I have just returned from a week long course certifying me as a level 1 Fascial Stretch Therapist. Fascial Stretch Therapy (TM) is a system of therapist led, bed based stretches. It differs from traditional stretches which target specific muscles. Fascial Stretch Therapy (TM) targets any tissue that might be limiting range of motion as well as function of movement. As a physiotherapist with a science background preparing for this course, the first thing that struck me was the name. Really? How much is the fascia limiting range of motion and am I really 'stretching' it? Within the first two days of the course they showed a fascinating video showing the importance and dynamic nature of the fascia. The fascia is highly adaptable and contractile in nature, so yes, it can limit range of motion as well as effect the nerve and blood flow in the body. Having now taken the course, I also feel that the name Fascial Stretch Therapy is a bit of a misnomer. Perhaps Neuro-Fascial Stretch Therapy would be a better description as the program zones in on relaxing the nervous system as much as stretching the fascia. This relaxation is achieved through several avenues; synchronized breathing, joint traction as well as the use of the stretch reflex (PNF stretching). This system of addressing the body as a whole to increase range of motion and flexibility really clicked with me.
The second thing I wondered was how I was going to integrate this therapy into my rehabilitation based practice. In the week since I took the course, I have found it to be quite useful. It is great for relaxing whole joint complexes, even multi-joint chains and saving my hands for the specific work as I need to do it. Postural tightness or years of overuse exercise, which have probably lead to the injury at hand, are relaxed and loosened up much more easily than with previous hands on treatments. On the whole, I have found the Fascial Stretch Therapy (TM) to be a great treatment technique that I have been able to incorporate immediately into my practice with great results.
For more information on FST please see the excellent explanation of what it entails and its benefits on their blog.
**Permission has been granted by the Stretch To Win Institute to use the trademark Fascial Stretch Therapy (TM) or FST(TM) as long as certification is maintained in good standing. For more information about FST(TM) please visit www.stretchtowin.com.**
