Fascia is the highly innervated, collagen-based, soft connective tissue that makes up our fascial system. It encompasses and connects every aspect of the body: the skin, muscles, joint capsules, bones, organs, and nerves — all the way down to our cells!

Fascial tissue forms a continuous network throughout the body, like a 3-dimensional web. This “web” should be thin and flexible, but also strong enough to provide structure and support. Fascia provides our body with dynamic structural integrity and elastic resilience.

Full of nerve endings and receptors, fascia is one of the richest sensory organs in the body. It works closely with the central nervous system, playing a crucial role in the perception of body position and movement in space, called proprioception. Our fascial, muscular, and nervous systems work together to detect, interpret, coordinate, and execute all movements.

Fascia can become restricted due to many factors including immobility, injury, and lifestyle. These restrictions result in compressed, shortened, stiff tissues and reduced space within the joints. Often, this leads to discomfort and diminished function that can negatively impact many aspects of your life.

Fascia encases, pervades, interacts with, and supports every part of the body. It has a variety of roles and is essential to many processes, including:

• Structural integrity of the body

• Support and protection of organs

• Flexibility and elasticity of tissues

• Transmission of forces through the body

• Perception of internal and external conditions and stimuli

• Cellular communication to and from the central nervous system

• Digestion and cellular nutrition/hydration

• Movement production, control, and coordination

Fascial issues can effect any/all the body’s systems. When it becomes restricted, it can cause more than just stiffness, aches, and discomfort.

Fascial restrictions can effect cellular communication, digestion, sleep, proprioception/body awareness, and movement quality. These disruptions can eventually lead to a host of issues that reduce your quality of life.

Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST) is a gentle, systematic, assisted stretch modality that targets lines of fascial tissue called “nets.” FST was developed as part of the Stretch to Win system by Ann and Chris Frederick — pioneers in the world of fascial research and fascial stretch. More about FST and Stretch to Win here: https://www.stretchtowin.com/

FST alleviates restrictions and improves tissue/movement quality by modulating the tension of the fascial system. Where tension is excessive, it must be reduced, and where tension is deficit, it must be increased.

FST specializes in evaluating, assessing, and treating the individual, specific to their needs and goals. Practitioners utilize a combination of techniques to work with your fascial, muscular, and nervous systems to restore balance to your body.

Fascial stretch can help:

• Downregulate pain and sensitivity signals by working with the nervous system

• Release tension and restriction in the tissues and joints

• Reduce joint and muscle discomfort

• Improve range of motion and quality of movement

• Restore balance to the tissues and improve posture

• Improve body awareness and proprioception

• Enhance mental focus

• Improve sleep

The short answer is … everyone!

FST is a widely applicable modality. Whether you are young, old, active, or not, FST has something to offer you!

FST techniques allow the practitioner to meet the client where they are with regard to their movement capacity and tolerance. The extensive nature of fascia and variety of benefits offered by FST make it an excellent addition to your health and wellness care regardless of age, activity level, or experience with movement.

There are a few contraindications for FST including:

• Current pregnancy

• Spinal issues (compression fractures, disc herniations, etc.)

• Recent breaks, fractures, or tears

• Systemic bruising

• Chemotherapy treatment

FST is a hands-on, assisted stretch modality. The client lays comfortably and fully clothed on a massage table while the practitioner takes them through a series of gentle, flowing movements.

FST may be very different from previous experiences with traditional stretching. Sessions are relaxing and always pain-free — stretching should NEVER hurt. Your sessions will be completely customized to your needs and goals because you and your body are unique!

FST uses techniques such as:

• Traction (gentle pulling to create space in the joint and tissues)

• Oscillation (slow, undulating movements of your limbs and torso)

• Circumduction (small, rotational joint movements)

• PNF (gentle muscular activation)

Have more questions about what to expect? Feel free to reach out for more information.