Re•gulate Re•lease Re•align Re•store

RE•FASCIA - HOLISTIC MOVEMENT & BODYWORK

Relieve pain, release restrictions, realign joints, & restore functional movement through Fascia Stretch Therapy.

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Fascia Stretch Therapy helps you overcome your limitations.

REDUCE PAIN & TIGHTNESS
FST provides relief for joint/muscle pain and tightness by helping the nervous system feel safe enough to let go & explore new ranges of motion in a gentle, secure way.

INCREASE FLEXIBILITY & MOBILITY
FST releases restrictions in the fascia to expand range of motion, improve functional mobility, allow better glide between tissues, & open up limitations within the joint capsules.

IMPROVE INTERNAL AWARENESS FST movements bring increased awareness to internal “blind spots” to better understand your challenges & help you achieve new breakthroughs within your body.

REHABILITATE INJURIES
FST boosts systemic circulation for better healing, releases adhesive scar tissue, increases range of motion in affected areas, & strengthens tissues both muscular & fascial.

IMPROVE STABILITY & POSTURE
FST rebalances tension & compression within the body’s myofascial network & corrects muscle compensations to realign posture & improve body symmetry.

LOWER STRESS & SLEEP BETTER
FST gently calms the nervous system using slow, rhythmic, oscillating movements to reduce stress, anxiety, & muscle tension as well as promote better sleep.

RECOVER FASTER
FST accelerates recovery by improving blood & lymphatic circulation, flushing inflammation from tissues, & reducing muscle soreness after intense training sessions.

PERFORM BETTER
FST enhances physical performance by helping you move better, lift heavier, last longer, run faster, coordinate smoother, be more agile, & mentally resilient.

PREVENT INJURIES
FST addresses postural imbalances, asymmetries, movement dysfunctions, stuck tissues, & neuromuscular coordination issues to prevent potential injuries.

WHAT IS FASCIA STRETCH THERAPY?

A woman performing a physical therapy exercise on a patient's arm in a medical or therapy clinic, with anatomical charts and fitness equipment visible in the background.

Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST) is a gentle, pain-free, and highly effective approach to assisted stretching that helps you feel freer, lighter, and more at ease in your body. Unlike traditional stretching that focuses on individual muscles, FST works with your breath and targets the fascia—a connective tissue network surrounding your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, and even your organs and vessels. By addressing this vital system, FST helps relieve tension, increase flexibility, and restore balance to your entire body.

During an FST session, your practitioner uses smooth, rhythmic movements to guide your body through its full range of motion, starting with the deepest restrictions and gradually working outward. The experience is soothing and deeply relaxing, often described as a combination of light stretching, gentle unwinding, and a sense of release that allows you to move with more freedom, comfort, and ease.

FST is tailored to your unique needs, helping to address imbalances, improve posture, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic tension, or simply looking to improve your mobility, FST offers a holistic way to reconnect with your body and feel your best.

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HEAR PEOPLE'S FST SUCCESS STORIES

  • "I'M IMPRESSED WITH HOW SUCH A GENTLE & RELAXING THERAPY COULD BE SO EFFECTIVE"

    After my first Fascia Stretch Therapy appointment with Nelle I was amazed at how much better I felt right away. My session was deeply relaxing and regulating for my nervous system. Nelle is highly skilled and so tuned in and I felt very safe in all the stretches. I am very sensitive and I often experience structural alignment issues or pain after bodywork but after my session with Nelle I experienced increased openness and mobility and a sense of balance in my body right away. The biggest surprise was my hips! I didn’t have pain there prior so didn’t even realize how much better I could feel! I’m impressed with how such a gentle and relaxing therapy could be so deeply effective, more so and much more efficiently than so many therapies I’ve tried. Don’t hesitate booking with Nelle right away. What an amazing opportunity to feel so much more at home in your body!

    ABIGAIL

  • "THE MOST NOTICEABLE THING IS MY RECOVERY IS IMMEDIATE!"

    After my first 90-minute FST session, I've been feeling really good! The most noticeable thing is my recovery is immediate! I went for a mountain bike ride (first time out riding since last summer) with my nephew and really pushed myself. My legs were jelly afterwards and I just knew I'd be sore the next day but my soreness was almost non-existent! When I do sit in weird positions and tense up, my discomfort is there for about 10-15 minutes and then it's gone. It doesn't linger.

    ALEX

  • "DAILY ACTIVIES HAVE BECOME LESS STRENUOUS AND MY MUSCLES DO NOT GET TIRED AS QUICKLY."

    "I would describe myself as a chronically uncomfortable person and I have received many different types of body work from Nelle throughout the years to try to deal with my discomfort and pain. Now, after a single 2 hour fascia stretch session, I have felt so much relief. A lot of daily activities that I do have become less strenous and my muscles do not get tired as quickly as they used to. I have also noticed that I do not have the same kind of urgency when I need to use the bathroom as I used to. I highly recommend fascial stretch therapy to anyone and everyone who has any daily discomfort or tension in there body that they never seem to be able to get rid of."

    KIMBERLY

  • "HANDS DOWN THE VERY BEST TO COMBAT MY PAIN AND RELIEVE STIFF JOINTS!"

    I have tried dozens of modalities and methods to treat chronic pain and Nelle’s methods have been hands down the very best to combat my pain and relieve stiff joints! Her thirst for knowledge and ongoing education is so impressive and refreshing. I feel so fortunate to have met her!

    LANDRA

A young woman with brown hair and blue eyes smiling outdoors with autumn leaves in the background.

MEET NELLE, YOUR FST SPECIALIST

Nelle Churchill CFSP, NMT, is a Certified Fascia Stretch Specialist and Certified Neuromuscular Massage Therapist practicing in Penngrove, CA. Her personal journey through chronic pain, injuries, and hypermobility has given her a deep, firsthand understanding of how pain and physical limitations can impact one’s quality of life.

Determined to heal herself, Nelle delved into the world of bodywork and somatic therapies, driven by a desire to understand the body’s mechanics and address pain at its source. Over six years, she earned multiple certifications and explored diverse modalities. It was during this journey that she discovered Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST)—a transformative approach that not only alleviated her pain but also reshaped her life and career.

“For me, FST holistically integrates the essential components of healing: movement, fascia, stretching, strengthening, stabilizing, and, most importantly, the nervous system—all in a safe, nurturing way that supports the body’s natural ability to restore balance and well-being.”

Today, Nelle is dedicated to sharing the profound benefits of FST with her clients, helping them reclaim ease, mobility, and well-being. She works full-time as a Fascia Stretch Practitioner alongside her mother, Robin, a seasoned bodyworker and nutrition educator with over 45 years of experience. Together, they bring a unique, generational approach to holistic care.

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FST FAQs

  • FST is suitable for people of all ages, lifestyles, and body types. It can benefit anyone who has been cleared by their physician for stretching and physical activity, including office workers, long-distance commuters, seniors, individuals with chronic pain, hypermobility, weekend warriors, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes at any level including professional.

  • FST works differently from other bodywork or self-stretching methods by engaging the entire myofascial system, including muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

    A key component of FST is tractioning the joints, which is crucial for its effectiveness. Since about 50% of your mobility comes from the joints—a factor that's challenging to address with self-stretching—FST incorporates traction at the start of each stretch. This approach allows you to achieve up to 50% more mobility compared to self-stretching, with this increased flexibility extending through the tissues to the end of your limbs.

  • FST is designed to be pain-free. It is radically opposite from the "no pain, no gain" philosophy.

    Stretch awareness is a normal part of the session, however the intention is 100% avoidance of pain and joint pinching. Active communication between the practitioner and client is very important to keep the session safe and productive.

    FST focuses on creating an environment where the nervous system can relax and feel safe, leading to significant tension release in the muscles and fascia. After a session, you'll feel deeply relaxed with increased pliability in your joints and muscles.

  • After an FST session, you'll typically feel deeply relaxed with increased flexibility in your joints and muscles. Many people also enjoy a restful, deep sleep the night following their session.

    It's not uncommon to experience some soreness the next day, which is normal and usually subsides within a day or 2, leaving you feeling more relaxed and often with reduced pain and discomfort.

    FAST AFTERCARE:

    • HYDRATION: Drink plenty of water with electrolytes throughout the day to help rehydrate your fascia and muscles.

    • NUTRITION: The body needs protein in order to rebuild, so make sure to eat some or take amino acids to help with the repair we have enabled the body to perform. Avoid sugars and processed foods that cause inflammation and soreness to linger longer than necessary.

    • ACTIVITY: While it's usually best to take it easy after your session, some moderate activity is fine if you prefer. Listen to your body, and don't push it if it is telling you it needs rest!

  • Please wear loose or stretchy clothing, similar to what you would wear for a workout or yoga class such as shorts, sweatpants, leggings, loose T-shirt, etc. (please NO jeans).

    You won't need to change out of your clothes for the session.

  • Clients will typically notice an immediate increase in mobility and a substantial reduction of pain within 1-3 FST sessions. Be aware that everyone's starting place is different and some conditions may require treatments over time for complete resolution & healing.

  • Great Question!

    The frequency/length of FST sessions depends on your specific needs, the type of pain you're experiencing, and your personal movement and flexibility routines.

    For acute pain or discomfort, I typically recommend sessions 1-2 times per week. Once your pain subsides, the choice of how often to continue for maintenance is up to you.

    As a rule, longer sessions closer together achieves results faster; however you will still progress even if you can only do sessions periodically.

    I tend to separate client's needs into 4 different categories, & below are my recommendations for each.

    ACTIVE HEALING

    This is the acute stage of healing after an injury or the starting point of addressing a long-term problem. In this stage, for a few weeks I would recommend longer sessions (60 minutes minumum. 90+ minutes best) closer together (1x/ week minimum. 2x/week best) for the best results in achieving your healing goals.

    MAINTENANCE

    A generally healthy person with minor body/joint problems will benefit from sessions on a maintenance schedule such as (60+ minutes 2x/month) or (90+ minutes 1x/ month).

    LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT

    A person in this category is dealing with (A.) chronic, long-term issues or (B.) conditions like congenital scoliosis or certain types structural damage from injury/surgery that could make complete healing difficult to achieve.

    For chronic conditions that require healing over a longer timeline, I recommend discussing with your FST provider for a personalized plan of care as to how often/how long it is recommeded to receive sessions.

    ATHLETIC/SPORTS PREP

    For the day of athletic/sports events, a (30 minute) FST session at a quicker pace upregulates the sympathetic nervous system to prepare the body for athletic activity by improving reaction time, flexibility, & strength for optimal performance.

    For correcting body imbalances that affect athletic performance, longer restorative sessions of (60+ minutes) are the way to go.

  • Absolutely! As someone with hypermobility herself, Nelle benefits greatly from FST and receives it regularly.

    Every individual with hypermobility is unique, so sessions are tailored to their specific needs. While hypermobile people don’t necessarily need to increase their range of motion, FST focuses on improving joint stability, safe movement, and proprioception.

    Sessions are adjusted to reduce or eliminate traction, support joints, and address restrictions in joint capsules that prevent normal movement. With gentle, collaborative techniques and open communication, FST ensures safety and effectiveness. If you experience post-session soreness, share feedback so adjustments can be made for your comfort and progress.

  • FST offers significant benefits for athletes beyond addressing pain. By enhancing flexibility, FST helps prevent injuries commonly associated with sports and physical activities. It also effectively addresses postural imbalances, movement dysfunctions, improper muscle firing patterns, and neural dysfunctions—all of which can contribute to injury if left unaddressed. In addition to better circulation and reduction of inflammation, athletes will heal better and recover faster in between events and training so they are at the top of their game.

  • I understand life happens and emergencies do come up, and since your appointment time has been reserved especially for you I ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule or cancel.

    Cancellations within 24 hours will be charged 50% of the appointment.

    No-shows will be charged full price.

FST IN ACTION

  • A woman performing physical therapy exercises with a patient's leg in a rehabilitation clinic. The woman is wearing a navy blue shirt and patterned pants, and the patient is lying face up on a treatment table.
  • Chiropractor adjusting a patient's leg during a massage therapy session or chiropractic treatment in a clinic.
  • A woman practicing a physical therapy exercise with a man lying on a therapy table. She is holding his leg up and out while standing in a clinical setting with posters and equipment.
  • A woman providing manual therapy to a man lying face down on a therapy table, in a clinic room with exercise equipment and medical posters in the background.
  • A physiotherapy or medical professional examining a patient's neck while lying on a treatment table in a clinic room decorated with posters, a Japanese-style curtain, and medical charts.
  • Chiropractic or physical therapy session in a clinic, with a female therapist adjusting a patient's neck and back on a treatment table, surrounded by anatomy posters and therapy equipment.
  • A woman appears to be performing an exercise or therapy session on a man lying on a treatment table in a clinical or therapy setting. The woman is standing beside him, applying pressure or support to his shoulder area. The room has medical posters, exercise balls, and shelves filled with supplies, indicating a physical therapy or chiropractic environment.
  • A woman assisting a man lying on a medical examination table in a clinic or physical therapy room. The man is holding the woman's arm, and she is supporting his wrist. The room has medical charts and posters on the wall, a blue exercise ball, and a patterned carpet.
  • A person receiving a chiropractic adjustment from a chiropractic assistant in a clinic, with anatomical posters and exercise equipment in the background.
  • A woman in patterned pants and a purple shirt assisting a man lying on a massage table with his leg raised, in a physical therapy or chiropractic clinic with posters of human anatomy and pain patterns on the walls.
  • A person lying face down on a chiropractic adjusting table with a strap around their lower back, experiencing therapy while a female practitioner supports their arm. The treatment room has medical posters on anatomy and trigger point pain patterns, a desk with a phone and other items, and a curtain in the background.
  • A woman is performing a chiropractic adjustment on a man lying face down on a treatment table in a clinic, with posters and medical equipment in the background.
  • A physical therapist or trainer demonstrates a knee stretch or exercise to a man lying on a therapy table, in a room with exercise equipment and anatomy posters.
  • A physical therapist is stretching a patient's leg during a therapy session in a clinic. The background features anatomical posters on neuromuscular stabilization and Bewegung.
  • A therapy or chiropractic room with a massage table, exercise balls, swing, and anatomical posters on the wall, with curtains and a window letting in natural light.
  • A healthcare or physical therapy session where a woman is performing a technique on a man lying on a therapy table in a medical setting with anatomical charts and exercise equipment in the background.
  • A physical therapist is helping a patient with a leg exercise in a clinic. The therapist, a woman with long brown hair, is supporting the patient's knee while the patient, lying on a table, has one leg raised. The room contains anatomical charts, exercise equipment, and a digital clock showing 4:13.