Stretching has become a much-debated topic in recent times. For years, it was touted as the key to restoring flexibility, improving athletic performance, and reducing injuries. Then stretching, particularly passive stretching, fell out of popularity in favor of more dynamic moves that were designed to prepare the body for sport. Passive stretching is reserved for after the workout, and even then its value is controversial.
What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
Enter Fascial Stretch Therapy (or FST), a type of stretching that targets not only the muscles, but the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints. FST also targets the entire joint and joint capsule, using traction to remove restrictions from movement and to stimulate lubrication. A therapist will gently pull and move the arms, legs, spine, and neck in a smooth motion through varying planes of movement. There is no pain, not even discomfort. Instead, the gentle movement is stimulating and relaxing at the same time.
The problem with many standard stretching programs is, well, they are standard. An athlete will finish her workout, run through her “usual” stretches, maybe paying extra attention to tight hips, sometimes pushing through some pain to get that final stretch. Sadly, this type of stretching is not effective and may even be causing more tightness and inflexibility. When you cause pain with stretching, your muscles respond to protect themselves, tightening up in a rebound type effect.
By contrast, a Fascial Stretch Therapist will evaluate their client, looking for imbalances, as well as the source of those imbalances. Then using breath to help with movement, the therapist will first warm up the joints and muscles with undulating stretching to maximize blood flow. Then using techniques of slow undulating movement, as well as traction (gently pulling to create space in the joint) and modified PNF ( proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), synchronized with the breath, the therapist will stretch the entire body, following a logical anatomical order, to lengthen muscle, increase range of motion, and improve flexibility.
10 Benefits of Fascial Stretch Therapy
- Increase Range of Motion
- Muscular Balance and Symmetry
- Improved Performance
- Reduced Pain
- Reduced Risk of Injury
- Improved Posture
- Improved Muscle Function
- Improved Circulation
- Decrease Compression and Impingement in the Joints.
- Improved Energy
The effects are cumulative. It took a while to develop the imbalances and stiffness in your body. It will take a while to reap the benefits of FST. But, that being said, you can feel immediate benefits, even after your first session.
I am a level two certified Fascial Stretch Therapist. My information comes from my experience as a therapist, a client, as well as from the Stretch to Win website, and the book, Stretch to Win
The above, by the way, is an affiliate link. I will make a few cents if you purchase that book through Amazon. Other than that I have received no compensation for this post. I have experienced FST first hand and I’m a believer in the benefits.
Have you heard of fascial stretch therapy? Have I piqued your interest? You can find a list of certified FST therapists on the website.
I need this! I’d like to discuss this further with you.. luckily for me I get to see you next weekend!!!!
Definitely! I can’t wait to see you! (It feels weird to say “meet” you because I feel I already know you 🙂 )
OH.
I had this done as a facet of my airrosti EONS AGO.
And I so so really need it again as well.
((sharing))
Thanks Carla. It’s been around awhile, but really growing in popularity lately.
I actually have had this done A LOT recently. It does help!
It’s wonderful isn’t it?
Oh wow, after looking at the list of benefits, this would be a fabulous tool for recovery for me — now I just need some extra time to do it.
Seriously, it’s worth making the time.
This makes me want to go back to PT so badly and get worrrrkkkeeddd ouuuuut!
Lol. Yes, but probably not worth another injury 🙂
I have never done it myself, but I am very interested in working with mobility. Wishing you lots of success with your certification!
Thanks Deb, I’m really excited about it!
I could really use this!! I doubt my insurance would cover it… 🙂 I love the idea of it. I do both after workout stretching & dynamic but as we age, it ain’t enough! So exciting Debbie!!!!
You’ve definitely tweaked my interest Debbie. Now to see if I can find a therapist locally.
Thanks for linking up and sharing the info! Have a wonderful weekend.
How neat! I go to yin yoga for the longer static stretching, but I never thought of being stretched by someone!
Wow, very interesting. Sometimes after a work out this stretch is very needed. Thanks for sharing.
I so need this! How is this different from MFR? My mom is a HUGE MFR lover and I’m curious.
MFR focuses primarily on releasing trigger points, while FST is about increase flexibility and balance in your body. MFR is great to do before FST, so that your body can truly open up and let go. Plus Myofascial Release can be painful, but FST should not be at all.
Please look into my Smart stepper sanddunestepper.com to include in your Arsenal
I had never even heard of fascial stretch therapy until my brother-in-law brought it up at dinner the other night. However, I have to say that I am very surprised about a lot of these benefits, especially about how it can reduce pain. Of course, if you’re working out your muscles and helping them to grow then I guess it makes sense that it would result in them becoming more tolerant to pain.