Seen these rubber "voodoo floss" bands that you wrap really tightly around a joint (like a knee or elbow), move it around for 2 mins, then unwrap. Looks... intense. Is this a gimmick or does it actually help with joint mobility/pain?
It's a real technique. The theory is it creates compression, shears the fascia, and then when you unwrap, you get a rush of fresh blood (reactive hyperemia). It's great for *temporarily* improving range of motion. e.g., if your ankles are stiff, floss them, then squat.
I use it on my elbows for tendonitis. Wrap it tight, do 20 pushups or pullups, unwrap. It's a bit painful, but it seems to "unstick" the tissue and gives me relief for the rest of the workout. It's a tool, not a cure.
"Temporarily improving" and "unsticking" tissue. That makes sense. Might be worth a try for my cranky elbows. Cheers!