What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?

Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue that is present throughout the body and helps keep tissues supported and in place. The diagram pictured at the side will give you a good visual. The white areas represent fascia where it is thickened, but in reality, there is fascia surrounding all the muscles. In the realm of physiotherapy this tissue is important because it helps keep muscles and tendons in place. It hosts the nerves and blood vessels that supply muscle, ligament and tendon. It also weaves into structures such as ligaments and joint capsules which help support joints. This becomes critical in rehabilitation when the fascia becomes adhesed to its surrounding tissue due to acute or overuse injury and limits its function.

Fascial Stretch Therapy or FST (TM) uses multi-planar and multi joint stretches to target the fascia. They are bed and anchor based stretches. For more a more detailed idea of what this is about check out the Stretch to Win website. This treatment aims to do the following by "unsticking" that fascia:

• Relieve chronic muscles tightness and tension
• Improve joint mobility and overall flexibility; often reducing stress on other structures
• Improve posture
• Improve circulation, relaxation and sleep - thus maximize rehabilitation and sports recovery

 

It is a great compliment to other forms of rehabilitation and soft tissue therapies, including ART, massage, acupuncture, and of course exercise therapy.

Think this therapy would be beneficial to you? We proudly provide FST (TM) to the Burlington, Ontario area. Please check out our website for more information.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.