Are you looking to improve your posture and joint health? Are you wondering if there’s something you can do to get make moving around easier and more natural?
Many folks that are serious about fitness have begun adding fascial stretch therapy (FST) to their fitness routines, and they could not be happier.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Fascial Stretch Therapy?
Fascial stretch therapy is a kind of assisted stretching that’s done on a table. It focuses on the connective tissue system instead of isolated muscle treatments. Therapy begins at the joint capsule and progresses through levels of fascia, which is the thin layer of connective tissue that holds organs, blood vessels, and muscles in place.
The goal of FST is to help neural mechanics when movement is not functioning at its best. It can help activate inactive muscles and normalize muscle groups that are hyperactive.
If you’re serious about maintaining an active fitness routine, FST can provide a number of benefits for you.
1. Improved Posture
Many of us spend our days in postures that aren’t good for our overall health. Hunching over a keyboard or phone can lead to tight muscles and tissue injuries.
FST can help to relax and retrain the muscles that are overcompensating due to injuries or soreness. It can help realign the fascia and restore your mobility. In many cases, FST is used along with physical therapy to help improve your overall posture.
2. Better Flexibility
As you get older, your range of motion can become an issue. This means your joints and muscles become limited in how they allow you to move.
During an FST session, your therapist will target muscles that are tight and help you to restore flexibility.
Flexibility is important if you want to maintain a regular exercise routine. It reduces your risk of injury by making muscles more pliable. Flexibility will also improve your posture, muscle coordination, and any soreness you may feel.
Being flexible can improve your strength as well as your physical performance. If improving your overall flexibility is a current fitness goal, consider adding FST to your fitness routine.
3. Improved Circulation
Extra tightness or tension in your body can really decrease your circulation. The goal of FST is to reduce tightness and tension, which can help improve your blood flow.
Improved circulation means that daily activities will be less tiring. It can also help speed up your recovery time after exercise because toxins will get removed faster. With oxygen reaching your muscles faster, you’ll also experience improved mental clarity.
4. Better Joint Health
If you wish to maintain an active lifestyle as you get older, joint health is key. Aerobic exercises such as running, walking, or swimming all require some pressure on your joints.
FST helps create space between the joint capsule, which will allow movement to become smoother.
5. Pain Reduction
A tight fascia can cause physical pain that can make staying in shape more difficult. It may even lead you to unhealthy movements or postures that can increase your chance of an injury.
FST can release the tension in your fascia, thus relieving pain and the underlying stresses in your body.
6. Weight Loss
Muscle soreness or tension in your fascia can make it difficult to motivate yourself to keep up with your daily workout routine. FST can help you move with less pain throughout your body, making working out a less overwhelming process.
Losing weight can serve to reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. It can also boost your mood and improve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger. Weight loss can even help you sleep better.
Sticking with a simple diet and exercise routine usually takes a bit of discipline. However, sometimes your reasons for not working out regularly are physical. With FST, you can relax the joint and muscle pain that’s keeping you from getting active and feeling better about your life.
7. Improved Recovery Time
After an injury occurs, some can become discouraged while they’re waiting to heal so we can become active again.
With FST, you’ll enjoy a faster recovery time and a reduction in muscle soreness after you’re injured. And you’ll be back on your feet before you know it!
8. Improved Energy
Remaining sedentary when your body isn’t feeling its best can really deplete your energy levels.
After getting treated with FST, your body will feel ready to get active again. Moving around will get your heart rate up, which will release endorphins. These chemicals release your pain and produce feelings of pleasure, which can lead to an overall sense of well-being.
Finding the Right FST Therapist
Before beginning FST therapy, ask your active friends for recommendations in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Was the therapist friendly and professional? Did they notice a reduction in pain? Were there any unexpected complications?
You’ll also want to check with your insurance and/or Health Savings Account. Find out if they will cover some of the cost of fascial stretch therapy.
Read online reviews and find out what former patients are saying. If most are mentioning that they had a positive experience that improved their overall health, you’ve found a reputable therapist!
Get Moving
Fascial stretch therapy can reduce your pain, improve your flexibility, and get you happily moving again in an active lifestyle. Once you’ve found the therapist for you, your body will be thanking you for years to come.
Don’t stop getting smart about FST now. For excellent therapists in your area, try our facility today.
