How Fascial Stretch Therapy can boost your running performance and speed
Updated: Apr 12
What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
Fascial Stretch Therapy (or FST) targets not only the muscles, but also the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints. FST also targets the joint capsule, using traction to remove restrictions from movement and stimulate lubrication. A therapist will gently guide the arms, legs, spine, and neck in a smooth motion through varying planes of movement. There is no pain. Instead, the gentle movement is stimulating and relaxing at the same time.
A Fascial Stretch Therapy Practitioner will evaluate their client, looking for imbalances. Then using breath to help with movement, the practitioner will first warm up the joints and muscles using circular stretching to maximize blood flow. Then using techniques of slow oscillating movement, as well as traction (gently pulling to create space in the joint) and modified PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation), synchronized with the breath, the practitioner will stretch the entire body, increase range of motion, and improve flexibility. Depending on the clients needs we can tailor your session to up-regulate or down-regulate your nervous system. For example, if your session is pre-race, we’d want to leave you energized and ready to RUN, not sleepy and too relaxed.
Fascial Stretch Therapy increases functional flexibility
While static stretching can cause some gains in linear flexibility, FST uses multiple angles along the muscle/fascia nets, which leads to better overall, more functional, flexibility and mobility of the joints.
FST enhances recovery
FST can reduce muscle-fascia adhesions, relieve muscle soreness, and flush the lymphatic system. It also increases blood flow which helps speed up recovery time. Athletes in fascial stretch programs have been found to recover more quickly between training sessions and improve active range of motion compared to other stretching methods.
Fascial Stretch Therapy can help restore balance and symmetry
The FST practitioner evaluates your condition and then creates a session that will restore balance and symmetry to your body. FST has been known to correct leg-length discrepancies through decompression of the joint capsule in the hip.
FST can increase your speed and quickness
Healthy fascia is fast and reactive and supports the need to move quickly. Improving range of motion and elasticity can maintain stride length and you will be better able to absorb impact.
Fascial Stretch Therapy can reduce the risk of injury
Lack of mobility can lead to compensations and increased risk of strains. Because FST focuses on the connective tissue, it can reduce these risks.
FST is designed for your specific needs
Unlike regular static stretching, a fascial stretch therapist treats both sides of your body differently, based on the assessment of your needs.
Fascial Stretch Therapy is calming, soothing, and pain-free
Running is a high-impact event. FST calms the nervous system, relaxes the body, and is pain-free, all the while producing incredible results.
Fascial Stretch Therapy can address specific running issues and injuries
While not a medical therapy program, your FST practitioner can work with physical therapists to help resolve common running issues, including plantar fasciitis, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and other gait-related injuries.
That Fascial Stretch Therapy is an essential part of a runner’s performance and recovery program.
Let me show you how I can help!
XO, Becky
