Sports therapy / massage rollers?

[YouAreTheFocus]

DH currently uses a basketball to stretch out his back every night. I happened across these massage/therapy roller thingys today (one was on LD). Would this be an improvement over his basketball? Can you actually lay & roll on it to stretch out your back (is it strong & firm enough)?

Thanks!

http://www.amazon.com/ProSource-Deluxe-Revolutionary-Sports-Medicine/dp/B00EV52HDI/ref=pd_sbs_sg_4

[ABO Mama]

My DH uses a similar roller to stretch his back (legs too). He likes it; ours is quite firm.

[american_mama]

DH just bought something very similar but without ridges a month ago when having some extreme neck and upper back pain. His is a blue version of this, http://www.amazon.com/OPTP-Pro-Foam-Rollers-Marble/dp/B001ANL2WQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1386713855&sr=1-1&keywords=physical+therapy+roll+tie+dye.

I believe his physical therpaist recommended it. It works well, and is both wider and stiffer than, say, a pool noodle. At Thanksgiving, I noticed his mother had one too, presumably purchased before or after some recent back surgery. Hers was fine, but the foam on DH's is a little smother and nicer.

Warning: our kids are fascinated by the roll and often play with it. Maybe because the pattern is appealing? Maybe because it's big but so light? I fear it's a short step to them damaging it in some way, so you might want to watch out for that with any younger kids.