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 gives you a general idea of what it looks like. The white areas represent fascia where it is thickened, but in reality, fascia is everywhere. It helps keep muscles, tendons and ligaments in place and weaves into structures such as ligaments and joint capsules, supporting the joints. It also hosts the nerves and blood vessels that supply muscle, ligament and tendon. This becomes critical in rehabilitation when the fascia becomes adhesed to its surrounding tissue due to acute or overuse injury and limits its function. This could manifest in decreased joint or muscle mobility, muscle fatigue, a reduction in nerve signal or even painful impingment of nerves, prolonging recovery from many types of injury.
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 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.
We are proud to offer Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) at various locations throughout Toronto as well as our Hamilton location. If you think FST(TM) would be of benefit to you please contact our Athlete's Care Hamilton location at 905-528-5847
Registered Physiotherapist, Rebecca Chambers, is a Fascial Stretch Therapist. She loves treating clients of all ages and believes in goal oriented rehabilitation, whether the goal is high level competition, completing your first 10k or getting back to playing with your kids.
Photos courtesy of Google Images
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