FST (Fascial Stretch Therapy)

What is Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)?

Fascial Stretch Therapy (TM) is a unique, complete and complementary system of table-based assisted stretching, focusing on the fascia and joint capsule as the key elements in achieving optimal flexibility, strength, performance and pain relief.

The fascial stretch therapy session takes place on a massage table and incorporates comfortable straps used to stabilize the limbs or part of the body that is not being worked on. This facilitates relaxation and enhances the effectiveness of the technique.

FST is very client oriented. The client needs to contract and relax a muscle as the therapist moves it through various stretch positions. FST uses the client's nervous system to improve the muscle's response by targeting the muscle stretch reflex.  While you relax on the table the therapist will cue your breathing and movements and gradually ease you into a series of gentle, but deep stretching movements.

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones and joints. The joint capsule that surrounds joints is involved in optimizing the mechanical function of the joint and is also part of the fascial network.

 What are the Benefits of Fascial Stretch Therapy?

  • Improved posture & mobility, while reducing pain & stiffness
    Increased blood flow & circulation

  • Improved quality of sleep

  • Decreased stress and provides a sense of relaxation and wellness

  • Improved performance & shorter recover times after exercise sessions

  • Reduced risk of injury

  • Decreased compression and impingement in the joints

What Should I Expect?

Your Fascial Stretch Therapist will look for imbalances in the body, as well as the source of those imbalances. First, they will warm up the joints and muscles with undulating stretching to maximize blood flow. Then, using techniques of slow undulating movement, traction (gently pulling to create space in the joint), and modified PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), synchronized with the breath, they will stretch the body. These techniques lengthen muscle, increase range of motion, and improve flexibility. It takes a few sessions to start to truly reap the benefits of FST, but even after your first session you will feel immediate benefits. Clients often notice that they feel relaxed as well as “longer and lighter” after an FST session.

Who Would Benefit from FST?

Anyone will benefit from Fascial Stretch Therapy, from young to old.  Whether you are a professional athlete or a sedentary office worker or someone in between, FST can add a new level of self-care to your lifestyle providing you with decreased pain, increased mobility and a more balanced body.

Impaired mobility, over exertion, and stiffness can cause muscles and connective tissue to "stick" to one another. When structures stick to one another, they reduce the proper flow of blood and increase compression on nerves. Therefore, muscles lack proper circulation and nutrition causing an increased sensation of tightness.  This is where FST can help to rebalance you.

“FST will set you free!”