear, and included all Amazon purchase details.It's a fairly unique item and was perfect for my needs. But I no longer plan to buy a replacement or recommend it to others. My experience isn't isolated. Others are reporting similar issues.As I said, it can be a great tool if you get one in solid condition. So... if you buy one for yourself or someone else, make sure it's examined for hairline cracks when you first receive it... and keep an eye on it until the last date of your Amazon return window. Otherwise, you may end up stranded with a busted one in a short period of time without any help from Soma System.It seems like a re-design/overhaul is possibly needed. I'm not an engineer but I'm thinking the metal part may be too short and perhaps needs to be extended more through the body of the plastic handle. It seems that it would better distribute tension during manufacturing and/or shipping; reducing the amount of stress/strain that's causing the cracks to form (and later spread and break open during actual use).

I've been an LMT and Pilates instructor since 1999. For much of the last 17 years, I've been an advocate of foam rollers and tennis balls for trigger point and myofacial work. I was introduced to Soma System at a Pilates conference and was hooked after trying it out at their booth! This little tool is something else! I ordered the whole system, but this focus roller is fantastic for forearm, hand and elbow work. As an LMT my forearm flexor and extensors can easily get overused, this tool in particular gets into the smaller muscles of the forearm and breaks up any adhesions or TP's. It helps relieve the discomfort I occasionally feel when doing planking exercises or any pilates exercises requiring weight on the hands/wrists. It's also comfortable to hold in your hand. You will love this! Videos are very helpful and easy to follow. I have been using this for the last 2 weeks and average twice a day use with 4 days of use after work. I've been incorporating the other tools as well. I get better separation of the muscles using these vs traditional tools. Definitely a great addition to your self care regimen or a replacement for techniques that aren't quite working for you. Soma system is wonderful in that it takes your work above and beyond the norm. Glad to have found it.

Hands down the best thing I've purchased in a long long time.I foam roll twice a day and get myofascial release massages every month. While both of those things are great, i struggled to get deep into the muscles on my own. My Phsyio recommended I look into trigger point or scrapping. So many of the tools I found online were well over my price range. I stumbled on the Focus Roller, read the reviews and rolled the dice. Hit the freaking jackpot! I carry it with me in my bag everywhere I go. While it looks like some kind of a torture device once the orange wheels protectors are off, or on really, it's the best kind of pain relief hands down. Everyone from my coworkers to my personal trainer to now even my Physio are fans and have picked one up for themselves.To the non-physical, the original roller I ordered was damaged in transit. the trigger point roller was dislodged and one of the wheels was wonky and stuck. Roman, the creator of the focus roller, emailed me personally and made sure I received a working focus roller. The customer service was impeccable.If I could give this more than 5 stars I absolutely would. Twice.

Every surface of this tool is useful and unique. I especially love the pinpoint surface to be able to work an area with acuity. I have been receiving bodywork for over two decades and in order to truly make progress you need to be persistent with self care. Oftentimes a massage session does not adequately address chronic or troubled areas. Spending extra time in an area in need can only be accomplished with self practice. This tool has been very helpful with working chronic tight areas around my legs and hips. It has helped me to become more sensitive to the areas that need more attention and healing in a chronically tight hip flexor area. This tool is perfect for professionals or those with body knowledge. I am an experienced massage therapist of 15 years and this tool is extremely useful in my personal practice. I learned to use these tools in a workshop a couple of weeks ago and have been using the tools daily since.

I suffer from all kinds of musculoskeletal problems - stiff rock-hard shoulder and neck muscles, lower back and gluteal pain/stiffness. Chiropractors and masseurs help and do magic, but my budget and time are limited. I've used your "normal" self massage tools, but this is the best I've bought so far!!! I've only had it four days but I've used it several times and not only on the painful areas but my feet, calves, arms/hands, and my husbands given a full massage to my back. Not only does it help you, but 30% of the profits go to a charity that helps veterans overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Beautifully designed, robust massage roller. Used so far on leg muscles and all around the shoulder joint - very effective, precise relief. My husband's thumbs are saved! I look forward to recommending these to clients for self-care.

Having seen hundreds of 5 star reviews, I felt sure I was getting a good buy. It does the job but is not worth anywhere near the RRP. I felt ripped off.

This tool really gives access to specific areas in and on the muscle. Is very easy to use.

Absolutely fantastic product