What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?

At this time of year, we are often caught with our heads bowed down to the ground retreating from the snow as we make our way into work, bowed down at our computers all day, and bowed down at the end of our work day. Poor posture is a sweeping epidemic afflicting almost every person in the world. The sight of a forward head position, rounded shoulders, internally rotated arms, and anterior-tilted pelvis is commonplace in offices, at restaurants, and in the gym. If these patterns are left unchecked, injury rates increase, breath and mood can be impeded, and performance diminished.

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But, let’s take a step back so you can understand the basics…

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We were given all the athletic ability and function we need as an infant, however, through our lifestyle today, our biology has changed for the worse. Fascial Stretch Therapy™ (FST) is a pain-free assisted stretch system that assesses and improves restrictions in the body originally designed for sport – beginning in the NFL and later branching off to other sports and leagues, such as the NHL and rugby. FST™ can help you to perform better, prevent injury, and reduce pain. We are pleased to have team members at all three of our Clubs who are trained in this therapy and are introducing FST™ to our Members. But, before we tell you about these trainers, we wanted to introduce you to this modality.

What is fascia & joint capsules?

Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue that surrounds your muscles, nerves, bones, organs, and joints; without your fascia, you would fall apart. A joint capsule is also a connective tissue structure that surrounds joints and is involved in optimizing the mechanical function of the joint, as well as giving it nutrients.

When fascia and joint capsules are restricted, it can cause:

• Decreased joint space, leading to degenerative joint diseases and osteoarthritis
• Increased muscle tone, leading to trigger points, strains, tendonitis, and tears
• Increased nervous tissue tone, leading to headaches, trigger points, and muscle tightness
• Increased scar tissue formation
• Decreased blood flow and energy levels
• …and much more…

What is Fascial Stretch Therapy™ (FST)?

Fascial Stretch Therapy™ is a pain-free, unique, complete, and complementary system of table-based assisted stretching, focusing on the fascia and joint capsule as the key elements in achieving optimal flexibility, strength, performance, and pain relief. FST™ is one of the quickest, most effective, and most pleasant methods to eliminate pain, restore function, move and feel better in activities of life, fitness, and sports!

Members of all ages can benefit from FST™, including anyone who has been cleared by a physician for stretching and active movement, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes of all levels. And one of the greatest benefits of FST™? The results are almost instantaneous. After a single session, we guarantee that you’ll notice a marked improvement.

Can you spot the difference between Micheal’s left and right shoulder? A few tractions with Fascial Stretch Therapy on his left shoulder, and this was the result!

We all carry stress in different parts of our body, like Micheal, it can be through our pectoral muscles and upper traps. FST™ has the ability to decompress the joints and through FST™, even your chiropractor can better adjunct your joints, and be more malleable for your RMT to get to those hard to reach places!

Who should consider FST™?

Those with chronic back pain: Oftentimes, chronic back pain is associated with muscle tightness and joint stiffness; general weakness, fear of movement, and certain activities; and lack of mobility. FST™ can help to eliminate your pain and restore function so you can return to your normal life.

Those who regularly train: When you’re training regularly, you need your body to recover quickly. FST™ improves blood flow to tired muscles, which helps you to recover faster from your tough training sessions with less soreness.

Those who are active: FST™ can help you to run faster, lift heavier, boost endurance, improve coordination, and increase flexibility.

Those rehabbing an injury: Through FST™, your therapist can help increase your range of motion by eliminating adhesions and allowing your body to get rid of unnecessary compensations.  

What are the benefits of stretching?

Stretching can:

• Reduce pain
• Reduce risk of injury
• Reduce or eliminate tight muscles
• Reduce or eliminate stiff joints
• Improve circulation
• Improve posture
• Improve and enhance sex
• Make you feel and look younger
• Make you stronger
• Make you taller
• Healthier bones
• Better range of motion

The best way to know if FST™ is right for you is to give it a try. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain – set it free with FST™!

Our Fascial Stretch Therapists

Adelaide Club

Adriana Renton, Personal Trainer: Level 2 Fascial Stretch Therapist

Cambridge Club

Cquen Houston-McMillan, Health Clinic Director & Personal Trainer: Level 3 Fascial Stretch Therapist

Carlos Leon-Carlyle, Personal Trainer: Level 3 Fascial Stretch Therapist

Toronto Athletic Club

Jennifer Raven, (maternity leave) Director of Personal Training: Level 3 Fascial Stretch Therapist

James Corcoran, Personal Trainer & Triathlon Coach: Level 1 Fascial Stretch Therapist

Dave Gascho, Personal Trainer: Level 3 Fascial Stretch Therapist

Maria Makris, Certified Pilates Instructor: Level 2 Fascial Stretch Therapist

Soo Seo, Certified Pilates Instructor: Level 1 Fascial Stretch Therapist; certified in head, neck, jaw, and shoulder Fascial Stretch