DISCOVER FASCIAL STRETCHING THERAPY

 

What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is not the stretching of your face! Instead, it is a holistic approach that considers the body energetically as a whole. FST addresses not just the physical aspects of health but also enhances body awareness and overall wellness.

How Does It Work?

FST begins by understanding that a person’s fascial structure is a dense network of connective tissue crucial for supporting and stabilizing the body. This fascia can become tight or restricted due to various factors, including injury, overuse, sedentary behavior, traumatic events, and chronic stress. FST is a blended form of assisted stretching and physical therapy that focuses on the fascia, releasing the connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs.

By stretching the fascia and muscles simultaneously, FST elicits a neuromuscular response that improves proprioception (coordination and balance), promotes relaxation, and increases range of motion. Additionally, FST enhances circulation—boosting blood flow and lymphatic drainage—and helps reduce inflammation to promote healing. Overall, these factors contribute to an improved quality of life.

Who Does FST Help?

Since its inception, FST has gained popularity among fitness professionals, therapists, and athletes worldwide as an alternative way to enhance overall physical well-being. It can be beneficial for:

  1. Athletes: Improved flexibility, performance enhancement, and injury prevention.

  2. Fitness Enthusiasts: Recovery from workouts and maintenance of muscle health.

  3. Individuals with Chronic Pain: Relief from tightness, discomfort, or chronic pain conditions.

  4. Rehabilitation Patients: Restoration of range of motion and function post-injury or surgery.

  5. Office Workers: Alleviation of tension and improvement in posture due to sedentary lifestyles.

  6. Older Adults: Maintenance of mobility and prevention of falls as flexibility decreases with age.

  7. Anyone Seeking Stress Relief: Benefits from relaxation techniques that reduce stress and enhance well-being.

Benefits of FST

  • Improved Flexibility & Pain Relief: Increases range of motion and alleviates tightness by releasing restrictions and promoting relaxation.

  • Enhanced Performance: Better flexibility and reduced muscle tension lead to improved athletic performance and recovery.

  • Better Posture: Addresses imbalances caused by tight fascia, improving posture and alignment.

  • Increased Blood Flow: Promotes circulation, aiding in recovery and reducing muscle soreness.

  • Stress Reduction: Incorporates breathing techniques to help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
    Rehabilitation: Supports recovery by restoring function and mobility after injuries.

Incorporating FST into your fitness routine can lead to improved physical function, better recovery, and a greater sense of overall well-being.

What does a treatment plan look like?

Fascial Stretch Therapy treatment can vary in duration and frequency over a given period. Ultimately, the specifics are tailored to individual goals, physical condition, and recommendations from your FST practitioner. Regular assessments and upkeep of maintenance exercises contribute to the treatment plan progressing. My sessions typically last 60 minute, though it is not uncommon to see a 30 minute tune-up from time to time. Here's a general guideline for treatment:

1. Initial Phase (Weeks 1-4):
- Frequency: 1-2 sessions per week.
- Duration: Each session typically lasts 60 minutes.
- Focus: Assessing individual needs, addressing pain or restrictions, and establishing flexibility.

2. Maintenance Phase (Weeks 5 and Beyond):
- Frequency: 1 session every 2-4 weeks, depending on progress and personal goals. - Duration: Sessions may vary between 30-60 minutes.
- Focus: Maintaining flexibility, preventing injuries, and continuing to enhance overall well-being.

Why do I believe in FST?

My personal history with anxiety, stress, and chronic pain began my exploration of holistic health and pain free performance. Personally experiencing Fascial Stretch Therapy restored the range of motion in my hips that had been painful and locked up for years, as well as reset my nervous system. I quickly noticed a significant difference in my mental health and daily pain, and knew immediately that I had to share this with as many people as possible.

I strive to create a nurturing environment where individuals can experience deep relaxation and a renewed sense of self. Driven by a desire to help people feel good and transform their lives, I cherish the closeness and the relationships that develop during each stretching session. My goal is to foster trust and openness, creating a safe space for clients to explore their bodies, release tension, and cultivate a sense of well-being. I have witnessed the immediate transformations that occur after a session, and whether your goal is to remediate pain or simply unwind, I want everyone to have the opportunity to embrace their bodies through my holistic practice.

 
Mackenzie Cooze