FASCIA STRETCH THERAPY

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.