FASCIA STRETCH THERAPY

FST is the gold standard in the stretch industry because it is pain-free, personalized, applicable to all walks of life, and is performed by highly trained certified practitioners with education backed by decades of research. By integrating a gentle, global approach to stretching, FST results far surpass traditional stretching methods and differ from the stretch franchises in many ways.

PAIN FREE! First and foremost, stretching should NOT hurt and does not take nearly as much effort as you would think. Stretching too far or too hard actually triggers something known as the stretch reflex, a protective mechanism that signals receptors in a muscle to contract rather than relax. If you have ever felt tighter or even sore after stretching, this is why! This is the body’s way of preventing strains and tears in our muscles and tendons. “No pain, no gain” does not apply to stretching! FST reduces restrictions throughout the joints, joint capsules, and fascial lines by using gentle traction and constant oscillatory movements that help the body and mind relax for optimal improvements far beyond traditional stretching.

PERSONALIZED. Every session is personalized to your specific needs by utilizing assessments during each session. There are no standardized routines here! The assessment is the most crucial piece, as it shows the practitioner where to begin, tracks progress throughout multiple sessions, and guides the practitioner to the appropriate stretches for each client. Not every muscle needs to be stretched, and every person is different in how their body responds to tightness or injuries. Many of us also have asymmetries, meaning one area of our body is tighter or more restricted on one side than it is on the other. Focusing on these areas brought forth in the assessment allows the body to return to a more balanced, natural state, allowing for longer-lasting results.

APPLICABLE TO ANYONE. Stretching is not just for athletes. No matter if you are 15 or 75, an office worker, a tri-athlete, a stay-at-home mom, or a hard laborer, FST has something to offer anyone. Tightness, stiffness, and chronic pain are common issues often caused by lack of movement. Alternatively, excessive demand or overuse of certain muscles can cause tightness, inflammation, and movement compensations, increasing the risk of injuries. Additionally, frequent stress or anxiety is another significant factor that can have a direct physical impact on our breathing, muscle tone, and posture. Regardless if you get stiff from sitting too long, sore from training every day, or are tired and lack energy because of a stressful life, these can all negatively affect the fascia and, ultimately, how well we move.

PERFORMED BY HIGHLY TRAINED CERTIFIED PRACTITIONERS. The foundation for FST began with research from Ann Frederick at the University of Arizona in 1995. Ann continued developing her innovative technique of assisted stretching through the late 90s, first on collegiate athletes, then on professional athletes, and finally as the first Flexibility Specialist in an Olympics with the Men’s USA Olympic Wrestling Team in 1996. Ann and her husband Chris have continued as heavy influencers in the fields of fascia and mobility research, working alongside some of the biggest names in the healthcare industry. They continuously advance and update their courses to reflect the latest gains in research. Each level offers extensive hands-on training, access to continuously updated resources, certification upon completion, and continued education.