Fascial Stretch Therapy

Fascial Stretch Therapy

THE BENEFITS OF FASCIAL STRETCH THERAPY (FST)  

Fascial Stretch Therapy or FST is still a relatively new technique. Our Burlington Therapists use it to successfully treat a variety of conditions, and the most promising aspect about FST is that it has been known to work on chronic, longstanding or treatment resistant conditions where little else has provided relief.

What are fascia?

Fascia refers to the connective tissue that runs between muscles and internal organs. It’s made primarily of collagen and it serves, basically, to keep all those internal structures in place, enclosing the different tissues and separating them from each other. You can think of it as something like a flexible spider’s web that links and holds the different bodily structures together.

When those tissues are injured or stretched, it can result in scarring. Fascia at joints can become compressed over time, which can result in overcompensation by muscle groups, along with aches, pains, strain and other symptoms. Fascial adhesions occur when the collagen fibres bond together and form harder – and less flexible – areas. It can result in decreased movement, pain and soreness.

How does FST work?

FST does just that – stretch the fascial tissue. While traditional massage techniques work to manipulate and stretch one muscle or group at a time, FST looks to stretch multiple fascia at a time by combining  stretching with traction. FST helps to loosen up the fascia and joints, creating space where the lubricating synovial fluid can flow and ease movement. It works on the joint capsule and the fascia become more flexible, pliable and hydrated.

FST is a pain-free and often enjoyable therapy and while therapeutic results are highly individualized and depend on each case, it has been known to help people with chronic conditions that didn’t respond to other treatments. What you should experience are improvements in mobility and flexibility,

  • improved posture;
  • increased strength;
  • improved blood flow.

Our Ottawa chiropractor and physiotherapy specialists have found that FST has proven useful in treating a number of conditions, including:

  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • chronic headaches
  • chronic pain
  • disc herniation
  • facet joint dysfunctions (faulty articulation of two discs of the vertebra)
  • fibromyalgia
  • mobility issues
  • recent injury to soft tissues
  • osteoarthritis
  • pinched nerves
  • plantar fasciitis
  • thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of nerves and/or blood vessels around your collarbone and first rib)

Call Progressive Sports Medicine today for a consultation and assessment to see if FST can be help with your condition.